How to Reset an Electric Circuit Breaker

How To Reset an Electric Circuit Breaker: Do I need to call an electrician or is there something I can check as a homeowner?

Reset a Circuit Breaker
Electrical Question: How do I reset a tripped circuit breaker?

I have a GFCI outlet on the outside of my house that stopped working when I plugged in a table saw. It already had a waterfall pump. Nothing in the breaker box had any effect (though not well marked). Replaced the outlet with test and reset buttons (previous did not have these) and still have no power. Do I need to call an electrician or is there something I can check as a homeowner.

This electrical troubleshooting question came from: Chris, from Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Chris.

Electrical Troubleshooting a Tripped Circuit Breaker

Circuit Protection for a GFCI Outlet
Chris, the GFCI outlet provides ground fault protection for the outlet, however the GFCI circuit has over current  protection which is provided by the circuit breaker back at the panel.

Here’s an Example:

How To Reset an Electric Circuit Breaker

• My recommendation is to check all of the circuit breakers at the electrical panel and look for one that may be in the tripped position.
• Sometimes when a breaker is tripped off it still appears to be in the ON position, so if it is convenient, switch all of the circuit breakers associated with this type of circuit all the way OFF and then all the way back ON.

NOTE: A Circuit Breaker May Be Tripped OFF and Appear To Be ON, therefore it is best to switch the breaker OFF, and then back on to make sure it it fully reset.

More about Circuit Breakers

• Electrical Circuit Breakers
  

• Home Electrical Circuit Breakers

• A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

More articles about Electrical Troubleshooting, GFCI Outlet Lost Power and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
Wiring a Dishwasher Plug and Outlet	Adding a Remote Control Module to a Ceiling Fan

Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

» Electrical Wiring Book «

Home Wiring Guide

STAY CONNECTED

ELECTRICAL NEWS UPDATES