How Do I Reset A Tripped Circuit Breaker in Torrance, CA?

Living in Torrance, CA means enjoying sunny weather and a seaside lifestyle. However, it also means dealing with electrical issues from time to time, like a tripped circuit breaker. A tripped breaker is a common problem that can disrupt power in your home but is usually an easy fix. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to safely reset a tripped circuit breaker in Torrance, CA.

Why Did The Circuit Breaker Trip in the First Place?

Before attempting to reset a breaker, it’s important to understand why it tripped so you can prevent it from happening again. Here are some of the most common reasons circuit breakers trip in Torrance homes:

• Overload: You plugged too many appliances into the circuit, creating an overload. Things like hairdryers, microwaves, and toasters can be current hogs.
• Short circuit: A short somewhere in the wiring can instantly draw a lot of current and trip the breaker. This is a serious issue that needs electrical repair.
• Faulty appliance: An appliance with a short, like a frayed cord, can continuously draw current and trip the breaker. Unplug appliances on the circuit to find the culprit.
• Moisture: Moisture contacting the electrical system can trip the breaker. Check for leaks, floods, etc.
• Old breaker: Breakers do wear out over time. If it’s old, it may not be tripping properly when overloaded.
• Large spike in demand: Starting big appliances like an AC unit can momentarily overload a circuit and trip the breaker.

If you’re unsure why your breaker tripped, unplug all appliances on the circuit and reset the breaker. If it trips again without any appliances, there may be a short or deeper issue. Contact an electrician if needed.

How to Reset a Tripped Breaker in 4 Steps

Resetting a tripped breaker is a simple, safe process if it’s done correctly. Here are the steps:

1. Locate the Tripped Breaker

• Find your electrical panel, usually a gray metal box located outside or in the garage.
• Open the front cover to expose the circuit breakers inside.
• Scan for the tripped breaker. You’ll see the switch in the “off” position halfway between on and off.

2. Turn Off Appliances

Before resetting the breaker:

• Unplug all appliances on the circuit, like TVs and computers.
• Turn off the light switches on the circuit.

This prevents everything from turning on at once when power returns.

3. Reset the Breaker

• Flip the tripped breaker all the way to the “off” position.
• Then flip it back to the “on” position.
• Listen for the breaker to click back into place as you flip it on.

4. Plug Appliances Back In

• Gradually plug appliances on the circuit back in one-by-one.
• Turn light switches back on starting with just one.
• This prevents overloading the circuit again.
• If the breaker trips again, unplug appliances one-by-one to isolate the problem device.

And that’s it! With these safe, simple steps, you can get a tripped breaker reset and the power back on in your Torrance home.

What If It Immediately Trips Again?

If the breaker trips again immediately after resetting, there are a few possible causes:

• You may have too many appliances running at once on the circuit. Unplug some until you isolate the overload.
• There could be a short circuit somewhere in the wiring. You’ll need an electrician to inspect and repair it.
• An appliance plugged in may have a short, like faulty wiring. Unplug devices one-by-one to find the culprit.
• The breaker itself is faulty and needs replacement by an electrician.
• If it’s an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breaker, it may be very sensitive and tripping falsely. Try resetting a few more times.

If the breaker trips immediately after a few resets, it likely needs electrical service. Continually resetting it without diagnosing the underlying problem can worsen issues or create safety hazards.

Calling an Electrician

While the average homeowner can reset a tripped breaker, there are times to call a professional Torrance electrician:

• If the breaker trips repeatedly without explanation, it often indicates a wiring problem in the electrical system. Continually resetting it could damage wiring and be unsafe.
• If the issue started after a major electrical event like a lightning strike or power surge, damage may have occurred. Electrical repairs may be needed.
• If you have very old wiring in your home, it may not be able to handle modern power loads, tripping the breaker often. Upgrading the electrical panel may help.
• If there is an unusual burning smell coming from the breaker panel, discolored switches, or other signs of damage, repairs are needed by a pro before resetting.
• If you are ever unsure about the safety of resetting a breaker yourself, hire an electrician. They can diagnose and correct any underlying issues.

Resetting a breaker is fast and convenient when done safely, but don’t hesitate to call a professional for assistance if needed.

Preventing Tripped Breakers in the Future

A few simple habits can help prevent continually dealing with tripped circuit breakers in your Torrance home:

• Avoid overloading circuits: Be aware of which lights and outlets are on which circuits and don’t plug too many appliances into one.
• Upgrade electrical panel: If you have an older 100 or 200 amp panel, upgrading to a larger capacity can provide more power for modern needs.
• Use power strips: Plug appliances into a power strip, then the strip into the wall. It makes overload issues easier to fix.
• Replace old appliances: Old appliances and electronics are more prone to shorts and tripping breakers. Upgrade to newer energy efficient models.
• Check for wiring issues: If breakers are tripping frequently, have an electrician inspect for any shorts or damage that need repair in your electrical system.
• Add circuits: If your home needs more power, consider upgrading your electrical panel and adding new breaker circuits.

With preventive care and electrical upgrades, you can avoid nuisance tripped breakers while staying safe. Contact a Torrance electrician if you need assistance modernizing your home’s electrical system.

Safely Handling Electrical Problems in Torrance, CA

Living by the beach in Torrance comes with great weather but also electrical challenges. To stay safe when dealing with tripped breakers, shorts, and other electrical issues:

• Take extra care if your home wiring got wet from flooding. Turn off power at the main breaker before resetting tripped ones.
• Learn where your home electrical panel is located and how to safely reset the various breakers. Keep it accessible.
• If a breaker tripped during a storm or power surge, unplug appliances on the circuit before resetting to avoid damage.
• When outlets spark, cords melt, or you see scorch marks, immediately shut off power and call an electrician.
• Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in wet areas of the home to prevent shocks. Test them monthly.
• Install arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers to prevent fires from electrical arcing and sparks.
• Consider whole home surge protectors to protect electronics from power surges during Torrance electrical storms.
• Hire a trusted Torrance electrician for upgrades, repairs, and installation of new fixtures and wiring.

Protecting your home against electrical hazards saves lives and prevents expensive damage. Learn proper electrical safety and ensure your home’s electrical system stays up-to-date.

Finding a Top Torrance Electrician

Searching for a well-qualified electrician in Torrance, CA? Here are tips for finding the best:

• Verify Licenses: Electricians must be licensed in California. Check that theirs is current.
• Look for IBEW Membership: The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers trains superb electricians.
• Seek Specialized Experience: Find an electrician experienced in whole home wiring, upgrades and remodels.
• Read Reviews: Check reviews on Google and Facebook. Look for responsiveness, timeliness, fair pricing and quality work.
• Get Referrals: Friends and neighbors who were pleased with their electrician are a great referral source.
• Compare Quotes: Get bids from 3-5 electricians to compare pricing for your electrical job. Avoid the cheapest bids.
• Check Insurance: Properly insured electricians will cover damages if there is an accident on your property.
• Interview Them: Meet with electricians in-person to evaluate professionalism, expertise and responsiveness.

Taking time to find the ideal Torrance electrician for your project provides peace of mind your electrical work will be done right, safely and affordably. With a bit of research, you can find the perfect electrician to trust for years to come.