Breaker Won’t Reset

A breaker that will not stay on is doing its job — it is tripping because something on that circuit is drawing too much current, or there is a fault. Do not hold it on or tape it in the on position.

Try this first

• Unplug or switch off what is on that circuit, especially space heaters, hair dryers, and other high-draw items.
• Push the breaker firmly all the way to OFF, then back to ON. A tripped breaker often sits in a middle position and needs a full reset.
• Plug things back in one at a time. If it trips again when one item is plugged in, that item — or that outlet — is the likely cause.

Call an electrician if

• The breaker trips again right away with nothing plugged in.
• The breaker, panel, or an outlet feels hot, smells like burning, or buzzes.
• The same breaker trips over and over.

That usually points to a short, a ground fault, a failing breaker, or a circuit that is overloaded and needs attention from a licensed electrician.

See our earlier post about this on Instagram: Breaker Won’t Reset on Instagram

McLeod Electric — Master Electrician #A 12769, Hanson, MA. Call (781) 447-6040. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Emergencies, call anytime.