Does your breaker panel often trip? They are designed to trip when there’s a surge of electricity being pushed through the breaker. The power is then cut off to protect the home’s electrical system. If you’re experiencing issues with your circuit breakers in your breaker panel, there are a few simple methods to follow to troubleshoot problems.
How to Reset Your Breaker Panel
The first step is to find your breaker box. It’s typically located in the basement, utility closet, or garage. Once you open the door, listen for a buzzing sound. If you do hear a buzzing sound, do not try to fix the issue on your own. Instead, call a professional. If you don’t hear a buzzing sound, you may proceed on your own. Examine the diagram on the inside of your panel door to locate the circuit to reset in your home. It is typically labeled according to your house layout and numbered on the switches. Next, examine all of the switches. You can identify which individual circuit tripped by the switch that is positioned in the middle. When you touch it, you’ll notice it’s a bit “springy.” Finally, flip the switch to OFF and wait three seconds before turning it to ON.
If resetting a circuit does solve the issue, think about the following questions before contacting your local electrician:
- Did you add extra appliances to your home such as a hairdryer, microwave, or portable space heater?
- Are your appliances old and causing a jolt in electricity because they need to be updated?
- Do you have too many appliances plugged into one circuit?
Looking for a Cockeysville Electrician?
If you need a Cockeysville electrician to fix issues with your breaker panel, Tim Kyle Electric can help. We’ve been serving the residential and commercial needs of clients in the Maryland area since 1986. We offer services such as panel upgrades, home safety service plans, renovations, and more! Click here to learn more!