How to Replace a Circuit Breaker

Be an electrician, not a magician

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 main wires coming into the breaker box.

5. Detach the wires from their connection.

6. Unscrew the conduit from the box and pull the main power wires clear of the box.

7. Take the breaker box with you to your local electrical supply store to match it in both style and configuration.

8. Bring the new box home and work backwards from step six to step one.

Before performing the replacement it may be a good idea to locate an electrical outlet and plug a light in to be sure the power has indeed been turned off. Always remember when working with electricity that you should only work within your own comfort level.

Keep in mind that electricity is dangerous and you are well advised to seek out added safety measures. If for any reason you find yourself uncomfortable with continuing on in the replacement of the breaker box please seek out professional help. There is no room for shortcuts when it comes to electrical repair.

Why a circuit breaker

Devices such a GE circuit breaker have the advantage of being able to be reset, as opposed to being replaced like fuses. 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.

By removing a fuse box you are not only making your home a safer place you are also enhancing its value. Devices like a Square D circuit breaker have a way of instilling confidence in prospective homebuyers. By doing this relatively inexpensive upgrade you will have an intangible effect on the value of your home that is not merely calculable by the price of the box or the time it took for its installation.

More information on circuit breakers