Umair Gaines
Replacing a circuit breaker is a simple process, but it requires careful work and extreme caution. It is always best to get a qualified electrician to perform any electrical work. If you decide to replace a circuit breaker yourself, you should first identify the brand, type, and size of the breaker you'll be replacing. You should then locate the main circuit breaker and flip it to the OFF position. Next, remove the metal frame around the circuit breakers by loosening the screws on the electrical panel. Locate the circuit breaker to be replaced, unscrew the wire from the breaker, and remove it. Finally, hook the back of the new breaker into the back holder clip on the breaker panel and push the breaker forward into place.
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What You'll Learn
Identify the type of breaker
Before you get started with changing an electrical breaker, it is important to identify the brand, type, and size of the breaker you'll be replacing. Breakers come in many different shapes and sizes, and even if they look identical, there are differences in tension, the way they connect to the holder, and how deeply they mount to the bus bars.
Major types of breaker panels include Square D QO, GE, and Homeline, and they will only work with breakers designed for their panels. Some breaker types may fit into other manufacturers' panels, but unless they have been tested and approved for use, it is best not to mix and match. For instance, if your Breaker-Panel is made by "Zinsco", it is a fire hazard and should be replaced by a licensed electrician.
To identify the type of breaker, you can start by locating the electrical panel, which is typically found in the basement, garage, utility room, or hallway. Once you've found the panel, open the door and look for an index that tells you which area of the home each breaker serves. This will help you locate the corresponding breaker that needs to be replaced.
If you are unsure about the type of breaker or the replacement process, it is always best to consult a qualified electrician. They have the expertise and tools necessary to diagnose any problems and address underlying issues safely.
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Locate the main circuit breaker
Before attempting to change an electrical breaker, it is important to locate the main circuit breaker. This is usually found in the electrical panel, which could be in your basement, garage, utility room, or hallway. Once you have located the electrical panel, open the panel door. If your breaker panel is made by Zinsco, it is important to note that it is a fire hazard and should be replaced by a licensed electrician.
The electrical panel will contain an index that tells you which area of your home each breaker serves. You can use this to locate the corresponding breaker. The switch on the tripped circuit breaker will rest between the "on" and "off" positions. If it is not clear which breaker has tripped, you can identify it by moving through the panel and pushing all the breakers that are "on" toward the "on" position. Breakers that have not tripped will be firmly set in the "on" position. The tripped breaker will feel springy and won't stay in the "on" position.
Once you have located the main circuit breaker, it is important to take safety precautions. Put on safety glasses and stand to the side of the service panel. Turn the main circuit breaker to the "off" position. This will shut off power to the branch circuit breakers but will not affect the incoming power service lines or the terminals they connect to in the service panel. Always assume that wires are live and never work on a live circuit panel.
After locating the main circuit breaker and taking the necessary safety precautions, you can proceed with replacing the electrical breaker.
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Turn off the power
Before beginning any work on a circuit breaker, it is important to turn off the power. Working with electricity can be dangerous, and it is always best to get a qualified electrician to perform any electrical work. If you are not a qualified electrician, exercise extreme caution.
To turn off the power, locate the main circuit breaker. This is usually found in the electrical panel in the basement, garage, utility room, or hallway. Once you have found the main circuit breaker, flip it to the 'OFF' position. It may be helpful to have a flashlight handy, as this will put you in the dark. All branch circuits in the panel will now be shut off. It is important to wear safety glasses and stand to the side of the service panel when turning a circuit breaker on or off. Turn your eyes away from the panel until the transition is made, as there is a small chance of explosion.
The main breaker shuts off power to the branch circuit breakers but does not affect the incoming power service lines or the terminals they connect to (called service lugs) in the service panel. To ensure that the power is off, you can use a multimeter voltage tester to check the continuity of a breaker. Place one lead of the multimeter on the screw terminal and the other on the supply terminal of the breaker. The reading on the multimeter should be "0L". Repeat this process with the breaker in the "on" position; the reading should be "0". A reading of "0L" means the breaker is not functioning.
If you are having problems turning off the power, it is important to consult a professional.
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Remove the old breaker
Before you begin, it is important to note that electrical work can be dangerous and should be carried out with extreme caution. If you are not a qualified electrician, it is best to seek professional help.
Now, to remove the old electrical breaker, follow these steps:
Firstly, locate the main circuit breaker and flip it to the OFF position. Ensure you have a flashlight handy as this will turn off power to all branch circuits in the panel. It is also recommended to wear safety glasses for eye protection. Stand to the side of the service panel and turn your eyes away from it as you flip the switch. This is because there is a small chance of an explosion, and these measures are designed to protect you.
Next, remove the metal frame surrounding the circuit breakers. You can do this by loosening the screws on the electrical panel. Once removed, locate the circuit breaker that needs to be replaced on the exposed panel. You may need to identify which area of the home each breaker serves. This can be done by referring to the index inside the panel.
Now, you need to detach the wiring. Unscrew the wire from the faulty breaker and carefully remove it. You can then test the resistance using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to “Ohms”, and place one lead on the screw terminal and the other on the supply terminal of the breaker. Turn the breaker to the “off” position, ensuring the leads remain in contact at both points. The reading on the multimeter should be “0L”. Repeat this process with the breaker in the “on” position, and you should get a reading of “0”. If you instead get a reading of “0L”, this means the breaker is not functioning.
Finally, you can remove the faulty breaker. If it is not easily removed, consult your local electrical supply house for specific instructions regarding your brand of breaker. Alternatively, you can search online for removal instructions. If your breaker is mechanically fastened, you may need to use a screwdriver to lever the release tab and pull the latch back.
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Install the new breaker
Before installing a new breaker, it is important to identify the brand, type, and size of the breaker being replaced. Breakers come in various shapes and sizes, and even if they look similar, there are differences in tension, connection, and mounting depth. It is crucial to ensure that the new breaker is compatible with the existing breaker panel.
To install the new breaker, begin by hooking the back of the breaker into the back holder clip on the breaker panel. You may need to apply some force to push the breaker forward into place, ensuring that it lines up with the bus bar. You should feel a click as the breaker snaps securely into place on the hot bus bar. Neatly tuck any excess wire into the panel, being cautious not to touch other wires or metal components.
The next step is to replace the service panel cover and secure it with screws. Before turning on the main breaker, ensure that all individual circuit breakers are in the OFF position. This precaution will prevent a sudden high power demand on the electrical service when the main circuit breaker is activated.
Now, you can proceed to turn on the main circuit breaker. Flip the lever on the main breaker to the ON position. After that, turn on each individual branch circuit breaker one at a time. With these steps completed, the new breaker should be successfully installed and functioning.
It is important to note that working with electricity requires extreme caution. Always assume that wires are live and never work on a live circuit panel. If you are unfamiliar with electrical work or feel uncomfortable at any point, it is best to consult a licensed electrician.
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Frequently asked questions
If the breaker continues to trip, it may be faulty and need replacing. You can also test the circuit breaker using a multimeter voltage tester to check its continuity.
Always assume that wires are live and never work on a live circuit panel. Turn off the main circuit that feeds the panel box and, if possible, the main breaker for the main feed to the entire panel. Wear safety glasses and stand to the side of the service panel when turning the circuit breaker on or off.
Identify the brand, type, and size of the breaker you'll be replacing. Breaker panels are usually brand-specific, so ensure the new breaker is designed for your panel.
Remove the metal frame around the circuit breakers by unscrewing the screws on the electrical panel. Locate the circuit breaker to be replaced on the exposed panel. Unscrew and remove the wiring connected to the breaker.
Hook the back of the new breaker into the back holder clip on the breaker panel and push it into place, ensuring it lines up with the bus bar. Reattach the cover and screws, then flip the branch circuit breakers to the OFF position before turning the main circuit breaker on.
