Electrical breakers are an essential part of any home’s electrical system. They protect your home from electrical fires by tripping when there is too much current flowing through them. If a breaker trips, you will need to reset it or replace it. Resetting a breaker is a simple process, but replacing a breaker can be more challenging. However, with a little bit of know-how, you can replace an electrical breaker yourself.
Before you start, you will need to gather a few tools. You will need a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a new breaker. You will also need to turn off the power to the breaker panel before you start working. Once you have gathered your tools and turned off the power, you can begin the process of replacing the breaker. First, you will need to remove the cover from the breaker panel. Then, you will need to locate the breaker that needs to be replaced. Once you have found the breaker, you will need to use the screwdriver to remove the screws that hold it in place. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the breaker out of the panel.
Now, you will need to install the new breaker. To do this, you will need to insert the breaker into the panel and tighten the screws that hold it in place. Once the breaker is installed, you can turn the power back on to the breaker panel. The new breaker should now be working properly. If you are not comfortable replacing an electrical breaker yourself, you can always call a qualified electrician to do the job for you.
Identifying the Breaker Panel
The electrical breaker panel, also known as the fuse box or load center, is a vital component of your home’s electrical system. It houses the circuit breakers or fuses that control the flow of electricity to different areas of your house. In the event of an electrical fault or overload, these devices trip or blow, respectively, to prevent damage to your property and appliances.
Locating the breaker panel can vary depending on the age and design of your house. Here are some common locations to check:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Garage | Often found near the main entrance or in a utility closet |
| Basement | Usually located near the laundry area or in an unfinished room |
| Utility Room | A separate room dedicated to housing utility equipment, including the breaker panel |
| Kitchen | May be found in a pantry or under the sink (less common) |
Once you’ve located the breaker panel, take note of its location for future reference. It’s also important to keep the panel clear of obstacles and flammable materials to ensure safe accessibility in case of an emergency.
Shutting Off Power to the Panel
Before beginning any electrical work, it is absolutely essential to turn off the power to the panel. This is a safety measure that will prevent electrical shock or electrocution. Here are the steps on how to properly shut off power to the panel:
1. Locate the Main Breaker or Main Disconnect
The main breaker is typically a large, double-pole breaker located at the top or bottom of the electrical panel. It may be labeled “Main” or “Main Disconnect.” If there is no main circuit breaker, look for the main disconnect switch, which is typically a large, red switch located outside the panel.
2. Turn Off the Main Breaker or Main Disconnect
To turn off the main breaker, flip the handle to the “Off” position. To turn off the main disconnect switch, pull the handle out to the “Off” position. Make sure that the main breaker or disconnect switch is fully turned off before proceeding.
3. Verify that the Power is Off
Once you have turned off the main breaker or main disconnect, use a non-contact voltage tester to verify that the power is off. Touch the probes of the tester to the terminals of the main breaker or disconnect switch. If the tester lights up or beeps, there is still power present. If the tester does not light up or beep, the power is off and it is safe to proceed.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the main breaker or main disconnect. |
| 2 | Turn off the main breaker or main disconnect. |
| 3 | Verify that the power is off. |
Removing the Tripped Breaker
Once you have identified the tripped breaker, you will need to remove it from the breaker panel. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
1. Turn off the main breaker
The first step is to turn off the main breaker. This will cut off all power to the breaker panel, making it safe to work on.
2. Locate the tripped breaker
Once the main breaker is off, you need to locate the tripped breaker. This will be the breaker that is in the “tripped” position. The tripped position is typically indicated by a red or orange flag.
3. Remove the cover plate
Once you have located the tripped breaker, you need to remove the cover plate. The cover plate is typically held in place by one or two screws. Once the screws are removed, the cover plate can be lifted off.
4. Pull out the tripped breaker
With the cover plate removed, you can now pull out the tripped breaker. The breaker will be held in place by a metal clip. To release the clip, you need to push down on the top of the breaker and pull it towards you at the same time. Once the clip is released, the breaker can be pulled out completely.
| Caution: |
|---|
| Do not touch the electrical contacts on the breaker. They can be live even if the breaker is turned off. |
Inspecting the Breaker for Damage
1. Check for Discoloration:
Any unusual coloration, such as yellowing or blackening, may indicate excessive heat or arcing, signaling damage.
2. Inspect Terminals:
Examine both the line and load terminals for any loose connections, burnt marks, or damaged insulation. Tighten any loose screws to ensure a secure connection.
3. Check Trip Mechanism:
Manually trip the breaker and reset it to check if the mechanism operates smoothly. If the breaker does not trip when necessary or does not reset properly, it may be faulty and require replacement.
4. Look for Physical Deformation:
Inspect the breaker for any visible dents, cracks, or warps that may compromise its structural integrity.
5. Examine the Switchboard or Panel:
If the affected breaker is part of a larger switchboard or panel, take note of any irregular odors or sounds emanating from the enclosure. This could indicate overcurrent or potential electrical faults within the system.
| Odor | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Burning Plastic | Overheated or damaged wiring |
| Sulfur | Battery or insulation damage |
| Electrical Fire | Immediate electrical hazard, evacuate and call emergency services |
6. Test the Breaker:
If you have access to a circuit tester, you can temporarily disconnect the wires from the breaker and perform a continuity test to check its functionality.
Replacing the Faulty Breaker
Replacing the faulty breaker requires careful attention to detail and safety precautions. Follow these steps to ensure a successful and safe replacement:
1. Identify the Faulty Breaker: Determine which breaker controls the circuit that is experiencing the issue.
2. Turn Off the Main Breaker: Locate the main electrical panel and turn off the main breaker to cut off power to the entire house.
3. Remove the Panel Cover: Remove the screws or latches on the electrical panel cover to expose the breakers inside.
4. Label the Breaker: Use a piece of masking tape or a label maker to mark the faulty breaker for easy identification.
5. Remove the Faulty Breaker: Locate the release lever or latch on the breaker and gently pull it out of the panel. Do not touch the metal terminals on the back of the breaker.
6. Install the New Breaker: Ensure that the new breaker matches the amperage rating and type of the old breaker. Insert the new breaker into the panel, aligning it with the correct slots. Push it firmly into place until it snaps or locks.
| Step | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 6.1 | Connect the Wires: Connect the wires from the circuit to the terminals on the back of the new breaker. Use caution to ensure proper connections and tighten securely. | |
| 6.2 | Install the Breaker Cover: | Place the cover plate over the breaker and secure it with screws or latches. |
| 6.3 | Turn On the Main Breaker: | Return to the main electrical panel and turn on the main breaker to restore power to the house. |
| 6.4 | Test the Circuit: | Turn on the switch or appliance associated with the replaced breaker to ensure that it is functioning correctly. |
Tightening the Breaker Screws
To secure the breaker in place, tighten the screws that hold it to the electrical panel. These screws are typically located at the top and bottom of the breaker. Use a screwdriver that fits the screws snugly to avoid stripping the heads.
Start by tightening the bottom screw, then move on to the top screw. Tighten each screw until it is snug, but do not overtighten them. If the screws are too tight, they can damage the breaker or the electrical panel. Conversely, if they are too loose, the breaker may not stay in place securely.
Here are some additional tips for tightening the breaker screws:
- Use a screwdriver that is the correct size for the screws.
- Hold the screwdriver straight and apply pressure directly to the screw head.
- Tighten the screws until they are snug, but do not overtighten them.
- Check the screws periodically to ensure that they are still tight.
If you are unsure about how to tighten the breaker screws, it is best to consult with a qualified electrician.
| Screw Location | Tightening Sequence |
|---|---|
| Bottom | Tighten first |
| Top | Tighten second |
Restoring Power to the Panel
Once you have replaced the faulty breaker, it’s time to restore power to the panel.
- Turn off the main breaker.
- Install the new breaker (if necessary).
- Check the wires to ensure they are connected properly.
- Turn on the main breaker.
- Flip the new breaker to the “on” position.
- Check if the power is restored to the affected circuits.
- If the power is not restored, check for any loose connections.
- If the power is still not restored, you may need to contact a qualified electrician.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The new breaker trips immediately. | There may be a short circuit in the electrical system. Disconnect all appliances and devices from the affected circuits and try again. If the breaker still trips, contact an electrician. |
| The new breaker doesn’t turn on. | Check the connections to make sure they are secure. If the connections are secure, the breaker may be defective. Contact the manufacturer for warranty information. |
| The power is restored to the affected circuits, but some devices are not working. | There may be a problem with the device itself. Try plugging it into a different outlet or checking its warranty information. |
Troubleshooting Common Breaker Issues
1. **Breaker keeps tripping:** Overloaded circuit, short circuit, faulty wire or appliance.
2. **Breaker won’t reset:** Tripped breaker due to overload or fault, faulty breaker or wiring.
3. **Breaker feels warm or hot:** Overload on circuit, faulty breaker or wiring.
4. **Flickering or dimming lights:** Loose or faulty wire connection, overloading on circuit.
5. **Buzzing or humming sound:** Faulty breaker, loose wire connections.
6. **Burning smell:** Overheating in breaker or wiring, indicating potential fire hazard.
7. **Arcing or sparking:** Loose wire connections, faulty breaker, indicating potential shock hazard.
8. **Discolored breaker panel:** Overheating due to overload or faulty wiring.
9. **Rust or corrosion on breaker panel or wires:** Moisture or water damage, leading to electrical hazards.
10. **Suspected ground fault:** Tripped breaker or tripped GFCI outlet, indicating potential dangerous electrical fault. Contact a qualified electrician for immediate attention.
| Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) | Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) |
|---|---|
| Protects against electrical shocks by detecting imbalances in current flow. | Protects against electrical fires caused by arcing faults in wiring. |
| May trip due to moisture or faulty appliances. | May trip due to loose or damaged wiring. |
| Test and reset button on the device. | Test and reset button on the electrical panel. |
How to Change an Electrical Breaker
Changing an electrical breaker is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. However, it is important to take safety precautions and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Materials you will need:
- New electrical breaker
- Screwdriver
- Flashlight
- Electrical tape
Instructions:
- Turn off the power to the circuit breaker panel. This can be done by flipping the main breaker to the "off" position.
- Locate the breaker that needs to be replaced. The breaker will be labeled with the circuit that it controls.
- Remove the cover from the circuit breaker panel. The cover is usually held in place by screws or clips.
- Pull the breaker out of the panel. The breaker will be held in place by a metal clip. Use a screwdriver to release the clip and pull the breaker out.
- Disconnect the wires from the breaker. The wires will be held in place by screws. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws and disconnect the wires.
- Connect the wires to the new breaker. The wires will be color-coded. Connect the black wire to the "line" terminal, the white wire to the "neutral" terminal, and the green or bare copper wire to the "ground" terminal.
- Push the new breaker into the panel. The breaker will snap into place when it is fully inserted.
- Replace the cover on the circuit breaker panel. The cover will snap into place when it is fully seated.
- Turn the power back on to the circuit breaker panel. Flip the main breaker to the "on" position.
People Also Ask
How do I know if a circuit breaker is bad?
There are a few signs that a circuit breaker may be bad. These include:
- The breaker is tripped frequently.
- The breaker is hot to the touch.
- The breaker is making a buzzing or humming sound.
- The breaker is discolored or has burn marks.
Can I change a circuit breaker myself?
Yes, you can change a circuit breaker yourself if you are comfortable working with electricity. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and take safety precautions.
What is the difference between a circuit breaker and a fuse?
Circuit breakers and fuses both protect electrical circuits from overloads. However, circuit breakers can be reset after they trip, while fuses must be replaced.
