A Circuit Breaker Won't Reset — What It Means

The only thing more frustrating than a circuit breaker tripping in your Buffalo Grove, IL, home is finding out that it won’t reset. You expect you’ll flip the switches and restore your power, so it’s naturally irritating when it repeatedly flips back off.

If you’ve dealt with that kind of problem before, you’ve probably scoured the internet with searches like “circuit breaker won’t reset causes and solutions.” But the thing is, you must determine the specific issue yours is facing before attempting to resolve the problem. 

Circuit Breaker Won’t Reset: Causes and Solutions 

When you understand why your circuit breaker won’t reset, it’s easier to troubleshoot the problem. With that in mind, here are a few common reasons why Buffalo Grove, IL, circuit breakers won’t reset and what you can do to handle them:

Circuit Overloads

The most common reason a circuit breaker trips is that it becomes overloaded. Too many devices are drawing power at once, and that can be a serious hazard that jeopardizes your property and safety.

Allow your circuit to cool down by turning off or unplugging appliances you don’t need on at the moment. Once some time passes, reset the circuit breaker, and you should have power. You can prevent something like this from happening again by using power strips with built-in circuit breakers. 

Ground Faults 

A ground fault occurs when a live wire touches a grounded wire or metal box. These sorts of problems often happen in areas with water, like the kitchen or bathroom. Check outlets for moisture, remove it, and then attempt to reset your ground-fault circuit interrupter (GCFI). If it still doesn’t reset, contact a professional to identify any underlying problems. 

Short Circuits 

If your circuit breaker won’t reset, a short circuit is the most likely cause. These typically occur when a hot wire with a live current connects with a neutral wire. The circuit breaker identifies this problem, and the safety mechanism springs into action. 

This is a situation that could lead to a fire in your Buffalo Grove, IL, home if not handled with a proper solution. On that note, the best solution for a short circuit is to contact a professional electrician. They’ll have the training and tools to identify and resolve complicated wiring issues.



Call an Experienced Professional in Buffalo Grove, IL

While you think it might save you time and money to take a DIY approach to repairing these problems, hiring a professional is the best idea. Contact Klees Electric today and put an end to your “circuit breaker won't reset causes and solutions” searches.