Comments on: How to Replace a Circuit Breaker

on 8/3/2008 Sometimes a breaker will not stay in the "on" position because the switch is slightly sticky. Before concluding that the breaker is bad and replacing it, try squirting a little WD-40 into the switch and turning it on and off a few times. It worked for a breaker I was having trouble with.

on 7/27/2007 the comment about two wires could and most likely is referring to 220 volt breakers.

on 12/28/2006 There is only ONE wire attached to a common circuit breaker. It MUST NOT be colored WHITE OR GREEN. It is usually black or red. The only circuit breakers that have a white wire (already connected to it) or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI). Never buy any circuit breaker replacement for your electrical panel unless it is "listed" for that panel. Check the placard inside your electrical panel for the circuit breakers allowed for that panel. Caution: some breakers look very similar put have slight differences that prevent using them in a particular panel or position. Check with a licensed electrician first to make sure you do not have a "fault" before assuming that a consistently tripping breaker is faulty. It may save your life or that of a loved one.

on 2/28/2006 To be double sure power is off, use a voltmeter to test main line and make sure it shows 0 volts.

on 1/27/2006 DO NOT BEGIN WORK IN THE PANEL WITHOUT FIRST TURNING OF YOUR MAIN POWER SUPPLY. There is usually a main power switch in the panel.

on 11/22/2005 When replacing a circuit breaker, it is a standard practice to keep the new circuit breaker off when being mechanically assembled into the panel. This will avoid electrical shocks to the operator, in case the main power source is still connected.

on 11/22/2005 Caution: ALWAYS cut the main circuit breaker BEFORE opening the main panel - there is a lot of power running through there, even if an individual circuit breaker is "off". (The E-how instructions do not include this step...)

on 11/22/2005 To save time and trips, read the label on the inside of the panel door and write down the company name and type of breaker. Some are interchangeable and some are not. Home centers are good but usually can't guess which breaker is right for you.