How to Reset a Circuit Breaker

A tripped breaker sits in the middle position. Unplug what was running, push the breaker firmly to off, then back to on. If it trips again right away, stop: the circuit has a fault that needs attention.

Last reviewed September 2026

Step by step

1.Unplug or switch off the lights and appliances in the rooms that lost power.
2.Open the electrical panel door (often in a garage, basement, utility room or hallway closet).
3.Look for the breaker that isn't lined up with the others: it sits in the middle, or in the off position, sometimes showing a red or orange flag.
4.Stand to the side of the panel with dry hands and push that breaker firmly all the way to off. It must click off before it can reset.
5.Push it firmly back to on.
6.Plug things back in one at a time, leaving big loads like space heaters until last.
7.If the breaker trips again immediately, leave it off and read the tripping guide or call an electrician.

Safety: never reset a breaker with wet hands or while standing in water, and never swap in a larger breaker to stop trips.

If the breaker needs replacing

US national ranges
Job	Typical cost
Replace a breaker (most pay $150–$300)	$100–$400
Electrician diagnostic fee	$75–$125

Keeps tripping? See why a breaker keeps tripping.

Breaker questions

Why won't my breaker reset?

Most often it wasn't pushed fully to off first. If it's been pushed off and on and still won't hold, there may be a short circuit on the line or the breaker has failed, which needs an electrician.

Why did my breaker trip?

Usually too many devices on one circuit (overload). A breaker that trips instantly after resetting points to a short circuit or ground fault.

Is it safe to reset a breaker myself?

Yes, for a normal trip, as long as the panel is dry and undamaged. Don't touch a panel that's wet, hot, buzzing or smells burnt.