Fixing a Tripped Circuit Breaker

A tripped circuit breaker catches most people off guard. If you’re unsure where to start to get your power back on, the experts at Walker Electric are here to help. We’ll walk you through the process to make it quick, easy, and safe.

Tripped circuit breaker, breaker panel, breaker trip, circuit breaker switch near Lexington, Kentucky (KY)

Staying Safe

It’s perfectly safe to reset a circuit breaker in your home, but you should take a couple of precautions. Make sure you don’t touch any exposed wires or attempt to disassemble the breaker panel. If the area around your breaker is wet, wait until the area is dry before touching the panel. Unsure if the site is safe or not? Give us a call. We’re happy to help.

Avoid a Blown Fuse

A blown fuse is the last thing you need on top of a tripped circuit breaker. You can keep this from happening by turning off any electronic devices and appliances in the affected area. If you can’t find a power switch, you can unplug the device.

Finding Your Circuit Breaker Box

Not sure where to find your circuit breaker box? Circuit breakers are generally housed in a gray metal service box located in a utility area, like your basement or laundry room. If your breaker is in a finished room, it may be tucked away in a wall cabinet. After you find the box, open the door and look for switches that are in rows.

Look for Breakers in the “Off” Position

Any circuit breakers showing an orange or red color are turned off. If you can’t find any levers displaying a color, look for any that are in the opposite position than the others. Another way to stop a circuit breaker that is off is to look for any breakers that are pointed toward the outside of the panel. In most circuit breakers this is an indication of being off.

Once you locate the circuit breaker that’s off, flip it back to the on position. You should feel slight resistance and hear a click that indicates the breaker is back on. This will restore power. You may need to flip the switch one more time if it doesn't. Once you have power again, turn on any appliances and devices you have turned off.

Does Your Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping?

If your circuit breaker continues to trip regularly, we suggest giving Walker Electric a call. Your problem may be more complex, including a short or overloaded circuit or a ground fault. Try to keep track of the number of times your circuit breaker trips and if it happens around the same time. This will help you accurately describe the problem so it can be fixed quickly.

Contact Us

Walker Electric has been serving the area since 1976, and our electricians undergo annual safety training to ensure they have the most updated information. We offer a variety of services including 24/7 emergency electrical services. Contact us today with any questions or concerns you have about your home’s electrical system. We are located in Lexington, KY. We’re proud to serve the surrounding areas, including Fayette County, Lexington, Frankfort, Richmond, and Georgetown, KY. 

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