How to Replace a Faulty Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker handles the flow of electricity in homes and other buildings. It acts as a protection in the event of a power surge, faulty wiring or other electrical malfunctions. If any breaker becomes faulty, you need to replace it as soon as possible to keep your circuits safe and usable. You don't need to wait for an electrician to fix the breaker because you can repair it on your own. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Turn off each individual circuit breaker in the breaker box. Switch the large main breaker to turn off all power to the box.
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Touch each of the breaker screws, using the probe on a voltmeter. If the meter says there is power running to the circuits, stop the repair and call an electrician.
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Remove the small screws holding the front of the breaker box and pull off the cover. Set the cover aside and keep the screws someplace safe for later.
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Disconnect the two wires connected to the bad circuit. Simply unscrew the small screws at the end of the breaker. Pull the wires out from under the loose screws.
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Pop the faulty breaker out of the breaker box. You can use the screwdriver to pry the breaker out of the holding space.
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Push the new breaker into the empty space in the box and reconnect the screws. Tighten the small screws to hold the wires in place, but make sure each is oriented the same way as before.
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Push the cover back onto the breaker box and drive the screws into place. Turn the main breaker back on, and then each individual one.
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Tips & Warnings
Test the circuits before switching off, if you're unsure which is faulty. Switch one off at a time until you determine which is bad.
Never handle live wires, or you could get seriously shocked and injured.
