Searching for property management tips? if so, you’ve come to the right place! Owning a rental property continues to be a great way to generate revenue and grow a business but there are some issues that you can expect to deal with on a regular basis.
One of the top owners that you can expect to deal with as a homeowner is a tripped circuit breaker. Yes, a tripped circuit breaker can present problems if you don’t know how to reset it. Thankfully, this process is simple and you can handle this problem yourself.
In this article we will cover tripped circuit breakers and offer you insight into how to resolve this issue.
Property Management Tips – Understanding The Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker is designed to protect your electrical system from overloads and short circuits. When too much current flows through a circuit—such as when multiple appliances are plugged into a single outlet—it “trips,” shutting off power to prevent overheating or damage.
2. Locate the Breaker Panel
Breaker panels are typically located in basements, garages, utility closets, or sometimes on exterior walls. If you manage multiple rental units, ensure each tenant knows where their panel is located.
3. Identify the Tripped Breaker
Open the panel door and look for the breaker that’s in a different position from the rest—usually in the middle, between the ON and OFF positions. Many breakers will have an orange or red indicator showing they’ve tripped.
4. Turn Off and Unplug Appliances
Before resetting the breaker, unplug or switch off any devices that may have caused the overload. Typical causes include space heaters, microwaves, hair dryers, and high-usage kitchen appliances.
5. Reset the Breaker Properly
Push the handle fully to the OFF position.
Then firmly switch it back to the ON position.
You should feel or hear a click when it’s engaged.
6. Test the Power
As part of this property management tips article, the most important tip that we can offer you is once you’ve reset the breaker, you should check the affected outlets, lights, or appliances. If power is restored, the problem may have been a one-time power surge or overload. If the breaker trips again immediately, there could be a short circuit, faulty wiring, or a damaged appliance—call a licensed electrician.
7. Prevent Future Trips
To minimize tripping issues in your rental:
- Spread out appliance use across multiple outlets.
- Encourage tenants to avoid plugging multiple high-wattage devices into the same circuit.
- Consider upgrading older electrical systems to handle modern power demands.
8. Safety Reminders
Only reset breakers if you’re qualified. If you notice sparks, burning smells, or hot switches, turn off the main power and call a professional immediately.
Contact Us
As a landlord, addressing problems promptly keeps tenants satisfied and reduces unnecessary service calls.
By understanding how to reset a breaker, you can guide tenants through the process over the phone—saving time and money Additionally, documenting these steps in your tenant welcome packet empowers renters to handle minor issues independently.
Electrical safety is a top priority in any rental property. A tripped breaker may be a simple fix, but if it happens frequently, don’t ignore it—it could be a sign your property needs an electrical inspection or system upgrade.
For more property management tips, or to learn more about the property management services that we can offer you by calling us at (503) 646-9664 – Talk to a Live Person – Our office answers the phone 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday – or click here to connect with us online.
