How To Replace A Circuit Breaker

Every diy home repair person should know how to replace an electrical circuit breaker. It is not as hard to do as most people think. In fact with the right knowledge it is a simple task.

Circuit breakers protect the electrical wiring and appliances plugged into your wall outlets. They trip and cut the power when there are hazards or the circuit is overloaded preventing damage to appliances, the wiring of your house and fires.

While replacing a circuit breaker is not complicated it is dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. Safety always comes first this article will guide you in the safe replacement of circuit breakers.

Types of circuit breakers

Keep in mind there are different types of curcuit breakers.

Single pole for one wire like your wall electrical outlets and ceiling lights. Double pole like you see for large appliances and HVAC.

There is also GFCI for wet locations and AFCI. When replacing a breaker you need to know which type you have and the amps (15A, 20A, 50A).

Signs of a faulty circuit breaker

• Your circuit breaker constantly trips this could be a sign of a short in the wiring or an overload. Could also be an internal problem with the breaker.
• Breaker looks bad has cracks burn marks or melted areas.
• A burning smell at the breaker box could be a sign of a bad breaker.
• Your appliances or electronic devices aren’t working properly, lights keep flickering.

Preparation before replacing a circuit breaker

Working on a breaker inside the electrical panel is dangerous. Before you do anything turn off the main power supply to your house. Wear some insulated gloves and safety glasses. Use a multimeter to test if power is completely off to the breaker if you don’t have one buy one.

Tools needed

• Screwdriver, multimeter, flashlight
• You will need a new breaker take old breaker with you to purchase
• Safety Gear gloves, eye protection

Understanding your electrical panel

Using the wrong breaker can damage your wiring so double check the breaker before installing. Locate the problem breaker in the panel it should be labeled on the inside door of the electrical panel. With the main power off, test that there is no power with a multi-meter first then you can take off the cover of the electrical panel exposing the breakers.

Replacing A Circuit Breaker Step By Step

Remove any debris furniture or boxes blocking access to the panel. With the panel cover off locate the breaker. Using the screwdriver gently remove the breaker from it’s slot. Detach the wires from the breaker by loosening the screws then pull the wires out of the slot.

If you leave the panel for any reason put a caution sign up or lockout tag the panel before leaving unattended.

Install The New Circuit Breaker

Put the wires inside the slot of the new breaker and tighten the screws. Install the new breaker into the panel making sure it is connected properly and it is connected securely. Check all of your connections, replace the panel cover, check that all breakers that are supposed to be on are on, turn back on the main power to the house and turn on the breaker to test. If the device attached to the circuit is working properly you are done. All breakers inside the panel should be labeled on the door to which circuit they operate.

When To Seek Professional Help

If at any time you feel the scope of work is beyond what you feel comfortable doing, you see sparks, smell burning or the new circuit breaker continues to trip call an electrician it may not be the breaker that is causing the problem.