Expert: Bob Sponaugle - 10/18/2004

Question
How do I replace a circuit breaker that I believe is no longer working?

Answer
Hi.

You have to be very careful not to touch anything that you shouldn't because there are parts of the breaker box that always has power.  Turning off the main breaker will reduce the areas that have power, but still be careful.

There are many brands of breakers.  Most of them install and uninstall the same way.  Pull the breaker from the center of the box up and to the side of the breaker box. (Pull the right breaker to the right, the left breaker to the left.)  Once you pull the one side of the breaker off from the metal blade underneath, then unhook it from the side.

Once the breaker is unmounted, then unscrew the wire off of it.  Get a new breaker, with the same brand and amp rating, and reverse the process.  Screw the wire the the breaker, hook it on the side, and push it down on the center blade.

I hope this helps.  Feel free to ask any follow up questions.

Bob