How to Replace a Circuit Breaker in Your Home’s Electrical Panel

There are a few reasons why a circuit breaker trips. Most commonly, it is due to a wiring or grounding problem. Another possibility is that it gets overloaded. Each circuit breaker carries a specific amperage rating, which could get overworked, and then the breaker trips to protect the circuit.

Occasionally, however, fuses may just wear down. This is usually caused by the breaker tripping too often, wearing down its internal switch. Power spikes and lightning hits may easily overload the fuse, and water damage can destroy it.

Regardless of what is the reason, when the time comes for you to replace a circuit breaker in your home’s electrical panel, you should take all the necessary safety precautions.

Preparation

Before you begin, you need to identify the brand, type and size of the breaker you wish to replace.

They come in many different shapes and sizes, and you should never replace a breaker with one from another manufacturer. Despite their similar look, fuses can have significant differences regarding tension, how deeply they mount to the bus bars and how they connect in the holder.

Find a small label near the reset lever to show the tension the breaker can handle. You should always get a new one with the same rating. If you opt for a smaller trip point, it will not work correctly. A bigger amperage rating can cause a fire.

Tools You’ll Need For the Electrical Repair

Now that you have your replacement ready, there are a few other things you need to prepare before you start the electrical repairs to your circuit breaker:

• Screwdriver. You may need a Phillips or a flathead screwdriver to remove the cover based on your panel type.
• Voltage tester. Even though you have disconnected the circuit, it is vital to have the ability to check it to ensure you can safely start working. A voltage test will help you determine if there’s any electrical current still present.
• Flashlight. A lot of the time, you will find yourself working in the dark. A good flashlight will save you a lot of time and stress.
• Safety gear. This is mandatory when working with electricity, regardless of whether you are an experienced electrician or someone who has just started. Wear protective gloves and eyewear to ensure that you are well protected.

Replacement Instructions

Now that you have all the necessary electrical tools ready, it is time to focus on the steps you need to take to replace your circuit breaker.

#1 Turn the Main Power Off

While it is possible to repair and replace an individual circuit breaker without the main power off, unless you are a professional electrician, we strongly advise you never miss this step.

Find the main fuse and flip it to the OFF position. Doing this will turn off the electricity in your property, which includes the lights, so make sure you have your flashlight with you.

Even though very rare, there have been cases where a small explosion occurs when switching a circuit breaker on and off. To ensure your protection in all cases, you should stand to the side with eyes turned away from the breaker while you flip it.

#2 Remove Breaker Panel Cover

Now that the power is off, it is time to unscrew the panel cover plate.

Start by removing the screws on the four corners of the plate, leaving the two in the middle for last. Gently hold the cover while loosening the last fastener. Be careful not to push the lid inside the circuit power as you remove it.

#3 Remove the Old Circuit Breaker

It is now time to find the breaker you want to replace. Despite the main fuse being off, you should not take any risk and switch off the faulty breaker.

If the black insulated wire that connects to the fuse you wish to replace is folded tightly to the sides of the panel, you should carefully extend it. Be extra careful not to touch the other wires or the board itself.

Now that the wire is freed, it is time to remove the switch. Carefully grasp its edge at the inner centre part of the panel and lightly push it to the outer side. This should snap the breaker free, and you can pull it out from inside the panel.

Ensure you do not touch the metal bus bar attached to the breaker. It is completely inactive once the fuse no longer physically touches either of the hot bus bars.

#4 Disconnect the Wires

Remember that isolated wire? You should notice a screw terminal gripping it to the box. Unscrew that to remove the wire safely.

Some circuit breakers (AFCI or GFCI) also have a neutral electrical wires connection and coiled white pigtail wire connected to the neutral bus bar in the panel. Ensure both are disconnected.

#5 Attach Electrical Wires to the New Breaker

Before using the new breaker, set the reset lever to the OFF position.

After that, attach the black electrical cable to the new fuse by inserting its bare end under the screw terminal and tightening it. This terminal is labelled with LOAD POWER or just LOAD on some breakers.

#6 Insert Circuit Breaker

The next step is to hook the back of the new circuit breaker to the holder chip in the panel and push it forward. You should hear a clicking sound. Occasionally, you would need to use force when placing it.

Tuck the excessive wire inside while carefully avoiding the other wires and metal parts on the panel. Make sure to neatly fold it into the space along the panel’s side.

#7 Replace the Panel

Replace the cover and its screws. After that, ensure that all levers on the circuit breakers are switched to the OFF position. By doing this, you will protect them from sudden high power demand.

#8 Turn the Main Power On

If you have followed the steps thus far, you are ready to turn on the main switch power. Flip it to the ON position, wait for a few seconds, and start flipping all the individual breakers one at a time.

Once on, check that all electrical outlets, lights and appliances work throughout your property.

When to Call an Electrician for Help

Replacing a circuit can be unnerving, even for experienced DIYers. It involves working inside the main circuit, where there is a real risk of fatal shock.

Suppose you are not fully confident in your skills, or the panel looks unfamiliar or old. In that case, it is best to avoid taking any risk and contact a professional electrician for the repairs.

Conclusion

Replacing a circuit breaker is a relatively easy task when it comes to electrical services. By following the steps in this article, you can successfully change it.

When repairing or replacing the main fuse, a certain risk is involved. If you are uncomfortable working with electricity, you better call a professional to do the job.