How to Fix a Tripped Breaker

How to Fix a Tripped Breaker

A tripped circuit breaker is one of the most common electrical issues homeowners face — especially when running power-hungry HVAC systems, air conditioners, or space heaters. If your lights suddenly go out or your air conditioner stops running, a tripped breaker could be the cause.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix a tripped breaker safely, what causes it to happen, and when to call a licensed HVAC or electrical professional in Cupertino, CA.

What Is a Circuit Breaker and Why Does It Trip?   A circuit breaker is a safety device designed to protect your home’s electrical system from overloads or short circuits. When too much current flows through a circuit — such as when your air conditioner, heater, or appliances demand more power than the wiring can handle — the breaker “trips” or shuts off automatically.
This prevents overheating, electrical fires, or damage to your appliances.

4 Common reasons why your breaker may trip;

• Overloaded circuits – Running multiple appliances on the same circuit.
• Short circuits – Damaged wiring or a malfunctioning device.
• Ground faults – Electrical current escaping to the ground, triggering safety shutoff.
• HVAC system issues – Faulty capacitors, motors, or shorted wires in your AC or furnace.

How to Fix a Tripped Breaker   If you’ve lost power in one part of your home, follow these steps to safely reset the breaker:
Step 1: Locate Your Electrical Panel   Your breaker box is usually in the garage, basement, utility room, or on an exterior wall near your HVAC unit. Open the panel door carefully.
Step 2: Identify the Tripped Breaker   Look for a switch that’s positioned in the middle or slightly off from the others. It may not be fully in the “OFF” position but won’t align with the rest.
Step 3: Turn the Breaker Fully OFF   Firmly flip the switch to the OFF position. You may feel a slight resistance or “click.” This step resets the internal mechanism.
Step 4: Flip It Back ON  Now turn the breaker back ON. If it stays in place, power should be restored to that circuit.
Step 5: Test the Circuit  Turn on the lights or appliances connected to that breaker. If they work, you’ve successfully reset it!

What If the Breaker Keeps Tripping   if the breaker trips again immediately after resetting, do not keep flipping it. That’s a sign of an ongoing electrical issue.
Here are possible causes:

• HVAC electrical fault: Your air conditioner or furnace motor could be drawing too much current.
• Short circuit: Wires may be touching inside the wall or panel.
• Overload: Too many appliances on the same line.

Repeated tripping means there’s a deeper problem that needs professional diagnosis. In Cupertino’s hot summers or chilly winters, your HVAC system may be the main culprit.

👉 Call a licensed HVAC technician at HVAC Cupertino for expert troubleshooting. We’ll inspect your unit, check electrical connections, and make sure your system runs safely and efficiently.

Preventing Breakers from Tripping in the Future    Follow these maintenance tips to reduce the risk of future trips:

1. Distribute Power Usage: Avoid running heavy appliances (microwave, space heater, hair dryer) on the same circuit.
2. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel: If your home is older, consider upgrading to handle modern HVAC systems.
3. Schedule HVAC Tune-Ups: Faulty compressors or blower motors can overload circuits — regular maintenance prevents this.
4. Inspect Wiring: Have an electrician inspect outlets and wiring for wear or damage.
5. Label Your Breaker Box: Clearly label each circuit so you can identify problems faster next time.

When to Call a Professional  If you notice any of the following, it’s time to call a licensed professional:

• Breaker trips repeatedly even after unplugging devices.
• Burning smell or scorch marks near outlets or the panel.
• Buzzing sounds from the breaker box.
• HVAC system won’t start, but other devices work.

Your Cupertino home’s electrical system and HVAC equipment are closely connected. If your air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump keeps tripping a breaker, it’s likely drawing more current than the breaker allows — a sign of an internal HVAC issue.
Our team at HVAC Cupertino can help diagnose and fix the problem safely.

Why Choose HVAC Cupertino?  At HVAC Cupertino, we combine local expertise, fast response times, and certified HVAC technicians to handle every heating and cooling problem — including electrical issues related to your system.
✅ Licensed & insured technicians
✅ Same-day emergency service in Cupertino, CA
✅ Electrical and HVAC troubleshooting experts
✅ 100% satisfaction guarantee
📞 Call us today at (408) 740-7079 or visit www.hvaccupertino.com to schedule a service.
We proudly serve homeowners throughout Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and surrounding Bay Area communities.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs On Tripped Breaker                                 1. Why does my breaker keep tripping when I turn on my AC?                Your AC may have an electrical short, a failing capacitor, or a compressor drawing too much current. Schedule an HVAC inspection to diagnose safely.
2. Is it safe to reset a tripped breaker myself?                                          Yes, as long as you do it correctly and there’s no visible damage or burning smell. If the breaker trips again immediately, call a professional.
3. Can a bad HVAC unit cause a breaker to trip?                                Absolutely. Faulty motors, wiring issues, or an overworked compressor can easily trip a breaker.
4. Should I upgrade my breaker panel for my HVAC system?                   If your home still has an outdated panel or fuses, upgrading is a good idea for safety and performance.
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