A power surge can happen in an instant—but the electrical damage it leaves behind can linger. Whether caused by a lightning strike, downed power lines, or sudden restoration of electricity after an outage, surges can overload your home’s electrical system and trip circuit breakers. While resetting a tripped breaker is a straightforward task, it’s important to understand how to do it safely and when it might be time to call a professional.
In this article, we’ll explain how to reset your breakers after a power surge, the warning signs to watch for, and how to protect your electrical system from future damage.
Understanding Power Surges and Tripped Breakers
A power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage. Most homes in the U.S. operate on 120-volt power, but during a surge, the voltage can briefly rise to hundreds or even thousands of volts. When this happens, your circuit breakers are designed to trip—or shut off—to protect your home’s wiring and appliances from damage.
If you’ve experienced a storm or a utility grid issue and notice certain lights or appliances aren’t working, your breakers may have tripped as a result.
How to Safely Reset a Circuit Breaker
Resetting a breaker is relatively simple, but it should always be done with caution. Follow these steps:
- Locate Your Electrical Panel: Usually found in the basement, garage, utility room, or a hallway closet.
- Identify the Tripped Breaker: Look for a switch that’s in the middle position or not aligned with the others. Some breakers will have a red or orange indicator showing they’ve been tripped.
- Turn Off and Unplug Affected Devices: Before resetting, unplug appliances or turn off lights connected to the circuit to prevent immediate re-tripping.
- Flip the Breaker Off and Then On: Move the breaker to the “off” position and then firmly switch it to “on.” You may hear a click.
- Test the Circuit: Turn appliances or lights back on one by one to ensure they’re working and that the breaker stays on.
When a Tripped Breaker Won’t Reset
If the breaker trips again immediately after resetting, or won’t reset at all, this could signal a more serious issue, such as:
- A short circuit
- An overloaded circuit
- Damaged wiring or appliances
- Residual damage from the power surge
In these cases, it’s best to avoid further attempts and consult a licensed residential electrician. They can safely diagnose the problem and perform any necessary repairs to prevent fire hazards or long-term electrical issues.
Preventing Future Power Surge Damage
While you can’t control when a surge happens, there are several steps you can take to safeguard your home:
- Install a Whole-House Surge Protector: These devices, installed at your main panel, help divert excess voltage away from your circuits.
- Use Point-of-Use Surge Protectors: Plug sensitive electronics into surge protector strips, especially computers, TVs, and gaming consoles.
- Avoid Overloading Circuits: Don’t plug too many high-wattage appliances into a single outlet.
- Unplug During Storms: If you know a storm is approaching, unplug major appliances to prevent surge damage.
Resetting your breakers after a power surge is a necessary step in restoring your home’s electricity—but it should be done with care. Knowing how to identify and reset a tripped breaker safely can help you avoid frustration and reduce the risk of further damage. If your breakers continue to trip or you suspect surge-related wiring issues, don’t take chances.