Circuit Breaker Trips - What To Do When Your Circuit Breaker Trips

What to Do When Your Circuit Breaker Trips

A circuit breaker is a sort of electrical switch that controls the wiring circuits that feed outlets, fixtures, and appliances in your home. They protect circuits from being damaged by electrical overloads or short-circuiting.

It is a usual occurrence for a circuit to trip. A circuit trip is when a fault condition is detected and the breaker shuts itself off to avert the wiring from overheating and potentially igniting itself. Fortunately, it is very easy to reset a tripped breaker. Benchmark Electrical Solutions offers professional residential services within Odessa, Texas, and we’re here to provide some tips on what to do if your circuit breaker trips.

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Step 1: Safety Considerations

Your safety should be your top priority when dealing with a tripped breaker. Although it is safe to reset a circuit breaker in your home, you should always be cautious. This means that you should never touch any exposed wires.

You should not attempt to take apart the circuit breaker and should avoid approaching the circuit breaker if there is any sign of water in the surroundings. In case of any of these, contact Benchmark Electrical Solutions for professional electrical services to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.

Step 2: Turn Off Lights and Appliances on the Circuit

Whenever a circuit breaker trips, it is critical to switch off all major electronic devices and lights. This prevents the fuse from blowing on any of your appliances. If any device does not have a manual off switch, unplug it.

Step 3: Locate Circuit Breaker

You should then find the circuit breaker box, usually a gray metal service box with a bank of switches arranged in rows on the inside. It is usually located in basements, garages, laundry rooms, or utility closets. If it is in a finished room, it is likely in a wall cabinet. Again, a good flashlight can come in handy, especially if it is in a dark room.

Step 4: Switch On

Once you have located the circuit breaker box, find the circuit that is off, which is the one facing the opposite direction from the rest or is displaying the color red or orange, and turn it back on. You will feel resistance from the lever and then hear a clicking sound to indicate that it is switched back on.

Step 5: Test the Circuit

After turning the circuit on, turn on the electrical fixtures and appliances and plug in any unplugged appliances. Again, it would be preferable to do this one at a time with someone watching the circuit breaker to see whether it trips again.

Find Electrical Services Today

It is quite easy to reset a tripped circuit breaker, but if it keeps tripping, call a professional electrician to help diagnose and repair the issue. If you are in or within Odessa, Benchmark Electrical Solutions has all your electrical needs covered. Contact us today to learn more or to find the right electrical solutions for you.