How To Reset A Circuit Breaker

If you’ve noticed that some lights or appliances in your home suddenly stop working, you may be dealing with a tripped circuit breaker. While this is a common issue, it’s important to know how to safely reset your circuit breaker and when it’s time to call a professional. Heart of Ohio, with over 100 years of combined experience, is your trusted source for electrical services in Northeast Ohio.

If you’re having trouble with your circuit breaker, contact us today for expert help.

Indicators That a Breaker Needs Resetting

A tripped breaker can cause several problems, but there are clear signs to look for when this happens. Here are a few common indicators that your circuit breaker may need resetting:

• Power outage in one area: If only a specific room or part of the house has lost power, a tripped breaker could be the cause.
• No response from switches or outlets: If nothing happens when you flip a switch or plug in a device, a tripped breaker might be behind the problem.
• Flickering lights: Intermittent light flickering can be a sign that a breaker is struggling to maintain a connection.
• Overloaded circuits: If you recently plugged in multiple devices or appliances, you may have overloaded the circuit.

Step-by-step Guide to Resetting a Circuit Breaker

Resetting a circuit breaker is usually a simple process. Follow these steps to safely restore power in your home:

• Locate the breaker panel. Most homes have a breaker panel in the basement, garage, or utility room. The panel will be a metal box with switches inside.
• Identify the tripped breaker. Look for a switch that is not fully in the “on” position. A tripped breaker will often be slightly off-center or in the “off” position.
• Turn the breaker fully off. To reset the breaker, first, switch it all the way to the “off” position.
• Flip the breaker back on. After turning it off, switch the breaker back to the “on” position. You should hear a click, and power should be restored to the affected area.
• Test the circuit. Turn on lights or devices in the area to make sure power has returned.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even after resetting the breaker, you may still experience problems. Here are a few common issues homeowners face:

• Repeated tripping: If the same breaker continues to trip after resetting, it could mean there is a larger problem like an overloaded circuit, faulty wiring, or a damaged appliance.
• Burn marks or burning smell: If you notice burn marks on the breaker or a burning smell, this is a serious issue. Do not attempt to reset the breaker and contact an electrician immediately.
• Loose breakers: If a breaker switch feels loose or doesn’t click into place, the breaker could be damaged

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When Not To Rest Your Circuit Breaker

There are some situations where resetting the breaker isn’t the right solution. If you don’t know what caused the breaker to trip, don’t reset it until you’ve found the root problem. Resetting a breaker without understanding the cause can lead to dangerous electrical problems, like overloaded circuits or fire hazards. Plus, if your breaker is hot to the touch or shows signs of damage, leave it alone and call a professional electrician.

When To Call Your Cleveland Electrician At Heart Of Ohio

While resetting a circuit breaker is often simple, repeated issues or unexplained problems should be handled by a professional. Heart of Ohio provides expert electrical services across Northeast Ohio. Our highly trained and licensed electricians are available 24/7 to help with any electrical emergencies. Whether you need help with circuit breakers, electrical panels, or other home electrical systems, we offer free in-home estimates and flat-rate pricing to make the process stress-free.

Get expert circuit breaker service for your Clevland home with Heart of Ohio. Contact us to schedule your service today.