Are you worried about hurricane season? If you are like us, then yes. It is hurricane season and we generally remain in awe of Mother Nature’s power. Often, as storms approach and hit our communities, then the power is the first signal of possible danger, so preparation is critical in times of emergencies. However, with storms and inclement weather, comes indoor activities. These activities are great ways to keep the kids entertained, but generally involve some electronics. The more items in use, then it is possible to trip the circuit breaker.

Storms and other natural disasters make us think about emergencies, but what about everyday life?

Like all of us, there are probably 15 things on your to-do list right now. Of course, whenever you get a free minute, then you try to knock a few of those pesky items off your list. So in the middle of prepping breakfast with the TV on in the background to catch the weather and the kids getting ready for school…nothing! The appliances shut off and you are in a little huff trying to figure out the problem.

Then it dawns on you to check the circuit breaker. You realize the hair dryer did the trick and tripped the breaker. Naturally, you wish the circuit tripped because someone was using a vacuum cleaner or another high wattage appliance, but at least you hope you know the problem.

Lack of power to outlets and lights could be the result of a tripped breaker!

Learn How to Troubleshoot and Inspect your Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to trip (or shut off) if there is a short or an overload on the electrical circuit. The design works to avoid damaging the wiring in your home or appliances that may be plugged into the circuit.

If a circuit is overloaded the breaker will go into the trip setting. As shown below, tripping the circuit leaves the handle in the middle position. The tripped circuit prevents the flow of electricity on the circuit until the issue is resolved. To fix, the breaker must be reset.

To reset the breaker you need to move the handle to the off position until you hear it “latch” and then turn back into the on position. Once reset, check to make sure all lights and outlets are working.

If any of the following items occur please contact us for further diagnostics as there could be potential safety issues that need to be addressed.

• If the breaker automatically resets into the trip position you may have a dead short on the branch wiring or a defective appliance.

**DO NOT CONTINUE TO TRY AND RESET, THIS CAN CAUSE ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

• If the breaker resets and holds, but continues to randomly trip.

• If there are still outlets and lights that are not working.

Hopefully, the coffee was brewed and it was just the hair dryer that caused the outage. It should just take a few minutes and back to the morning grind!