🔧 How to Troubleshoot a Tripped Circuit Breaker
By Mt. Vista Electric | Serving Vancouver, WA
Losing power in part of your home can be frustrating—but before you panic, check your circuit breaker. A tripped breaker is a common electrical issue that’s often easy to fix. However, repeated trips may point to a larger issue that needs attention.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot a tripped circuit breaker, and when to call in the pros.
⚡ What Causes a Breaker to Trip?
Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home by shutting off power when a circuit becomes overloaded, shorted, or detects a fault.
Common reasons for tripping:
Too many devices on one circuit (overload)
A short circuit or damaged wire
A ground fault
A faulty appliance
🧰 Step-by-Step: How to Troubleshoot a Tripped Breaker
1. Unplug Devices
Go to the area where power is out and unplug anything plugged into outlets—lamps, chargers, appliances, etc.
This prevents a sudden surge when you reset the breaker.
2. Find Your Electrical Panel
Usually located in the garage, basement, utility closet, or outside. Open the panel door and look for a switch that’s in the middle position or fully off—that’s your tripped breaker.
3. Reset the Breaker
Flip the breaker all the way to OFF, then back to ON. You should hear or feel a slight click. If the breaker stays on and power is restored, you’ve likely fixed the issue.
4. Plug Items Back in Slowly
Reintroduce plugged-in devices one by one. If the breaker trips again, the problem may be a faulty appliance or circuit overload.
⚠️ If the Breaker Keeps Tripping…
That’s your cue to call a licensed electrician. Frequent tripping is a sign of:
A damaged outlet or wiring
A short circuit
A breaker that needs replacement
A need for more circuits or a panel upgrade
âś… Mt. Vista Electric Can Help
If your breaker won’t reset or keeps tripping, don’t risk it. Our licensed team at Mt. Vista Electric can inspect, troubleshoot, and safely resolve the issue—keeping your home safe and powered.
đź“… Schedule a free estimate today
đź“Ť Proudly serving Vancouver, WA & surrounding neighborhoods
