Expert: Jeff Evans - 11/13/2005

Question
Hi Jeff. Hope I can tap into your experience in the field. Having a hard time pulling the breaker out of the panel box. Is there a trick of the trade or a removal tool ? These are Square D Trilliant breakers (SDT 240),they were around in the early '90's later discontinued. No problem wiggling out a QO type, so is it just strength ? I appreciate any advice or comments. Thank you,Larry

Answer
With the Main breaker off and only with the main breaker off should you attempt this.  To do otherwise will certainly guarantee you a ride either to the hospital or to the funeral home.  

1. TURN OFF THE MAIN BREAKER.
2. VERIFY THERE IS NO MORE PROCEEDING PAST THE MAIN BREAKER.
3. HAVE SOMEONE ELSE VERIFY THE MAIN BREAKER IS OFF.
4. WITH A FLAT BLADE SCREWDRIVER INSERT ABOUT 1/4" to 3/8" INTO THE CENTER SPACE BETWEEN THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE BREAKERS.
5. GENTLY PRY TO THE LEFT FOR A RIGHT SIDE BREAKER AND TO THE RIGHT FOR A LEFT SIDE BREAKER.
6. IT WILL ONLY NEED TO MOVE A LITTLE TO FREE THE BREAKER AND PERMIT YOU TO REMOVE THE BREAKER BY HAND.

Good luck - Jeff