How Do You Fix A Tripped Breaker That Won''t Reset?

Introduction

If you''ve experienced a tripped breaker that won''t reset, you know how frustrating it can be. A tripped breaker is a safety feature of your electrical system that shuts off power to a circuit when it becomes overloaded. It''s important to know how to fix a tripped breaker that won''t reset to prevent electrical fires and other hazards.

In this article, we''ll go over the steps you need to take to identify and fix a tripped breaker that won''t reset. We''ll also cover some common causes of a tripped breaker and how to prevent it from happening in the future.

Identifying the Problem

The first step in fixing a tripped breaker that won''t reset is to identify the problem. When a circuit becomes overloaded, the breaker trips and shuts off power to that circuit. This is a safety feature that prevents electrical fires and other hazards.

To identify the problem, you need to first locate the tripped breaker. The circuit breaker panel is usually located in the basement or utility room of your home. Each circuit breaker is labeled with the area of the house it supplies power to, such as "kitchen" or "living room."

Once you''ve located the tripped breaker, try resetting it by flipping the switch all the way to the "off" position and then back to the "on" position. If it won''t reset, leave it in the "off" position and proceed to the next step.

Checking for an Overload

The most common cause of a tripped breaker is an overload. An overload occurs when too many electrical devices are connected to one circuit, causing it to draw more current than it''s designed to handle.

To check for an overload, unplug all devices connected to the circuit that the tripped breaker supplies power to. This includes appliances, chargers, and any other devices that use electricity.

Next, try resetting the breaker again. If it resets, the problem was likely an overload. To prevent it from happening again, consider moving some devices to another circuit or installing a new circuit for high-amperage appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners.

If the breaker still won''t reset, proceed to the next step.

Checking for a Short Circuit

Another possible cause of a tripped breaker is a short circuit. A short circuit occurs when an electrical current travels outside of its intended path, creating a low-resistance connection between two points in the circuit.

To check for a short circuit, turn off all devices connected to the circuit that the tripped breaker supplies power to. Next, remove the faceplate from any outlets or switches on the circuit and carefully inspect the wiring for signs of damage or wear.

If you see any damaged or exposed wiring, the circuit has likely short-circuited. The wiring will need to be repaired or replaced by a licensed electrician to prevent further damage or hazards.

If you don''t see any signs of damage or wear, it''s possible that a device on the circuit has caused a short circuit. Try unplugging devices one at a time and attempting to reset the breaker after each one. If the breaker resets after one device is unplugged, that device was likely the cause of the short circuit.

Checking for a Ground Fault

A ground fault occurs when an electrical current travels outside of its intended path and comes into contact with a ground conductor or other conductive material. This can create a dangerous electrical shock hazard and is a common cause of tripped breakers.

To check for a ground fault, turn off all devices connected to the circuit that the tripped breaker supplies power to. Next, locate any outlets or switches on the circuit that have a "test" or "reset" button and press the "test" button.

If the "reset" button doesn''t pop out or the breaker still won''t reset, there may be a ground fault in the circuit. This will require the attention of a licensed electrician to repair.

Preventing Tripped Breakers

To prevent tripped breakers in the future, it''s important to be mindful of the amount of electrical devices you have plugged into each circuit. Never overload a circuit by plugging in too many devices or appliances at once.

Consider installing a new circuit for high-amperage appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners. This will help distribute the electrical load and prevent overloading of other circuits.

Regularly inspect your electrical outlets and switches for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, have them repaired by a licensed electrician before they become a hazard.

Conclusion

A tripped breaker that won''t reset can be a frustrating problem to have, but it''s important to take the necessary steps to fix it to prevent electrical fires and other hazards. By identifying the problem and taking the appropriate action, you can resolve the issue and prevent it from happening in the future. If you''re unsure about how to fix a tripped breaker or encounter any issues during the process, it''s always best to consult with a licensed electrician for help and guidance.