The three usual causes
- Overload: too many things on one circuit, like a microwave, toaster oven and coffee maker running together
- Short circuit: a hot wire touching neutral or ground, often in a damaged cord, outlet or fixture
- Ground fault: current leaking to ground, common with moisture in outdoor or bathroom circuits
How to reset a breaker safely
Unplug or switch off what was running on that circuit. At the panel, push the tripped breaker fully to OFF, then back to ON. If it holds, add things back one at a time to find the load that pushes it over.
When it trips right away
If the breaker trips the moment you reset it with nothing plugged in, leave it off. That points to a short in the wiring or a device, and repeated resets can damage the breaker or worse.
Check the GFCI outlets too
Dead outlets in a kitchen, bath, garage or patio are often a tripped GFCI outlet on the same circuit, not the breaker. Press RESET on each GFCI outlet nearby.
Florida-specific warning signs
Panels in hot garages and on exterior walls can corrode in humid, salty air. Call if you see rust in the panel, smell burning, feel a warm breaker, or hear buzzing. After flooding, don't touch a panel that got wet.
Need a hand with this?
Text a photo of the fan, fixture or panel and you'll get a price by text.