Resetting a Tripped Kitchen Breaker

Have you ever gone to warm something up in the microwave and heard a “pop” as the circuit breaker trips? There’s a simple step you can take before calling an electrician: try resetting the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). If you press the “test” button on the GFCI outlet and it still won’t reset, it may indicate that the breaker is in the trip position. To identify a tripped breaker, go to your electrical panel (located in the garage in most homes), look for a breaker that’s in the middle position, and turn it off and then back on. If power still isn’t restored, go back to the GFCI and try resetting it again.

It’s important to note that GFCI outlets are designed to protect you from electrical shocks and are required in certain areas of your home, including the kitchen and bathrooms. If your GFCI continues to trip frequently, it may indicate a bigger problem, so it’s best to consult a licensed electrician to ensure your safety.