How to Reset a Breaker

Picture this: You’re in the middle of your daily routine, maybe making coffee or watching TV, and suddenly—everything in that room goes dark. You try flipping the light switch or turning your appliance back on, but nothing works. Frustration and concern set in. What happened? Is something seriously wrong with your electrical system?

We at Luke’s Electric, LLC understand how nerve-wracking this can feel. Whether you're worried about damaging your home or simply annoyed at the interruption, a tripped breaker is likely the culprit—and the good news is, it’s usually an easy fix. Resetting a breaker can restore power to that part of your home quickly. We're here to walk you through the process step by step, so you can feel confident handling it on your own.

Common Reasons Breakers Trip

Before you get started, let’s quickly go over why a breaker might trip in the first place:

• Overloaded circuit: This happens when too many devices are plugged into one circuit, drawing more electricity than it can handle.

• Short circuit: A wiring issue can cause a short, making the breaker shut off to protect your home.

• Ground fault: If a wire touches the ground or a metal box, it can create a ground fault that trips the breaker.

No matter the cause, here’s what you need to do to safely reset your breaker and get the power back on.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Reset a Breaker

1. Locate Your Electrical Panel

   • First, you need to find your home’s electrical panel (also known as the breaker box). This is usually located in the basement, garage, or a utility room.

   • If you're unsure where it is, check behind doors or inside closets—sometimes it's hidden out of sight.

2. Check for Tripped Breakers

   • Open the panel and look for the breaker switches. Each switch controls a different part of your home.

   • A tripped breaker will be easy to spot—it won’t be fully in the "ON" position. It may be in the middle or slightly moved toward "OFF."

3. Turn the Breaker Off

   • Once you’ve identified the tripped breaker, gently flip it all the way to the "OFF" position.

   • Turning it off fully ensures the breaker is reset properly before you restore power.

4. Reset the Breaker

   • Now, flip the breaker back to the "ON" position. You should feel it click into place.

   • This action will restore power to the part of your home connected to that breaker.

5. Test the Area

   • Go back to the room or area where you lost power. Try turning on a light or using the device that wasn’t working.

   • If everything’s back to normal, you’ve successfully reset your breaker!

What to Do If the Breaker Trips Again

Sometimes, a breaker will trip again immediately after you reset it. If this happens:

• Unplug Appliances: If the circuit was overloaded, try unplugging some devices before resetting the breaker again.

• Look for Signs of Damage: Check outlets and appliances for any burning smells, scorch marks, or visible damage.

• Call an Electrician: If the breaker continues to trip or you notice anything unusual, it’s best to call a professional. This could indicate a more serious issue, like faulty wiring or a short circuit.

Preventing Future Breaker Trips

• Avoid Overloading Circuits: Don’t plug too many high-power devices (like space heaters, microwaves, or hair dryers) into one outlet or power strip.

• Upgrade Your Electrical System: If your home’s electrical system is older or your breaker trips frequently, it may be time for an upgrade. Our team at Luke’s Electric, LLC can help assess your system and make recommendations to improve your home's safety and efficiency.

We’re Here to Help

At Luke’s Electric, LLC, we know dealing with electrical issues can feel overwhelming. We’re a small company based in Elkhorn, WI, but we’re obsessed with providing customized solutions to fit your needs. Whether you need help resetting a breaker or tackling a larger electrical project, we’re here to help you feel safe and confident in your home.

If you’re ever unsure about what to do, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our team of licensed electricians serves the southeast corner of Wisconsin, and we’re always ready to assist with any electrical concerns you might have.