How To Replace A Circuit Breaker
Most people don’t pay much attention to their in-home circuit breakers unless there is a problem. That’s not a bad thing. After all, a circuit breaker should usually last up to 40 years. Unfortunately, however, you may need to replace your circuit breaker in your lifetime, especially if you moved into a home and you aren’t sure how old the breaker is. With this simple guide we go through the steps to replace your circuit breaker, we still recommend contacting a qualified electrician for your to repair or replace your circuit breaker.
Keep in mind that there is a big difference between a circuit breaker that can be repaired and one that needs to be replaced.
The most common cause for a circuit breaker to trip is a circuit overload. This occurs when you want a particular circuit to put out more electricity than it’s capable of.
Another common issue is a short circuit, which can actually be quite dangerous. It occurs when a hot wire touches a neutral wire, which can create an excessive amount of heat. As a result, the breaker trips to keep a fire from starting.
Many times, circuit breakers can be replaced by contacting an electrician. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. There are some instances in which a circuit breaker should be replaced for your safety.
When Should A Circuit Breaker Be Replaced?
It’s important to know some of the telltale signs that your circuit breaker needs replacing. If you wait too long to replace a faulty breaker, you could be without electricity, or you may even be putting yourself and your family in danger of an electrical fire.
Some of the common signs that your breaker needs to be replaced include:
1. A burning smell. If you start to smell something burning anywhere near the electrical panel, there is a good chance some of the wires have overheated. This can be incredibly dangerous and puts you at risk of a fire. If this does happen, cut off the electricity immediately. You should consider this an emergency situation in which you should call an electrician as soon as possible.
2. Sometimes, breakers will trip. We already touched on that and some of the reasons why. But, if you find your breaker tripping frequently and it’s becoming annoying, it could be a sign of something more serious going on. It could simply be worn out and might fail on you at any moment. If your breaker won’t stay resent for any length of time, that’s also a good sign it’s wearing out on you and needs replacing.
3. If you see any visual damage around your circuit breaker, it’s time for a replacement. That’s especially true if you see any signs of burning or melting around the electrical panel. Again, this could put you at risk of a fire, so shut off the electric supply right away if you notice any of these signs.
4. Old age is a common reason to replace circuit breakers. Sometimes, you can tell if a breaker is old just by looking at it. But, if you’re unsure whether a breaker has ever been replaced in your house, it’s a good idea to invest in a new one. When you move into an older home with an old circuit breaker, you simply never know what you’re getting into. Again, the average lifespan of a circuit breaker is anywhere from 30-40 years. If you feel like yours is reaching that limit, give yourself peace of mind by getting it replaced.
Replacing A Breaker Yourself
It’s always best to call a local, certified electrician if you’re considering replacing a circuit breaker. But, if you want to try to do it yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind for your safety.
First, identify the brand and type of breaker you’ll need. It’s never a good idea to use a different breaker manufacturer when you’re replacing a model. Once you know which breaker to use, the following steps are essential for your safety:
1. Turn off the main power to your home.
2. Remove the cover plate of the breaker.
3. Turn off the breaker itself - making sure the switch is in the “OFF” position.
4. Remove the old circuit breaker and disconnect all of the wires.
5. Attach those wires to the new breaker.
6. Insert the new breaker and turn the power back on.
When To Call An Electrician
While it might seem like a simple process, you truly have to know what you’re doing when working with electricity and wiring. While we recommend always calling an electrician for circuit your circuit breaker replacement, we understand wanting to do it yourself. But, if you aren’t completely confident in your skills, don’t put your safety at risk. If one thing goes wrong during your installation, it could cause a fatal shock or put your home at risk of a fire.
Not only will a certified electrician ensure that your breaker is replaced correctly, but they will make sure everything is up to code to keep you and your family safe. Again, that can offer you peace of mind.
There are also plenty of benefits to installing a new breaker, including the convenience factor. If your current breaker seems to trip a lot or needs to frequently be reset, you’ll love having a new one installed that works every time with all of the appliances and devices you have on in the home. A new breaker will also help to maintain the value of your home if you ever choose to sell.
There is absolutely no wrong reason to call an electrician to install a new circuit breaker for you. But, if you’re experiencing any of the warning signs listed earlier in this article, don’t leave anything to chance. You could get hurt, or end up causing damage to your home. When you choose to contact a certified electrician instead, you’ll know everything is being done correctly, and you can rest easily for the next 35-40 years with a breaker that does exactly what it’s supposed to do.
