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?

Electrical Wiring Video How to Wire a GFCI Outlet without a Ground Wire
<span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start">?</span> NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos Will Display at the End of This Video So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right! Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe!

Reset a Circuit Breaker
[ad#block]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).
I 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

reset a 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.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Electrical Wiring Video #2

Home Electrical Wiring Videos about this Topic and More

Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe!

Learn more with my Home Electrical Video Course:

Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» 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, Handy Women, 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.

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

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 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 great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, 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

A wire stripping tool used 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.

Recent Testimonials

I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU!
Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts

I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web.
George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania

I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring.
Bill, from New York City, New York

This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first.
Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan

Thank you for answering my question.
I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going.
Mike, from Chicago, Illinois

Read more Comments

Leave a Comment

»How To Wire It RIGHT! «
Wire it with Confidence!
Fully Illustrated
Instant Download

Now You Can
Wire it like a Pro!

Residential Electrical Wiring

Learn Electrical Wiring
Instructional Electrical Wiring Videos

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.