Why Resetting a Tripped Breaker Without Testing First Is a Serious Mistake
- Brian Hall
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Resetting a tripped breaker might feel like a simple task — but it can be one of the most dangerous actions an electrician takes.
In one OSHA accident report*, an employee attempted to reset a 480-volt breaker. The breaker failed, creating an electric arc that burned the worker’s arm and sent him to the hospital.
This story highlights a critical point: when a breaker trips or a fuse blows, it’s not just an inconvenience. It’s a signal that something is wrong. Restoring power without finding the cause puts people, equipment, and facilities at risk.
Common Reasons Breakers Trip or Fuses Blow
Overload condition
Example: a pump bearing seizes and stalls the drive motor.
The motor draws more current than the breaker is rated for.
The breaker trips to protect the circuit.
Correct action: repair the root cause (e.g., replace the bearing) before re-energizing.
Repeatedly resetting the breaker without fixing the issue can worsen the damage and increase the risk of injury.
Short circuit or ground fault
Example: a phase conductor inside a motor termination box wears through insulation and contacts the grounded case.
Closing the breaker into this fault can cause catastrophic failure and an arc flash.
In this situation, reclosing the breaker is never safe until the fault is located and corrected.
What the Standards Say
Both NFPA 70EⓇ and OSHA prohibit repeatedly resetting breakers or replacing fuses without first identifying and clearing the fault:
NFPA 70EⓇ 130.8(M): A circuit may not be manually re-energized until a qualified person has determined it can be safely energized. Reclosing breakers or replacing fuses is prohibited until the fault is cleared.
OSHA 1910.334(b)(2): After a circuit is de-energized by a protective device, it may not be manually re-energized until it has been determined that the equipment and circuit can be safely energized. Repetitive manual reclosing is prohibited.
The message is clear: don’t reset until you know why it tripped.
Safe Practices Before Re-Energizing
Before attempting to reclose a breaker or replace a blown fuse:
Use appropriate test equipment, such as a megohm meter (megger) or at minimum a continuity tester, to check for grounded conductors.
Low resistance readings between phases and ground indicate a ground fault that must be repaired before energizing.
Only a qualified person should perform this testing and make the decision to re-energize.
How to Reinforce Safety on Your Team
Discuss it in weekly safety talks. Make sure crews understand that reclosing breakers without investigation is never acceptable.
Include it in your electrical safety procedures. Prohibit repetitive cycling of protective devices.
Equip your staff. Provide the right test instruments and ensure they are trained to use them correctly.
Promote a “find the fault first” culture. Emphasize that identifying and fixing the root cause protects lives and equipment.
Final Word
A tripped breaker is not the problem — it’s the symptom. Treat it as a warning, not a nuisance. Taking the time to test, investigate, and repair before re-energizing can prevent severe injuries and catastrophic equipment failures.
Safety isn’t about speed. It’s about certainty. Don’t reset until you know it’s safe.
Let us know if our team can help with any safety questions.
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70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, NFPA 70®, NEC®, and National Electrical Code® are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. All rights reserved. This informational material is not affiliated with nor has it been reviewed or approved by the NFPA.