Reset a tripped circuit breaker

Find out why your power tripped, reset the breaker safely, then check what caused it.

AB-01Work out what's lost powerCheck which parts of the house have lost power - one room, one circuit, or everything. A single dead circuit means one MCB (miniature circuit breaker) has tripped. Everything off at once usually means the main switch or RCD has tripped instead. If the whole street seems dark too, it may just be a power cut.

AB-02Find your consumer unitLocate the consumer unit (fuse box) - usually in a hallway, under the stairs, in a garage, or in a utility cupboard. Take a torch with you if it's tucked away somewhere dark, since you need to see the switches clearly.

1 each · Torch

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

AB-03Spot the tripped switchOpen the consumer unit cover. Look along the row of switches - a tripped one sits out of line with the rest, in the middle or fully at 'off'. If every switch looks normal but you've still lost all power, check the larger main switch or RCD at the end of the row, as that's likely the one that has tripped.

AB-04Switch off or unplug likely culprits firstBefore you reset anything, switch off or unplug whatever might have caused the trip on that circuit - a faulty appliance, a wet extension lead, or a bulb that just blew. This stops the breaker tripping again the instant you flip it back on. If you're unsure what's on that circuit, unplug everything you can reach in the affected room.

AB-05Reset the breakerPush the tripped switch fully to 'off', then firmly back to 'on'. It needs a confident push, not a light touch. If it clicks and stays up, power should return to that circuit straight away.

AB-06Bring appliances back on one at a timePlug things back in and switch them on one at a time, waiting a few seconds between each. If the breaker trips again the moment you switch something on, that item is the culprit. Leave it unplugged and get it checked or repaired before using it again.

AB-07If it trips again straight away, stopIf the breaker trips again with nothing plugged in, or keeps tripping no matter what you do, don't keep resetting it. This points to a fault in the fixed wiring, not an appliance. Leave that circuit switched off and call a registered electrician.

RULES

KNOW THE RULES

Resetting a breaker isn't notifiable work, but any repair to fixed wiring is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations in England and should be done by a registered electrician.

AB-08Tidy up and note what happenedPush the consumer unit cover firmly back into place. Write down what you unplugged and when the trip happened - this helps an electrician if you need one, and helps you spot a pattern if it trips again.

Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Save this as a project

Back to all guides