Reset a tripped breaker once
Look at your panel and push a tripped breaker to the off position, then back to on.
What to know before you get started.
We want you to stay safe while you troubleshoot power issues in your home. Most electrical problems need our tools and training, but you can check a few things before you call us to your home.
What you can safely check yourself
You can do a few simple checks to see if you have a minor issue or a utility outage. These steps help you decide if you need us to visit your house on the Palouse.
Test your GFCI outlets
Press the test and reset buttons on outlets in your kitchen, bathroom, or garage.
Unplug the last appliance used
Move the space heater or toaster that caused the power to drop and try the breaker again.
Check with your neighbors
Look outside to see if the streetlights are out or if nearby houses also lack power.
Check your utility provider
Call Avista, Clearwater Power, or Inland Power if the whole neighborhood is dark.
One device or the whole circuit
We look at how much of your home lost power to find the source of the trouble. A single dead lamp usually means a broken bulb, while a dark room points to your panel.
Test a different outlet
Plug your lamp into a wall on the other side of the room to see if it works.
Check the whole wall
See if every outlet in the room stopped working at the same time.
Look for half power
Notice if your stove and dryer work while your lights stay dim or dark.
Signs that end the do-it-yourself conversation
Stop what you are doing if you notice heat or strange odors near your wiring. These signs mean you face a fire risk and must call us.
Burning smells or smoke
Turn off the breaker and call us if you smell ozone or plastic burning near an outlet.
Hot or buzzing panels
Do not touch a panel that feels warm to the hand or makes a loud humming sound.
Repeatedly tripping breakers
Stop trying to reset a breaker that clicks off as soon as you flip it.
Scorched outlet faces
Look for brown or black marks on your outlets that suggest a loose wire or arcing.
Water near your wiring
Call us if a pipe leak or basement flood reaches your outlets or baseboard heaters.
What the law actually lets homeowners do
You have the right to work on your own home, but you must follow state rules in Idaho and Washington. Both states use the NEC 2023 code to keep residents safe.
Idaho homeowner permits
You can pull a permit through the Idaho DOPL if you live in the home you own.
Washington L&I rules
You may do your own wiring with an L&I permit and inspection if it is your primary residence.
Rentals and businesses
Rental homes and business spaces need a licensed electrician in both states, even for small fixes.
Inspections before cover-up
You must schedule an inspector to look at your work before you cover any wires.
A simple triage
Use these steps to decide your next move when you have electrical trouble. We can help you sort out permits or handle the repairs during our normal business hours.
The reset held
Watch the outlet for a few days but you likely do not need us yet.
The breaker trips again
Call us to find the short circuit or the failing part inside your wall.
Urgent heat or smells
Turn off the main breaker and call us during business hours for help.
Planning a new project
Contact the DOPL or L&I to learn about permit needs before you buy any wire.
Questions about when to call an electrician
Can I reset a tripped breaker myself?
Yes, you can flip the breaker to the off position and then back to on one time. If it trips again immediately, you should stop and call us to prevent damage to your wiring.
Can a homeowner do their own electrical work in Washington or Idaho?
Yes, both states allow you to wire your own primary home if you get the right permits. You must follow the NEC 2023 standards and pass an inspection from the DOPL or L&I.
What should I do if I smell burning near an outlet or the panel?
Turn off the power at the main breaker and call us right away during business hours. A burning smell often means a wire is melting or arcing behind your wall.
Do I need an electrician to replace a dead outlet?
No, not always. Both states let you swap an outlet in the home you live in with the right permit. Most people still have us do it so the grounding is right and a GFCI goes in where the code now calls for one.
Is a buzzing electrical panel an emergency?
Yes, a loud buzz from your panel often points to a failing breaker or a loose connection. Call us during our office hours so we can look at the bus bar and breakers.
Related Crescent pages
Explore related service, location, cost, permit, and planning guides.
- Electrical Planning Guides
- Electrical Repair and Troubleshooting
- Electrical services
- Emergency Electrician
- Why a Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
- Outlet Not Working but the Breaker Is On
- What Flickering Lights Can Mean
- Home Electrical Maintenance Checklist
- Idaho Electrical Permits and Inspections
- Washington Electrical Permits and Inspections
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