Resetting breaker......?????????

Question

If when I reset the breaker...it automatically flips back over and trips...does that mean the actual breaker needs to be replaced?

Answer 1

More likely, it means the cause of the breaker tripping is still there. Try removing everything plugged in to that circuit and see if it will reset. If it does, then one of the things plugged in is defective with a direct short to ground.

Answer 2

It is not very likely that this is a bad breaker.  When a breaker goes bad, usually it will not reset at all or -- this is very bad -- it will not trip when it should.  If it will flip to the on position and you get power even for a brief moment the breaker is probably OK.

In this situation, you probably have a wiring problem that should be addressed by an electrictian.  Sometimes when something causes the breaker to trip, it will also damage an outlet or even some of the wiring.  This is more likely what has happened.

Answer 3

That could mean a couple of different things....

Either something is making your breaker trip....ie to many things plugged into that paticular circuit or you have a bad breaker.  I would call an electrican to come out and check it out.  

Answer 4

That almost certainly means there is a short circuit somewhere.

Stop 'flipping' that breaker until you find it.

Breakers do occasionally wear out, but a short is a much better bet.

(That circuit probably serves more than the living room.)