How to Change a Breaker in an Electrical Box

Don't be a breaker breaker!

Have you ever wondered why circuit breakers replaced fuses` Blown fuses required that you have a replacement on hand in order to fix the problem. Too often individuals who did not have fuses on hand improvised with dangerous replacements.

Why a circuit breaker

Circuit breakers have the advantage of being able to be reset. Instead of using a wire filament to discontinue current the breaker uses a simple switch design. The switch is turned off by an electromagnet that is charged by the current running through the breaker. If the current increases to a dangerous level the electromagnet becomes strong enough to turn the switch off.

Another type of circuit breaker that is common in homes is the bimetal switch. A bimetal switch works similarly to the electromagnetic one, mentioned above, in that increased current simply switches the circuit off. The two metals used in bimetal breakers expand at different rates as they are heated. This causes the bimetal strip to bend, which switches off the breaker as current increases beyond safe levels.

When do you have to replace a breaker

There are a number of reasons you may consider changing a circuit breaker. The two most likely reasons are to increase the amps of the breaker and when a breaker wears out. Only qualified electricians should install a breaker that increases amps.

When you increase the amperage of a circuit you also need to increase the gauge of wire used in a home's wiring. If the wires of a corresponding circuit cannot handle an increase in amps there could be very dangerous consequences. The possible dangers of inappropriately increasing the amperage of a breaker include damaging electronic devices and causing electrical fires.

How to change the breaker

1. Turn off the power at the disconnect box located below your home's electric meter.

2. Once power has been shut off at the disconnect box you may access the breakers within the panel.

3. The circuit breaker panel has a main cover that can be removed. There are four screws on the outside cover of the panel.

4. Once the panel is removed, locate the breaker switch that is in need of replacing.

5. The individual breaker can be pulled out of the box with a firm tug. The breakers are simply snapped into place.

6. Take the breaker you have just removed to your local electrical supply so you can purchase an identical replacement.

7. Take your new breaker home and snap into place.

8. Replace the cover and then reconnect the main power.

Before performing the replacement it may be a good idea to locate an electrical outlet box and plug a light in order to be sure the power has been turned off. Always remember when working with electricity that you should only work within your own comfort level. Electricity is dangerous and you are well advised to seek out added safety measures.

More information on electrical boxes