Circuit Breaker Clicks Off But Won't Click Back On - Repairs

When a circuit breaker clicks off, it has sensed abnormal current flows and tripped to protect your wiring and appliances. The breaker acting as an automatic safety switch to prevent overloads, short circuits, and other dangerous faults. But while an occasional isolated tripping of a breaker is no cause for concern, a breaker that refuses to stay in the on position can signify risks like fire and electrocution hazards. Let's explore why your breaker may not be resetting and safe solutions for diagnosing and fixing the problem.

How can you tell if a circuit breaker has tripped and won't reset? There are a few clear symptoms to look for:

• The breaker switch is flipped to the off position. You may have turned it off manually to do electrical work, or it may have tripped on its own from a surge or overload.
• Outlets and lights on the circuit lose power. Anything downstream from the breaker will stop working.
• Flipping the breaker back to on doesn't restore power. The switch may trip back to off immediately or after a short time.

Once you've confirmed the breaker won't stay on, investigating the underlying cause is the next step before calling an electrician. The problem could be as simple as improperly resetting the switch or overloading the circuit.

One of the simplest explanations for a breaker not resetting is not flipping the switch fully to the off position before turning it back on. Circuit breakers have an internal mechanism that must be allowed to reset after tripping. If the breaker doesn't make an audible "click" when turned off, it likely wasn't reset completely.

Issues like a stiff or sticky switch, built up dirt, or trying to force the level before turning it fully off can all contribute to the breaker not resetting. To properly reset a tripped breaker:

• Turn the switch fully to the Off position until it clicks
• Strong-arm the switch to On: Use extra force to flip it to the On side.
• Double check you are flipping the correct switch for the affected circuit

Taking a little extra care to completely reset the switch can easily get your breaker working again. But if it still won't hold in the On position, a different issue is likely at play.

Circuit breakers are designed to trip and interrupt power flow when too much current passes through the wire. This overload protection prevents the wiring from overheating and reduces fire risks. Some common causes of overloads include:

• Operating too many high-power appliances like hair dryers, air conditioners, or space heaters on one circuit
• Plugging too many devices into outlets through power strips or extension cords
• Drawing more current than the circuit was designed to safely handle

If you suspect an overload tripped your breaker, try reducing the number of appliances running on the circuit. Avoid using high-draw devices simultaneously. You can also have an electrician evaluate if your home's electrical panel should be upgraded to add more circuit capacity.

Short circuits occur when electrical current strays from its intended path, often due to damaged wiring insulation. Shorts create excessive current flow that quickly trips circuit breakers. Some common causes include:

• Damaged or frayed wire insulation from age, wear and tear, or pests
• Loose, corroded, or unsecured wiring connections
• Cracked wire insulation due to nearby hammering or stapling
• Moisture seeping into wires or outlets

If moisture or critters could have accessed wiring, inspect for damage. Exposed copper conductors or signs of arcing or burnt insulation point to a short. A tripped GFCI outlet may also indicate a short. Make repairs immediately before resetting the breaker to avoid fire risks.

Circuit breakers are mechanical devices that can malfunction or fail over time. Signs of a faulty breaker that won't reset include:

• Failure to trip when expected due to overloads
• Nuisance tripping of the breaker under normal loads
• Switch feels very hot
• Buzzing, humming, or sizzling sounds
• Discoloration or scorch marks on the switch
• Dirt, corrosion, or buildup on the contacts

Older breakers made with inferior materials or installed in damp areas are more prone to defects. But even new breakers can be manufactured improperly. Contact an electrician to test and replace any questionable breakers.

• Electrical fires from overheated wires if an overload or short is present
• Appliance damage from power surges when the breaker tries to trip
• Shocks or electrocution if exposed live wires are present

A tripped breaker that refuses normal resetting indicates your electrical system is not operating safely. Never bypass a tripped breaker by wedging the switch on. Diagnose and address the underlying issue before restoring power.

If you are uncomfortable working with electrical systems, don't hesitate to call a licensed electrician. Experts can quickly assess:

• Wiring condition and any damage needing repair
• Signs of overload from underrated circuits or conductors
• Voltage and current levels relative to your home's service capacity
• Whether your circuit breaker needs replacement due to defects

They have the tools, training, and experience to diagnose why your breaker refuses to reset and make necessary corrections. Costs vary based on labor time and any repairs needed but expect to invest $100 or more for an expert inspection.

To reduce nuisance circuit breaker trips in the future:

• Avoid overloading circuits by balancing high-power appliances across available outlets
• Plug devices directly into outlets instead of chaining too many through extension cords
• Update outdated electrical panels and circuits unable to handle modern appliance loads
• Use arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers to prevent dangerous damaged insulation faults

Well-maintained electrical systems with adequate capacity minimize circuit breaker tripping. But breakers still serve an important protection function. Understand why your breaker trips and won't reset so you can restore power safely and reliably going forward.

Circuit breakers that stubbornly refuse to click back on after tripping require diagnosis and troubleshooting before the issue can be resolved. Causes ranging from improper resetting to overloaded circuits, shorts, and defective breakers must be considered. Restoring electricity without addressing underlying problems can have catastrophic results.

Work through common resetting issues methodically. Call in a professional electrician whenever you have doubts or determine repairs are needed. While coping with a tripped breaker and lost power is inconvenient, safety should always take priority. Identifying and correcting the root trigger will get your breaker reset while preventing future tripping incidents.