Reset a tripped circuit breaker
Save £40–60 today
10 mins · Beginner · Saves £40–60 vs an electrician
Last updated: March 2025
Before you start
A tripped circuit breaker is a safety feature, not a fault. It has cut the power to protect your wiring. Resetting it takes 2 minutes.
Your consumer unit (fuse box) is usually under the stairs, in the hallway, or in the kitchen. Open it and look for any switch that is in a different position to the others.
Tools needed
- ✓No tools needed — just your consumer unit
Find the consumer unit
Open the cover of your consumer unit (the grey or white box with rows of switches). Look for a breaker that has tripped to the middle or off position — it will be out of line with the others.
Where beginners go wrong
Resetting without reducing the load — it will just trip again immediately.
Ignoring a breaker that keeps tripping — a recurring trip means a fault that needs an electrician.
Confusing the RCD (the large test switch) with individual breakers — if the RCD has tripped, press Test and then reset it by pushing firmly up.
Stop and call a electrician if...
The breaker will not stay on after resetting with all appliances unplugged
There is a burning smell or scorch marks near the consumer unit
The RCD will not reset and keeps tripping
Cost breakdown
What you just learned
You now understand how your consumer unit works, what a trip means, and how to safely reset it. Knowing your circuit labels is one of the most useful things you can do as a homeowner.
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⚠️ Watch out if you rent
If the circuit keeps tripping, report it to your landlord in writing — it may indicate a wiring fault that is their responsibility to investigate. Do not ignore recurring trips.