How to Reset a Tripped Breaker

If the lights suddenly go out in one room, or your microwave shuts down mid-pop, don’t panic — it might just be a tripped breaker. Breakers are safety devices designed to stop the flow of electricity when circuits get overloaded. The good news? Resetting one is usually simple.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

1. Find Your Electrical Panel

Most panels are located in garages, basements, utility rooms, or sometimes outside. Open the panel door and you’ll see a row of switches.

2. Look for the Tripped Breaker

A tripped breaker is easy to spot. Instead of being firmly in the ON position, it’ll usually sit in the middle — not fully ON, not fully OFF. Some breakers even show a red or orange marker when tripped.

3. Turn the Breaker OFF First

Before resetting, push the tripped switch all the way to the OFF position. This step is important — the breaker won’t reset properly unless you do.

4. Flip the Breaker Back ON

Firmly push the switch back to the ON position. Power should be restored immediately.

5. Check the Circuit

Once the breaker is back on, check the appliances or lights in that area. If the breaker trips again right away, there may be a larger issue (like a faulty appliance, damaged wiring, or an overloaded circuit).

Safety Tips

⚡ Don’t overload circuits. Plugging too many high-power devices into one outlet (like a space heater, TV, and gaming system) can trip the breaker.
⚡ Never force a breaker. If it won’t reset, there may be a serious electrical issue.
⚡ When in doubt, call a pro. Electricity is dangerous — if breakers trip repeatedly, it’s time to bring in a licensed electrician.

Call Happy House Handyman

A tripped breaker is often a quick fix, but if it keeps happening, let the experts step in. At Happy House Handyman, we’ve got 30 years of experience solving electrical issues safely and efficiently.