Expert: Rick Miell - 6/10/2005

Question
Hi, thanks for volunteering! My question is about changing a circuit breaker. I have a pump to a well outside that I water my lawn with. It just won't turn on this year and it's pretty reliable. I can see that the circuit breaker is always tripped when I come back inside after trying to turn it on.

Can I change a circuit breaker myself? Do they just pull out?

It looks like I could turn off the main power, pull the circuit breaker out of the box, and go replace it at Home Depo. Maybe it's more work than thet, I don't know. I know nothing about electrical stuff. I used to be a welder, so I'm not a total stranger to repair.

I'm a single mom on a tight budget- I'd like to be able to do this on my own! Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks,
Lisa


Answer
Hi Lisa.

Before you remove the breaker, write down all the info you can find on the panel and/or breaker.  There should be a brand name (GE, SQ. D, WWestinghouse, etc) and an amp rating, like 20, 30 or 50.  You should also measure the breaker, which will be either 1" or 2" thick.

Then go get a new one, and look closely at it.  On one end of the breaker you will the screw or lugs for the wire to connect to.  The other end should have a metal tab, shaped like a V, that makes the contact to the buss inside of the panel.  You have to push the breaker into place, 1st locking the end with the screw into place under a tab, then pushing the other end securely into place.

Now, turn off the main breaker, then remove the cover screws.  Be carefull, as there is still voltage inside of this box.  make sure the new breaker looks like it will fit, then pull the old breaker out, in reverse of the procedure to install it.  It should not take much of an effort to pull out the V end, then unhook it from the tab.  Now you can remove the wires.  (you could remove the wires 1st, but you will need to fold them out of your way)

Install the new breaker (make sure it is off) after hooking up the wires, or install the wires before pushing it into place.

Either way, make sure not to touch anything that could be energized (even tho the main is off, treat it like it is energized).

I hope this has helped.

Rick Miell