How to Change a Circuit Breaker Switch

Electricity is distributed throughout our homes by either a fuse box or a current interrupting circuit breaker. From time to time the circuit breaker may become faulty from either a lightening strike or overuse. Follow this basic procedure to safely replace a circuit breaker.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Turn off the main power to the circuit breaker box by either shutting off the main power switch located below the electric meter or the main switch on the circuit panel itself. Do not perform any work on the panel box until all power is turned off.

2. Use the proper screwdriver and remove the protective cover of the panel. There may be either 4 or 6 screws, depending on the size of the circuit breaker panel box. Set these screws aside in a safe place so you will not lose them.

3. Identify the circuit breaker that is faulty and use a screwdriver to remove the black feed wire it supplies. A few turns of the screwdriver will loosen the terminal to remove the wire. Bend the wire out of the way. With the circuit breaker in the "off" position, push the switch lever hard to the outside of the box . The breaker switch should "pop" out of the slot. Some breakers may use a small screw that holds the switch to the bus bar. If this is the case, carefully remove the screw and the breaker will come loose.

4. Replace the breaker in the same manner as you removed it. If it is held in place with a screw, carefully reattach the conductive bar to the main bus bar. If the breaker snapped out of the slot, feed the connector end onto the bus slot and snap it back into place.

5. Reattach the black feed wire for the circuit into the screw terminal of the breaker. Double-check the tightness of the screw by pulling a little on the wire to be sure it does not come loose. Replace the main protective cover with all the screws you removed.

6. Turn the main power back on the panel box and switch on the new breaker you had just installed.

Tips & Warnings

• Always remove the main power on any electrical distribution box or device before working on that piece of equipment. Follow all local, state and national codes when replacing or installing electrical equipment, devices or distribution apparatus.