How to Replace a Household Circuit Breaker
A faulty circuit breaker is a huge problem because it will knock out electricity in at least some portion of your home. Some breakers will only control a few outlets or light switches while others control vital items such as a refrigerator or air conditioner. A non-working breaker does not mean that you will have to pay a huge electrician bill. Breakers are not difficult to replace and require just a few standard tools. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Turn off all of the branch circuit breakers in the panel. Turn off the main breaker only after all the other breakers are off.
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Use a voltage tester to confirm there is no electricity flowing to the breaker you will be replacing and the breakers surrounding it.
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Remove the breaker panel cover to gain access to all wiring that you will need to remove.
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Loosen the screw holding the wire that runs to the faulty breaker. Pull the wire away from the breaker. Some breakers are double or piggyback and will have two wires. Remove both wires.
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Use a screwdriver to pry the breaker loose from the box. Remove and discard.
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Place the new breaker in place and push firmly to ensure it is completely in. Reconnect the wire under the screw and tighten it back down.
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Replace the cover on the panel box. Turn on the main breaker followed by each branch circuit breaker. The branch breakers need to be done one at a time to ensure that each one is working properly.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to observe how the faulty breaker is plugged into the panel box when removing. This will help you to connect the new one properly.
Never attempt to fix an electrical problem without using a voltage meter first. Assuming that no electricity is flowing could cost you your life.
References
- Photo Credit electrician image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
