When a tripped breaker won’t reset or repeatedly trips after resetting, there could be too many appliances or lights on the circuit. This means the circuit breaker is likely serving its purpose. However, the problem could be from a damaged cord or plug or from a short circuit in a receptacle or fixture. Faulty wiring could also be the cause.

• Turn off the lights and unplug all of the appliances from outlets that are on the circuit. 
• As the appliances are unplugged, look for scorched terminals and check the plugs for overheating. If one is hot to the touch, it could be indicating the source of the problem. 
• Try to reset the breaker again. 
• If the breaker stays on, plug in the appliances one by one until the circuit breaker trips again. Discard or repair the appliance that interrupts the breaker.  
• Now turn light switches on. When or if the breaker is thrown, there could be a problem with that switch or the light fixture. 
• If a particular light or appliance trips the breaker, reset the circuit once again and retry the isolated fixture before any others to help determine if it is the cause. 

If you are unable to pinpoint the culprit, it could be a problem with the circuit breaker itself. 

A breaker itself isn’t made to be repaired, but it can be replaced. If it feels hot, shows evidence of scorching or smells burnt, it needs a replacement. 

A bad circuit breaker might not show evidence that it isn’t working properly. You can use a multimeter voltage tester to check continuity of a breaker which will tell you if it is opening or closing properly. Even if it does pass a continuity test, it still may be weak and ready to be replaced. 

Safety Tip: Testing and replacing a circuit breaker is a simple process, but you should work carefully and use extreme caution, even if you have experience working with electricity. Always assume that wires are live. Never work in a circuit panel that is live. Always turn off the main circuit that feeds the panel box. If you are not already familiar with working in a circuit panel, call a licensed electrician.  

• Turn off the main circuit breaker that controls the entire panel.  
• Remove the metal frame around the circuit breakers by loosening the screws on the electrical panel. 
• Locate the circuit breaker to be tested and/or replaced on the exposed panel. 
• Unscrew the wire from the breaker and remove it.  
• Set the multimeter to “Ohms”.  
• Place one lead of the multimeter on the screw terminal and the other on the supply terminal of the breaker. 
• Turn the breaker to the “off” position, making sure to keep the leads in contact at both points. The breaker should read “0L”. 
• Repeat this process with the breaker “on”. The multimeter should read 0. If it reads “0L” then it is not functioning properly and needs to be replaced.  

• Turn off all branch circuit breakers. 
• Then turn off the main breaker. 
• Do not assume the power is off. Use the voltage tester to ensure that the panel is not receiving electricity. 
• Use a screwdriver to disconnect the wire from the terminal on the bad breaker and move it aside. 
• Pull out the old breaker, paying attention to how it fits and locks into the panel. 
• Test the new breaker using the methods outlined above to ensure that it is in good working order. 
• Insert the new breaker into the panel. 
• Attach the circuit’s load wire onto the terminal. 
• Check and tighten any loose terminal screws on other breakers. 
• Check that all breakers are in the “Off” position. 
• Replace the panel cover. 
• Turn on the main breaker. 
• Turn on each of the branch circuit breakers individually. 
• Use the voltage meter to test each breaker. 

If the breaker continues to trip, contact a qualified electrician. A professional has the expertise and tools necessary to diagnose problems inside your walls and address underlying issues.