# Tesla Powerwall Breaker Open alert: what it means and what to do

A "Breaker Open" alert in the Tesla app means the AC breaker that connects your Powerwall to your home electrical system is off, so Powerwall is disconnected and cannot store or supply energy. Tesla says another sign is that the LED light on the right side of the Powerwall does not turn on. The breaker needs to be switched back on, but only if there are no signs of heat damage.

## Common causes

- The AC breaker that connects Powerwall to your home is off. Tesla says this can happen for several reasons, for example the breaker being switched off during other electrical work or tripping.

## Safe steps to try

1. **Look for heat damage first** Check the breaker box from the outside for smoke, a burning smell or scorch marks. If you see any of these, do not touch anything and contact Tesla Customer Support or your installer right away.
2. **Use Tesla's guided troubleshooter** Open Tesla's Powerwall troubleshooting page, find Breaker Open and select Troubleshoot. It signs you in to your Tesla account and walks you through the breaker check for your system.
3. **Switch the Powerwall breaker back on** Tesla's alert says the AC breaker connecting Powerwall to your home needs to be switched back on. Find the breaker labeled for Powerwall in your breaker panel and switch it fully on. If it switches off again, leave it off and call for service.
4. **Confirm Powerwall is back** After a few minutes, check that the LED on the right side of Powerwall is lit and that the alert clears in the Tesla app.

## When to call a professional

Contact Tesla or your installer if you see any sign of heat damage, if the breaker will not stay on, if you cannot identify the Powerwall breaker, or if the alert remains after the breaker is on. Tesla advises not to troubleshoot during a grid outage or extreme weather.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Powerwall backing up my home while the breaker is open?

No. Tesla's alert text says Powerwall is disconnected from your home electrical system and cannot operate until the breaker is switched back on.

### Why would the breaker turn off on its own?

A breaker trips to protect the circuit. If the Powerwall breaker keeps tripping, there may be a wiring or equipment problem that a technician needs to find, so do not keep resetting it.

### Is this the same as the Side Switch Off banner?

No. Side Switch Off means the on/off switch on the Powerwall itself is off. Breaker Open refers to the AC breaker in your electrical panel.

Canonical page: https://otovo.com/repair/tesla/breaker-open