What does it mean when a circuit breaker is orange? If you have an electrical panel, you may have asked yourself this question.
A circuit breaker red light or orange light usually means that the module tripped. If so, you will need to turn it back to the on position manually to restore power to connected electronics.
Continue reading to know the steps for this process. You’ll also learn about other relevant pieces of information, such as the typical colors on circuit breakers.
Table of Contents
What Does An Orange Circuit Breaker Mean?
An orange light on the circuit breaker typically means it’s tripped. Resetting it should restore the flow of electricity to connected devices.
However, don’t attempt to reset, repair, or replace red or orange circuit breakers if they feel hot. This is a sign the panel might have an underlying issue that requires expert help.
What Does A Blown Breaker Look Like?
Keep in mind that a red breaker doesn’t typically mean that it’s broken. However, some tell-tale signs exist that indicate it’s time to replace the circuit breaker. Some of these relatively common indicators are:
- Your dog’s size:
- Step 1: The circuit breaker trips frequently.
- Step 2: It remains in the off position even after you attempt to reactivate it.
- Step 3: Old and/or corroded housing.
Take note that circuit breakers usually last about 30 to 40 years. Still, they can be susceptible to harm because of certain reasons, such as thunderstorms that cause electrical surges.
Can Circuit Breaker Fail Without Tripping?
A circuit breaker can break down even without tripping. In this case, it might be futile to attempt repairs on it. Instead, replace the offending assembly with a new unit to restore proper power flow to connected devices and systems.
What Are the Warning Signs Of an Overloaded Electrical Circuit?
Overloaded circuit breakers often show certain signs or symptoms, such as:
- A loud hum from the junction box or circuit breaker.
- Burning smell from the breaker.
- Insufficient power delivered to devices.
- Visible harm to electrical components (e.g., burnt outlets)
How to Reset a Circuit Breaker?
Before resetting a circuit breaker, make sure that you turn off all devices connected to that module. Doing so should help reduce the risks of costly mishaps and possible injuries.
Then, find the circuit breaker panel and the offending switch. Once done, continue this process by following these steps:
Quick Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Switch the circuit breaker to the off position if it hasn’t flipped yet.
- Step 2: Wait for about 30 seconds (or longer).
- Step 3: Turn the circuit breaker back to the on position.
If done correctly, the flow of power to connected devices should return. If not, underlying issues might be present that cause the circuit breaker to trip frequently.
How to Replace a Circuit Breaker?
If you verified that a circuit breaker is beyond repair, replace it by following these steps:
Quick Step-by-Step Guide
- Remove the access panel (you may need to unscrew some screws).
- Turn off the power to all the circuit breakers.
- Push the damaged or old circuit breaker from one side.
- Take out that circuit breaker by pulling it away from the panel from its other side.
- Install the new circuit breaker to the same bracket.
- Turn on the power in the circuit breaker panel.
- Test your electronics to see if they receive sufficient power from the circuit breaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Types Of Circuit Breakers?
Circuit breakers often come in three major varieties, which are:
- Single-pole: Generally delivers 120 volts and can accommodate 15 and 30 amps.
- Double-pole: Circuit breakers that can typically provide double the voltage of single-pole models.
- Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI): Usually does a good job of preventing damage from ground faults, overloads, and short circuits.
Are Circuit Breakers Color Coded?
A circuit breaker with indicator light may show a colored LED based on its current status. Certain circuit breaker switch colors and their general meanings are:
- White/blank: Power is off
- Green: Power is on
- Red/orange: Tripped breaker
Conclusion
At this point, you should now have a good idea of what does it mean when a circuit breaker is orange.
If the circuit breaker tripped but is still in good condition, turning it back to the on position should recover the flow of power to your electronics. Otherwise, consult a professional electrician and/or have the breaker replaced to avoid further harm to it.
I am Andrew Wright. With 8 years of experience designing, installing, and maintaining electrical power systems. I love my job, and I have always wanted to offer others the necessary help so they can take care of their houses.