How to Replace Your Own Circuit Breaker

Introduction

Replacing a faulty circuit breaker is a straightforward do-it-yourself home repair project that most homeowners can tackle. With some basic safety knowledge and the right tools, you can replace a bad breaker in less than an hour.

In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the complete process of replacing a circuit breaker step-by-step. I'll cover:

• How circuit breakers work and why they trip
• Circuit breaker types and sizes
• Circuit breaker panel parts and labels
• How to identify the bad breaker
• Safety tips and precautions
• Required tools and materials
• Step-by-step instructions for replacing the breaker
• Testing the new breaker

By the end, you'll have the confidence to safely replace a tripped circuit breaker and restore power in your home. Let's get started!

How Do Circuit Breakers Work?

A circuit breaker is an essential safety device found in the main electrical panel or breaker box. It monitors and controls the electrical flow to circuits in your home.

Its main purpose is to protect the home's electrical wiring from overload and short circuit conditions. If there is too much current flow, the circuit breaker will "trip" or switch off to stop the electricity and prevent fires or damage.

Some common reasons why a circuit breaker trips:

• Overload: Too many appliances or devices running on one circuit
• Short circuit: Faulty wiring or appliance
• Ground fault: Electrical leakage current

When a breaker trips, it disconnects the electricity. You'll notice the power goes out in parts of your home. Flipping the tripped breaker switch back on resets the circuit. But if it trips again, the breaker is likely faulty and needs replacement.

Types of Circuit Breakers

There are three main types of circuit breakers used in modern electrical panels:

1. Single Pole

A single pole breaker controls 120 volt circuits for lighting, receptacles and small appliances. This is the most common breaker type found in homes.

2. Double Pole

A double pole breaker controls 240 volt circuits generally used for large appliances like electric dryers, water heaters and air conditioners.

3. GFCI and AFCI

GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) and AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter) breakers provide advanced protection against electrocution and electrical fires. GFCI monitors current leakage while AFCI detects dangerous arc faults.

Circuit Breaker Sizes

The size of a circuit breaker is given in amps. Standard sizes are:

• 15 amps
• 20 amps
• 30 amps
• 50 amps

Match the new breaker's amperage to the original. Using a higher rated breaker can overload the circuit.

Determining Correct Breaker Size

To determine the correct replacement size:

• Check the amp rating labeled on the tripped breaker
• Consult the inside panel cover - often lists each circuit and size
• Review the electrical load on the circuit

Ovens, AC units and electric dryers often need 30-50 amps. General lighting and receptacle circuits are usually 15-20 amps.

Circuit Breaker Panel Parts

Before replacing a breaker, familiarize yourself with the key components of the electrical panel:

Main breaker - This primary safety switch controls power from the utility line to the service panel. Shut this off when working on the panel.

Individual circuit breakers - Each controls and protects a specific circuit. They trip open when overloaded.

Buss bars - Carry current from the main breaker to the individual circuit breakers.

Neutral and ground bars - Provide return path for current to ground. They are bonded together in the main panel.

Labels - List the room or appliance each breaker powers. Important to note before turning off power.

How to Identify the Bad Breaker

When troubleshooting which specific breaker needs replacement, there are a few methods:

1. Check for a tripped position - The switch will be in between ON/OFF points.

2. Turn breakers OFF and ON - Turn each off and see if it affects the problematic circuit.

3. Use a multi-meter - Turn breakers off one-by-one while testing voltage in the suspect circuit. Zero voltage indicates you've found the right breaker.

4. Look for signs of damage - Overheated, discolored or cracked breaker housings often mean failure.

Once you've identified the tripped or faulty breaker controlling the problematic circuit, turn the main breaker OFF before replacing it.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Working inside the breaker box is dangerous if mishandled. Exercise extreme caution:

• Turn the main breaker OFF before touching any other breaker. Double check it with a multi-meter. This cuts power from the entire panel.

• Use a non-contact voltage tester on wires before touching to be sure they are dead.

• Remove metal jewelry and wear electrical gloves for insulation.

• Only handle the front sheet metal panel. Do not open the inner cover exposing live parts.

• Take photos of the box to help with proper breaker location and wire connections later.

• Only work during daylight hours in case you need to see inside the dark box.

• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of electrical sparks.

• If uncomfortable doing this yourself, call an electrician. Safety is paramount when dealing with electrical panels.

Tools and Materials Needed

You will need:

• Replacement breaker matched to original (from hardware store)

• Voltage tester to confirm power is off

• Electrical gloves and safety glasses

• Flat head and Phillips head screwdrivers

• Wire strippers and cutters

• Electrical tape

• Flashlight

• Camera to take photos of wires

• Fire extinguisher

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps carefully to safely replace the bad circuit breaker:

Step 1: Turn Off Power

Switch the main breaker to the OFF position. Use a voltage tester to confirm power is off before proceeding.

Step 2: Remove Panel Cover

Unscrew and take off the dead front cover plate exposing the breakers.

Step 3: Unscrew Old Breaker

Locate the tripped breaker and unscrew the mounting screw. Carefully pull the breaker straight out of its slot.

Step 4: Remove Wires

There will likely be two hot wires secured to the defective breaker. One connects to the breaker, the other continues on to other breakers and components.

Caution: Do not let these live wires touch each other.

Carefully remove each wire one at a time:

1. Loosen the screw terminals
2. Extract the wire
3. Tape the end of the exposed wire immediately so it does not contact metal.

Step 5: Install New Breaker

Refer to your photos to ensure the new breaker is installed in the correct slot.

First, insert the end of one of the hot wires into the matching terminal ( LINE or LOAD ) based on where it originally connected.

Tighten the screw securely. Do the same with the other hot wire. Ensure bare wire is fully inserted and screw is tight.

Step 6: Close Panel and Restore Power

Double check wires are properly secured to the right terminals. Give a light tug test. Ensure no loose wires are touching.

Close the dead front cover. Turn the main breaker back to ON. Circuit power should be restored.

Step 7: Test New Breaker

Turn ON electrical devices in the circuit one-by-one. Flip the new breaker's switch off and on to ensure proper function. Let the breaker sit for a few minutes then check for overheating.

The new breaker should supply steady power to the circuit without tripping or overheating. Contact an electrician if problems persist.

And that covers the complete process for safely replacing a faulty circuit breaker in your home! Take it slow, exercise caution, and you can fix the broken electrical circuit yourself.

FAQs

What if I accidentally trip the new breaker right after installing?

This is common and does not necessarily mean the new breaker is faulty. If it does not trip again under normal use, it should be fine. The initial trip can occur from surges when power is restored.

Can I upgrade to a higher amperage breaker?

No, always replace with a new breaker of the same amp rating. Upgrading could overload the circuit wiring. Check the wire gauge to be sure.

Why does my new breaker trip immediately when main power is turned on?

This usually indicates a short circuit somewhere in the branch wiring. Check connections and wire insulation. It likely needs repaired before installing a new breaker.

Should I call an electrician instead of doing this myself?

If you feel uncomfortable working inside the breaker panel, it may be worth hiring an electrician. They have proper training and tools to safely troubleshoot and replace breakers.

Conclusion

Replacing a malfunctioning circuit breaker is a project many DIYers can successfully take on if proper safety precautions are followed. I hope this guide gives you the knowledge and confidence to tackle this repair yourself. Always exercise extreme caution when working inside electrical panels. Be safe, take it slow, and you'll have that faulty breaker swapped out in no time!