Unplug what was running on that circuit, push the breaker firmly to off, then back to on. If it trips again straight away, or you smell burning, leave it off and get an electrician to find out why.
How do you reset a tripped breaker?
Off first, then on. A tripped breaker will not reset until it has gone all the way to off.
- Check for danger first. Smoke, heat, sparks or a burning smell? Do not touch the panel. If there is fire or smoke, leave and call 911.
- Unplug the load. Turn off or unplug what was running on that circuit, especially heaters, hair dryers and microwaves.
- Find the breaker. It usually sits between on and off, or feels loose compared to its neighbors.
- Push it fully off, then fully on. Stand to the side, keep your hands dry and use one firm push.
- Plug things back in one at a time. If it trips when one thing comes back, you have found your suspect.
Why does a breaker trip in the first place?
A breaker trips to stop too much current flowing through a circuit. That usually means one of three things: too many things running at once, a faulty appliance, or a wiring fault. The first two are easy to test yourself. The third is not.
| When it trips | Likely cause | Your move |
|---|---|---|
| With the heater, microwave and toaster all running | Overload | Move something to another circuit |
| The moment one appliance is plugged in | A fault in that appliance | Leave it unplugged and have it checked |
| Straight after a reset, with nothing plugged in | A short or wiring fault | Leave it off and get an electrician |
| Every so often, for no clear reason | A hidden fault or a worn breaker | Get it traced |
| The main breaker, taking out the whole house | Total load, or a problem in the panel | Do not keep resetting it. Call or text |
When should you stop resetting a breaker?
Stop when it trips again with nothing plugged in, trips right after you reset it, or feels hot. Resetting a breaker over and over is arguing with the one device trying to protect your wiring. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's advice is plain: find out why it tripped, do not simply reset it, and when in doubt, consult a licensed electrician.
What if the breaker will not reset at all?
Then the fault is still there, or the breaker itself has worn out. Unplug everything on that circuit and try once more. If it snaps straight back, or the handle feels loose or mushy, leave it. Breakers are replaced with the power off at the main, which is a job for an electrician.
While you are at the panel, read the label. If it says Federal Pacific, FPE, Stab-Lok or Zinsco, mention that when you book, and read is my electrical panel dangerous? first.
Does a tripping breaker mean I need a bigger panel?
Usually not. One circuit tripping is normally about that circuit: what is on it, or what is wrong with it. A bigger panel does not fix a bad appliance or a loose wire. If it is the main breaker that trips, or big loads keep colliding, read how many amps your house needs.
What does a repair visit cost?
A typical repair visit in Orlando costs $150–$500. That covers about one to two hours of diagnosis and minor repair. See your price and get a licensed electrician to trace it. The repair cost guide shows what pushes the number up or down.
Common questions
Is it dangerous to keep resetting a breaker?
It can be. The breaker is doing its job by cutting the power. If it keeps tripping, leave it off and have the cause found.
Can I reset a breaker myself?
Yes, if there is no smoke, heat, sparks or burning smell. Push it fully off, then fully on.
Why does my breaker trip when nothing is on?
That points to a fault in the wiring or in something still connected to the circuit, rather than an overload. Leave it off and get an electrician.
