If the circuit breaker won’t reset and trips quickly, the problem might be a short circuit. A short circuit happens when a current-carrying hot wire comes into contact with a neutral wire. In this scenario, the flipped breaker provides a safety measure and confirmation that your circuit breaker is functioning correctly. A short circuit can result in damaged equipment, overheating or even a fire danger. If you believe a short circuit is causing your circuit breaker to trip, turn it off and contact a qualified electrician.