How to Reset a Tripped Breaker — And When to Call an Electrician

A tripped circuit breaker is one of the most common electrical issues homeowners deal with. Most of the time it’s a simple fix. But sometimes it’s a sign of something more serious. Here’s exactly what to do.

How to Reset a Tripped Breaker — Step by Step

1. Find your electrical panel — usually in the garage, hallway, or utility room
2. Look for the tripped breaker — it will be in the middle position (not fully ON or OFF) or flipped to OFF
3. Turn it fully OFF first — push it all the way to the OFF position
4. Wait 10 seconds
5. Flip it firmly back to ON — you should feel and hear a click
6. Check if power is restored

Why Did My Breaker Trip?

• Overloaded circuit — too many devices on one circuit (most common)
• Short circuit — a hot wire touched a neutral wire, causing a surge
• Ground fault — electrical current leaked to the ground
• Faulty appliance — a device drawing too much power

When NOT to Reset It Yourself

Call a licensed electrician immediately if:

• The breaker trips again immediately after you reset it
• You smell burning near the panel or outlet
• The breaker feels hot to the touch
• You see scorch marks on the panel or outlets
• Multiple breakers trip at the same time
• The breaker won’t stay in the ON position

A breaker that keeps tripping is not just an inconvenience — it’s a warning sign. Repeatedly resetting a faulty breaker can cause electrical fires.

Emergency Electrician in DFW

If your breaker won’t reset or keeps tripping, call Triple Eagle Electric. We serve all of DFW — Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, Plano, Frisco, and more. TECL #27449 licensed, fast response.