How do I safely reset a tripped circuit breaker?

First, find your electrical panel and locate the tripped breaker, which will be in the middle position or switched to the off side rather than fully on. Before resetting it, unplug or turn off the devices on that circuit to reduce the load that caused the trip in the first place. To reset it, firmly push the breaker all the way to the off position first, then switch it back to on. You should feel or hear a click. If it trips again immediately, you have an overloaded circuit or a potential wiring fault, and you should call an electrician rather than keep resetting it. Never force a breaker that keeps tripping.