How to Install a Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker is an essential component of a home’s electric system. When power surges occur, it trips then shuts off the electricity, preventing appliances and lighting from shorting out. If you’ve got a circuit breaker that’s worn out, you need to replace it and install a new one. Here’s how to do it.
What You’ll Need:
New circuit breaker
Screwdriver
Rubber mat or rubber shoes
Voltmeter
Procedure:
Slip on a pair of rubber shoes before you begin the installation. This will help you avoid being grounded or electrocuted. If you don’t have rubber shoes with you, get a rubber mat and put it on the floor. Stand on it at all times. Also, make sure there are no standing water or puddles near you or the circuit breaker.
Find the main power switch and shut if off. This will cut the electricity to your home. Afterwards, shut off the circuit breaker you’re going to replace.
Carefully take away the metal panel that surrounds the circuit breakers row using a screwdriver. Put it aside.
You need to test the circuit breaker using a voltmeter. Put one of the voltmeter’s prongs on the “hot” terminal found on the breaker. Put the other prong on the grounding terminal found beside the circuit box. If it doesn’t register any electricity, it means you can proceed.
Unscrew the wires from their respective terminals, then carefully pop out the old circuit breaker. Make sure you remember which wire goes to which terminal.
Check your new circuit breaker making sure it’s on the “off” position.
Get the new circuit breaker, then match the wires to the corresponding terminal in it. Make sure each wire is attached to the same terminal as that of the old terminal. Fit them in place, then tighten the screws to hold them in place.
Snap your new circuit breaker in position. Turn the power on properly, and switch the breaker on.
Get the voltmeter then test the new breaker with it. It should now register a voltage or light up.
Put back the metal frame, screwing it in place. Afterwards, close the breaker box. You’re done!
A circuit breaker is very important to a well-functional electrical system. Just make sure you take proper safety precautions when installing this device.