How to Change Home Circuit Breakers

As with any project dealing with the electricity, you should always use extreme caution when working with circuit breakers. When replacing a circuit breaker from the main breaker box of the house, it is always a good practice to shut off the main breaker, but remember to first shut off all the breakers in the box before shutting off the main beaker. This will prevent power surges, which can destroy other breakers in the box. Never work with live wires.

Things You'll Need

• Circuit breaker Phillips head screwdriver Slotted screwdriver Wire strippers

Instructions

1. Shut off all the breakers in the box before shutting off the main beaker. Turn off the main breaker. If this is not possible, use extreme caution while removing and installing a new circuit breaker.

2. Locate the four screws that hold the cover in place on the breaker box. Remove the screws carefully; do not allow the cover to slide over any live wires.

3. Locate the circuit breaker that needs replacing. Grip the breaker with your thumb and forefinger at the opposite end of where the wire attaches. The breaker box has a vertical clamp in the center of it. These clamps hold the circuit breakers in place and connect them to the power source.

4. Lift the end of the circuit breaker from the clamp until it is free. It will rock toward the outside edge of the breaker box on a pivot point that holds it in place. Free the breaker from its pivot point.

5. Loosen the screw that holds the wire at the base of the circuit breaker until the wire pulls free.

6. Install the new circuit breaker by attaching the wire in the same place on the new breaker and clamping it back into place in the breaker box. Replace the screws and then the cover to the breaker box.

Tips & Warnings

• Shut off all the breakers in the box before shutting off the main beaker. A flashlight helps to locate wires inside the breaker box. Disposing of the old breaker in the trash will not cause any harm.

• Do not work with live electricity. Do not reach into the breaker box with both hands at the same time. Insulate yourself between the floor and the breaker box by wearing rubber shoes or rubber gloves.