How to replace a Circuit Breaker

The circuit breaker is the mechanical device that stops the excessive flow of current, and it also works similarly to a switch. If there is an abnormal current flow, then the circuit breaker is used to prevent that current from damaging the circuit; it can withhold the present and save it from any default. 

A circuit breaker is not immune to damage, although it manages the high magnitude of the current. Therefore, if any issues pop up in the circuit breaker, they must be removed and replaced with a new one. However, it is highly advised that you assign this task to a professional electrician who can easily do the job of replacement as it is a matter of electricity. Furthermore, it can jeopardize the life of a person. 

With the proper instruction and care, you can also perform this task independently and get the power working again. For that, you need to search the place of the breaker box and get yourself acquainted with the faulty breaker. 

There can be many issues in the circuit breaker, such as it may outlive its own life or go through excessive wear and tear, or you have used it too many times, which has led to non-functioning of circuit breaker thereby needing the replacement. In the article, we will get to learn about how you can replace the circuit breaker if it has any issues:

Discover and inspect the defective circuit breaker using all the precautions: Find the lousy circuit breaker as there are multiple circuit breakers in some homes, and you need to find the faulty one to replace it with a new one. Once you find the faulty one, you need to inspect it properly to find any issues you don’t understand. Any danger you see, you need to call the electrician. In comparison, you perform all the tasks you need to equip yourself with rubber-insulated tools, gloves, shoes. 

Please turn off the power: Before you move further to replace it, you need to turn off the main power going to it. You would want to be as safe as possible. As you will turn off the energy around you, you need to have an alternative source of power, such as a flashlight around you, to work near the circuit breaker.  

Detach the faceplate of the circuit breaker: The circuit breaker will give access to the switch breaker on and off, but it is not sufficient. It would be best if you got to the insides of the circuit breaker by carefully removing the faceplates. You need to unscrew the screw in all the corners of the breaker and carefully remove them by pulling them towards you. 

Take out the faulty breaker: Once you have pulled out the faceplate, you need to find the defective breaker lying there. It would be best if you grasped the faulty breaker, pull it out upwards; once it is free, unhook it from the hinge on the panel. 

Separate wires: There are many wires attached to the circuit breaker. Detach those wires from it carefully. After separating them, keep an eye on them and put them into the circuit breaker box to keep them away from danger. It would be best if you kept the tab of the wires, as you will need them to tuck in when you install the new circuit breaker. 

Get the new circuit breaker of the same type as the faulty breaker: You need to get a new circuit breaker similar to the old one. You need to learn all the specifications of the old one and get the new ones with the exact specification. Then, you can get it from your nearest hardware store. If you are confused as to which one to choose, then you can seek professional help. Then, you can buy the circuit breaker as per your needs from the chint circuit breaker.

Place the new circuit and attach the wires to it: Put the new circuit into the old one by putting it in a similar direction as was the old one. Hold on to the circuit breaker while you connect all the wires to it, then tighten the screw around it. 

Switch on the power: Once you have done all the tasks mentioned earlier, check again to see everything is in place. If you find everything good, you can switch on the power from the main box. You will get the ability to your home.