How to Reset a Circuit Breaker That Won't Stay in the On Position
Having a circuit breaker that won't stay on can be a frustrating issue for any homeowner. Often, when you flip the switch to the "on" position, the circuit breaker immediately trips back to "off," leaving you without power to outlets and appliances on that circuit. However, this problem is usually easily fixed once the root cause is identified.
What Does a Circuit Breaker Do?
Before diving into why a circuit breaker won't stay on, it helps to understand what purpose a circuit breaker serves. A circuit breaker is an essential safety feature found in your home's electrical panel or breaker box. It monitors the flow of electricity on each circuit in your home.
If there is an overload, short circuit, or other fault on the circuit, the circuit breaker will trip to the "off" position. This breaks the electrical flow and prevents issues like fires or electrocution. Once you resolve the underlying problem, you can simply flip the breaker back to the "on" position to restore power. So in essence, a tripped breaker is doing its job and protecting your home's wiring.
Common Reasons a Circuit Breaker Won't Stay On
There are a few common culprits that can cause a circuit breaker to trip instantly when you try resetting it:
- Circuit overload
- Short circuit
- Faulty breaker
- Loose wire connections
- Issues with the breaker panel
Let's look at each of these in more detail.
Circuit Overload
The most common reason your breaker trips and won't stay on is simply because the circuit is overloaded. This happens when you have too many appliances, lights, or other devices pulling power on one circuit. The excessive electrical load causes the breaker to trip to protect the wiring from overheating.
Signs of an overloaded circuit include:
- The breaker trips frequently
- Lights flickering or dimming when multiple devices are in use
- Feeling of warm outlets
- Burning smell from outlets or switches
Solutions include:
- Unplug some devices and spread out the load across multiple outlets
- Only operate one high-wattage appliance at a time
- Plug devices into different circuits to distribute power usage
- Have an electrician add new circuits to your breaker box if needed
Short Circuit
A short circuit occurs when the hot wire makes contact with a neutral wire or grounded surface. This creates an abnormal low-resistance path for electricity to flow through. Short circuits can generate extreme heat and are a serious fire hazard if not addressed immediately.
Signs of a possible short circuit include:
- Breaker trips instantly when you try to reset it
- Burning smell from a switch, outlet, or walls
- Discolored or melted wires
- Flickering or dimming lights
If you suspect a short circuit, take these steps right away:
- Turn off the main breaker switch
- Unplug devices and avoid using electrical switches
- Call a licensed electrician to inspect and repair the short
Never attempt to reset a breaker you suspect has tripped due to a short circuit, as this risks fire or electrocution.
Faulty Circuit Breaker
While not as common, sometimes the circuit breaker itself is defective and needs to be replaced. Breakers contain mechanical components that can malfunction over time after years of heating and cooling cycles. Warning signs of a faulty breaker include:
- Trips at irregular intervals without an overload
- Doesn't trip when it should during an overload
- Trip lever feels loose and does not reset properly
- Scorch marks or cracked casing on the breaker
Tips for faulty breakers:
- Breakers should be replaced every 10 years as maintenance
- Test the breaker with a multimeter for proper function
- Hire an electrician to replace any visibly damaged breakers
Loose Connections
Loose wire connections can also prevent a breaker from resetting properly. If the circuit wires are not making solid contact with the breaker terminals or within wire nuts and junctions, it can impede electrical flow. The resulting voltage spikes can trip the breaker.
To check connections:
- Inspect wires for any loose screws or terminals
- Check that hot/neutral wires are separated and securely joined
- Confirm wires nuts and splices are tight and corrosion-free
Use cable ties or electrical tape as needed to neatly bundle wires and prevent shorts between connections.
Issues with the Breaker Panel
Finally, problems with the main breaker panel itself can lead to frequent breaker tripping. If the panel is outdated, corroded, or incorrectly wired, it affects breaker function. Signs of a faulty breaker panel include:
- Rust, moisture damage, or cracks on the panel
- Burn marks or melted wires inside the panel
- All breakers trip repeatedly
- Panel is more than 30 years old
In these cases, a full breaker panel replacement is likely needed for optimal safety and performance.
How to Reset a Tripping Circuit Breaker
Once you've diagnosed the likely cause of a breaker that won't stay on, follow these steps to reset it properly:
1. Turn Off the Main Breaker
For safety, always turn off the main breaker switch before working on any circuit issues. This cuts power to the full panel.
2. Unplug Devices on the Circuit
Unplug all devices, appliances, and lights on the troubled circuit.
3. Inspect the Breaker and Connections
Remove the breaker panel cover and visually inspect the breaker switch and wire connections for any signs of damage. Tighten any loose screws or wires.
4. Flip the Breaker Off and On
Flip the breaker fully to the "off" position, then back to the "on" position. In many cases, this simple reset will clear the issue.
5. Plug In Devices One at a Time
If the breaker stays on after resetting, plug in devices one by one while checking the breaker after each one. This can help identify any overloaded circuits.
6. Call an Electrician if Needed
If the breaker immediately trips again, the underlying cause likely still exists. Turn off the main breaker and call a licensed electrician to investigate further.
Preventing Future Circuit Breaker Tripping
While circuit breakers serve an important purpose, having to frequently reset tripped breakers is an annoyance. Here are tips to reduce future tripping issues:
- Use power strips to avoid outlet overloads in one room
- Only operate one high-wattage appliance at a time
- Replace old or faulty breakers that are over 10 years old
- Have an electrician add circuits if your home's power needs have increased
- Schedule annual inspections to identify wiring issues early
Taking these preventative steps can help ensure your home's electrical system and circuit breakers function smoothly for years to come.
A circuit breaker that won't reset is doing its job by interrupting dangerous electrical issues. In most cases, overloads, shorts, and loose connections are the culprit. After isolating the cause and making repairs, the circuit breaker should reset and power can be restored. For continued tripping or signs of damage, contact a professional electrician right away. Follow proper safety procedures when working with electrical components to avoid shock or fire hazards.