The electricity went off in my house, when I checked the breaker box the main breaker was tripped. When, I turned the main back on it sizzled and was hot. I had my dryer and washer running at the time this happened. Should the main be left off or turned on. I turned off the washer and dryer and furnace.

Sounds like the Buss, the breaker plugs onto, or the breaker. If the wires attached to the breaker are loose can generate heat and trip breaker as well.