A circuit breaker is an essential part of your electric system, designed to monitor and control the levels of electricity flow. When the flow of electricity through a given circuit exceeds safe levels, this protective device typically trips to interrupt power flow. With time however, it might stop functioning as required and you may need a replacement.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to help you determine when to replace your circuit breaker as well as the step-by-step procedure on how to do it. Read on to find out everything you need to know about replacement circuit breakers.
Understanding How Circuit Breakers Work
A circuit breaker is a protective device that disconnects electrical supply (trips) whenever it detects excessive current. By automatically interrupting the flow of current, it prevents potential fires that might result from overheating wires. When a breaker trips, it prevents electrical current from reaching electrical fixtures, power outlets, and switches.
How to Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker
Steps to address a tripped breaker:
- Unplug or turn off the devices that might be responsible for the overload. If you attempt to reset it without doing this, the circuit will likely detect the overload and trip immediately.
- Locate the electrical panel and find the breaker that has tripped. A tripped breaker is usually between the “ON” and “OFF” position.
- Reset it by flipping the breaker switch to “OFF” and then back to “ON” position. Confirm that power is restored in the affected area.
Troubleshooting Electrical Circuits
In some cases however, a breaker might trip repeatedly even after resetting it. This could point to a more significant problem and call for more extensive troubleshooting. Here’s how to proceed:
- Check whether there are too many appliances connected to the circuit and disconnect them.
- Unplug the appliances and check whether any of the plugs is hot to touch. A hot plug might point to a heating terminal and help you identify the source of the problem.
- After removing any suspicious appliances and disconnecting heating terminals, reset the breaker once again.
If it trips once again, the problem might be the breaker itself.
How to Change a Malfunctioning Circuit Breaker
A breaker might fail due to daily wear and tear, weather damage, voltage spikes or surges, and many other reasons. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to resolve the issue:
Step 1: Test the Circuit Breaker
In certain cases, the breaker might have external signs of failure such as a burnt smell or overheating. But in instances where there are no visible signs of malfunctioning, you need to investigate using a multimeter voltage tester to test it. Follow these steps:
- Switch off the main circuit breaker in the electrical panel.
- Remove the screws attaching the metallic frame to the panel.
- Find the suspicious circuit breaker, unscrew its wires, and then remove it.
- Set your multimeter to measure Ohms and place one of its leads on the breaker’s supply terminal and the other on the screw terminal.
- With the breaker in “OFF” position and both leads in place, the reading on the device should be “0L” pointing to a high resistance.
- Turn the breaker to “ON” position and check the reading. If it still reads “0L,” it is faulty and requires replacement.
Step 2: Find the Right Replacement Breaker
Before you can replace the breaker, you need to know the brand, size, and type. There are numerous circuit breaker panels and some only work with breakers from the same brand. Furthermore, identical breakers might differ in the way they mount or connect, or even in tension.
To find out which one is appropriate for your panel, check the rating and label on the front of the device. Most have a unique identification number close to the reset level, to help you get the right replacement.
If you are unable to find the exact same brand as the original, choose a compatible replacement by checking the voltage and amperage ratings. The voltage rating refers to the maximum voltage it can safely handle, while the amperage rating is the maximum current it can take without tripping. Choose a replacement with the same ratings as the original to avoid safety hazards.
At Essential Electric, we have a vast inventory of circuit breakers to meet diverse specifications. If you are having a hard time finding your exact match, feel free to talk to one of our friendly customer representatives to help you find the correct part delivered as fast as possible.
Step 3: Get the Right Tools
Working with electricity is dangerous and the right tools can go a long way in ensuring safety and effectiveness. Here are some precautions to take:
- Wear rubber-soled shoes or place a rubber mat on the ground below the electrical panel for grounding, to reduce the possibility of an electrical shock. Make sure that the area around the box is dry and safe. If it is damp or seems unsafe for any reason, call a professional.
- Use rubber-insulated gloves, pliers, and screwdrivers.
- You will also need a multimeter voltage tester, a flashlight and safety glasses.
Step 4: How to Replace the Circuit Breaker
To ensure safety during this process, approach it carefully and take caution every step of the way. Here are some things to remember:
- Switch off power at the main box before beginning the replacement process. Start by turning it off on the main box and any other circuit boxes. In the box you are working on, turn off the main switch and then turn off all circuit breaker switches.
Note that even though turning power off using the main switch shuts down the circuit breakers, the terminals they connect to (service lugs) and the power service lines remain live. Therefore, do not touch either of these at any point since they carry deadly voltage. After shutting everything off, use your multimeter to confirm that the panel is not getting any electric current.
- Use your flashlight to illuminate the panel while working. For safety purposes, stand to the side of the box, put on your safety glasses, and avoid looking directly at the panel. Although the chances of an explosion in the box are low, exercising these safety cautions will protect your vision and your body in case it happens.
- To get full access to the breaker, unscrew the panel cover using a rubber-insulated screwdriver. Lift it off carefully, avoiding contact with the wires in the box.
- Before removing the old circuit breaker, double-check whether there is an active current running. Use the multimeter voltage tester touching one lead to the ground screw and the other to the terminal screw of the malfunctioning breaker.
- After verifying that there is no live electricity, hold the old breaker by the edge and tilt it outwards. For breakers that are screwed into place, gently loosen the screws using the rubber-insulated screwdriver.
- In many cases, the breaker will be attached to one or two wires. For instance, a 240-volt breaker typically has one red wire and a black one. GFCI and AFCI breakers on the other hand also have a white pigtail wire that attaches to the bus bar, as well as a neutral connection. Make a mental note of the connections so as to reattach the correct wire to the correct side of the circuit breaker fuse.
Unscrew the terminal screws to detach the wires and gently remove the circuit breaker without touching the bus bars to which it is attached. Dispose of it in the trash and for safety purposes, tuck the wires away into the box or secure them using a write cap.
- Before attaching the new circuit breaker, check that the reset lever is in “OFF” position. Reattach the wires in the exact same position as they were on the old breaker. Place the new breaker in the correct position on the breaker box and push it down until you hear a click.
- Neatly fold excess wire into the empty space along the panel’s side without touching any other wires or metal surfaces.
- Lift the panel box cover and screw it back into place.
Step 5: Test the New Circuit Breaker
Start by making sure that all circuit breakers on the panel are in the “OFF” position and then turn the main switch on. Shutting off the individual breakers beforehand will ensure that once you activate the main circuit breaker, there is no sudden surge of demand for power.
Next, turn on the individual circuit breaker switches one by one. Go back to the area powered by the replaced breaker and plug your appliances back into power outlets to check whether they are functioning correctly.
When to Seek Professional Help
When changing the circuit breaker, if you discover signs of contamination with moisture, rust, melting, discoloration, or charring, or any sort of damage, this could indicate a more serious problem. Inspect the entire breaker box before you begin the process and call a certified electrician in case the damage seems to have affected other areas.
After installing the new breaker, if the original problem persists or if new problems develop, it would be best to seek the assistance of a professional. Moreover, if at any point during the installation something appears to be amiss, it is best to let an expert handle it.
Why Choose Essential Electric Supply
Essential Electric Supply is your go-to solution for all your need-it-now electrical products. We have one of the largest inventories in the United States and the most helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly staff to attend to your needs.
Our customer-centric approach drives us to put your preferences front and center in every aspect of your shopping experience. Every part we sell, including our circuit breakers, comes with an industry-leading, gold standard, two-year warranty. We always deliver the best quality electric parts that match your precise specifications at the best possible price and in the shortest amount of time possible.
