With diminishing light and chilly weather, the last thing you want to deal with is a tripping circuit breaker in your home. It is never advisable for anyone untrained to perform any kind of work in your home’s electrical box, but every homeowner should know the basics of how to turn a circuit breaker back on.
Turning the Breaker to the “On” Position
Circuit breakers are dual-purpose components. They distribute electricity evenly to the various electrical circuits throughout your home as well as monitor the level of electricity being used within a specific circuit. Should the electrical draw suddenly become too much in a given circuit, the breaker turns off for safety. If one of your breakers has tripped due to an outside occurrence, like a sudden brown- or black-out, do the following:
- Locate your electrical panel (if you don’t already know where it is).
- Open the door.
- Locate the tripped breaker – the breaker will have its switch to the left in the “off” position or in a position that is midway between on and off. Some breakers may show red to indicate it has tripped.
- Switch the breaker to the fully “off” position if it isn’t already there – this resets the breaker.
- Switch the breaker to the “on” position.
Signs of Potential Problems
One very important item to keep in mind when returning a breaker to the “on” position is resistance. In other words, if you encounter any kind of resistance as you try to turn a flipped breaker back to the “on” position, stop what you are doing and call an expert. Resistance from a breaker means something is off with the circuit, and forcing it into the “on” position is not a good idea. A second issue to stay aware of is a breaker that turns to the “on” position but then immediately turns back off. Do not attempt to turn the breaker back to on again, as something is wrong and needs to be reviewed by an expert.
The electrical pros from D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc., can help you with any issues you may encounter with your circuit breakers in Kerrville, TX.
