How to Troubleshoot a Tripped Breaker in 5 Easy Steps

Having a tripped circuit breaker can be frustrating, especially if you're not sure what caused it to trip in the first place. With some basic troubleshooting, I can usually identify and resolve the issue in just a few easy steps. Here's my simple process for diagnosing and resetting a tripped breaker:

1. Locate the Tripped Breaker

The first step is to check my main breaker panel and identify which breaker has tripped. Breakers that have tripped will be in the "off" position or halfway between the on and off positions. The tripped breaker controls the circuit that has lost power, so I make note of which one it is. If I'm not sure which breaker goes to the affected circuit, I'll turn breakers off one by one until I isolate the problem circuit.

2. Reset the Breaker

Once I've located the tripped breaker, I turn it all the way to the "off" position first. Then, I turn it back on to the "on" position to reset it. This ensures the mechanism inside the breaker is fully reset.

It's important to switch the breaker all the way off before turning it back on. If I just flip it from the tripped position to "on", the breaker may not fully reset.

3. Check for Overload

With the breaker reset, I check the circuit for a potential overload issue. An overload occurs when the circuit is drawing more current than the breaker can safely handle, which causes it to trip.

Some common causes of overloads:

• Too many appliances running on one circuit
• Faulty appliance or device drawing excess current
• Loose or damaged wiring in the circuit

I turn off or unplug appliances on the circuit one-by-one to see if the breaker trips when something specific is operating. This helps narrow down the source of the overload.

4. Inspect the Breaker and Panel

If I don't find an appliance overload issue, I take a closer look at the breaker itself and inspect the electrical panel:

• Check for discoloration or damage on the breaker indicating arcing or overheating. A damaged breaker should be replaced.
• Verify the breaker amp rating matches the circuit size. An undersized breaker can trip more easily.
• Check the wires going into the breaker for loose connections. Tighten any loose wires.
• Look for signs of overheating inside the panel such as burnt wire insulation. This may indicate a larger electrical issue.

5. Call an Electrician if Needed

Sometimes, despite my best troubleshooting efforts, I can't determine the cause of a tripped breaker or it continues to trip after resetting. At that point, it's best to call a licensed electrician to further evaluate the issue and ensure there are no dangerous underlying electrical problems.

Safety is the top priority when dealing with electrical issues. I don't take any risks working with electrical wiring I'm uncomfortable with. If I have any doubt about the safety of a tripped breaker or circuit, I call the pros.

By following these simple troubleshooting steps, I'm usually able to quickly get to the bottom of a tripped breaker situation. Knowing how to properly reset a breaker and look for common overload issues can save time, money and frustration when the power goes out.