How To Reset A Circuit Breaker

How can you reset your circuit breaker at home? Follow our simple guide below.

What Is A Circuit Breaker?

Circuit breakers are responsible for regulating how much electricity is flowing to a specific power source, such as outlets or appliances. In the event a circuit is overloaded, it will simply shut itself off to prevent any serious electrical/safety issues.

Circuit breaker switches look like heavy-duty, sideways light switches. The switch will be securely in the “ON” position when the breaker is functioning properly. Whenever the breaker trips, the switch will be out of place toward the panel’s middle area.

What Causes A Circuit Breaker To Trip?

Typically, these breakers trip due to overloaded outlets, or the fact that too many appliances may be running at the same time. The circuit breaker will flip to prevent any electrical surges when it becomes overloaded.

Outlet extenders that add additional spaces for plugs can also overload quickly even if everything that’s plugged in uses a low amount of electricity, overall. Operating multiple high amperage appliances at the same time can also overload a circuit quickly.

Steps To Reset A Circuit Breaker

Follow this easy step-by-step guide to reset your circuit breaker at home:

Step 1.

• Turn off any lights and unplug appliances associated with your circuit breaker.

Step 2.

• Locate the panel and open the metal door that covers it.

Step 3.

• Put some pressure into moving the switch first into the “OFF” position.
• Wait a few seconds, then flip the switch back on.
• Once you hear the switch flip, double check to make sure it is on.

Step 4.

• Plug your appliances in one by one and test to ensure they are working properly.
• Next, do the same with each light switch.
• Testing each switch individually will help determine if it’s the appliance or circuit causing the problem.
• If all appliances work correctly and your circuit doesn’t flip again, then you are all set.

Step 5.

• If you happen to notice that a singular light or appliance causes the breaker to flip again, it may be due to faulty wiring.
• Call an experienced electrician to investigate this issue thoroughly.

Conclusion

To avoid your circuit from overloading again, evaluate the number of appliances you may have plugged into a single outlet. If there are several high amperage appliances plugged into one outlet, it’s suggested to move them to other outlets regulated by different circuits.

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