Instructions for Resetting Your Home’s Breaker

If you overload a circuit, your home’s system will cut off the electrical power in order to prevent circuit damage or a fire. If you have an overloaded circuit in your home, you can follow these simple instructions for resetting your breaker and restoring power.

1. Turn Off the Lights

Turn off all the lights and unplug a few appliances in the room or rooms that have lost power. If you recently added a new appliance to the room, make sure you unplug it because there is a good change that the new appliance is the culprit. Unplugging appliances and turning off the lights is important because, if you leave everything on, it is possible that you might blow your fuse or breaker all over again once you restore power.

2. Locate Your Electrical Panel

Locate and open your electrical panel. It is usually found in the basement or in a utility room. Always use caution around your electrical panel. Electricity can be dangerous, so make sure your hands are dry and that you are standing on a dry surface at all times when working on your electrical panel. If you are not familiar with your electric panel, or do not feel comfortable at any time, contact a licensed electrician to help you.

3. If You Have Circuit Breakers

Look for a breaker that has moved from the “on” position to the “off” position, or is halfway between the two. First, move the breaker to the full “off” position and then move it to the full “on” position. This will restore power to that circuit.

4. If You Have a Fuse Box

If your electrical panel has fuses, check each fuse to see if the piece of metal inside has melted, or if the glass window at the top of the fuse has become discoloured (usually purple or brown). Once you have located your broken fuse, unscrew it and replace it with a new fuse that is the exact same size, type, and amperage as the broken fuse.

5. Plugging Appliances Back In

Plug in one or two electrical appliances and turn them on to test your new fuse or reset breaker. If the outlet loses power again, it is possible that you are using too many amps for the fuse or breaker, and need to move some appliances around. If this is not the case, it may be a sign of a more serious electrical problem, and you should contact a licensed electrician right away.