What should I do first when a circuit breaker trips in my home?

Turn the tripped breaker fully OFF, unplug or switch off loads on that circuit, then turn the breaker back ON. If it trips again, stop resetting it and call a licensed electrician.

• Identify which rooms/outlets lost power.
• Reset any GFCI outlets on the same circuit.
• Look for heat, burning odor, or scorch marks; if found, keep the breaker OFF.
• Restore devices one by one to find a bad appliance.

We provide 24/7 electrical repairs in Raleigh and Durham, and troubleshooting visits typically range $134–$391.

Updated: 2025-12-31 00:00:00

Need help in Raleigh, NC? Call 9194733849 or book online. "He was able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly." — Sara W.