How to Change the Amps Switch in a House Circuit Breaker Box

Amps switches (or circuit breakers) are used to keep your home safe from an electrical short. When the current running through the wires reaches a certain point, it triggers the amps switch, which automatically shuts off the electricity. If an amps switch is malfunctioning, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible to safeguard against an overload. You can perform the operation yourself, provided you employ a little basic safety.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement amps switch (circuit breaker) Voltmeter Screwdriver Masking tape

Instructions

1. Shut off the main power to the house. No electricity should be flowing through the wiring while you work.

2. Open the circuit breaker box and remove the framing panel with a screwdriver, then set it carefully aside.

3. Turn the faulty amps switch to the "off" position and test the current with a voltmeter by placing one prong on the terminal screw (the "hot" screw) and one prong on the ground screw, located along one side of the circuit breaker box. You should get no reading on the voltmeter, meaning there's no electricity running through the wiring and it's safe to proceed.

4. Remove the faulty amps switch from its housing, either by unscrewing it or just snapping it out of the framework (the exact method depends on what kind of circuit box you have).

5. Unscrew the wires from the terminals on the faulty amps switch and pull them free. Note which wire goes to which terminal (mark them with pieces of masking tape if you need to).

6. Loosen the terminal screws on the new switch and slide the wires in. Check to make sure the proper wires are attached to the corresponding terminal, then tighten the screws.

7. Snap the new switch into place or screw it into the housing, as appropriate.

8. Turn the power back on, turn the switch on, and test the wiring with the voltmeter to ensure that electricity is flowing through it as it should.

9. Fit the circuit box panel back into place, and screw it in tightly.

Tips & Warnings

• When purchasing a new amp switch, make sure it has the exact same amperage as the one you are replacing (typically 15, 20 or 30 amps).

• It's important to stay grounded when replacing amps switches in case of an unexpected electrical surge. Wear shoes with rubber soles when you work and make sure the floor your are standing on is dry. If it isn't you should mop and dry any standing water, and then stand on a rubber mat at all times.