Quick answer
A breaker that will not reset is either still seeing a hard short, or has failed mechanically. Many breakers also will not reset from the middle tripped position — you have to push them firmly fully OFF first, then back ON. If it still will not hold after that, there is a genuine fault on the circuit and the breaker is doing precisely what it is designed to do.
Common causes
- Persistent short circuit on the connected wiring or an appliance still plugged in
- Failed breaker mechanism at end of life
- Loose busbar connection preventing the breaker from seating properly
- Damaged cable, often from a nail, screw or rodent damage
- Water in a junction box or outdoor fitting on that circuit
What you can do now
- 1Switch the breaker firmly fully OFF, then ON — many will not reset from the tripped middle position
- 2Unplug everything on that circuit and try once more
- 3Note whether any recent work, drilling or weather preceded it
- 4Never bypass, tape or wedge a breaker closed under any circumstances
- 5Leave it off and use other circuits until it has been investigated
When to call a professional
If it still will not reset with the circuit unloaded, book a fault find. Never bypass a breaker — it is the only thing standing between a faulted cable and a fire. An electrician will isolate the circuit, test it section by section to locate the fault, and either repair the cable or replace the breaker depending on what the testing shows.
Typical cost in Johannesburg
Fault find R650 · Breaker R250–R450
Indicative ranges only. We provide written, itemised quotes before any work.
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