Breaker Replacement

How do you safely remove and replace a 120 breaker?

 

Remove all the panel screws. Keep slight pressure on the panel while doing so to keep it in place. When all the screws are out, pull the cover straight away from the panel. Turn off breaker to be removed. If there is a breaker opposite the breaker that needs to be removed, stick a screwdriver tip (only the tip) between the breakers and pry the faulty breaker away from the board. After the breaker releases from the bus bar, pull the breaker slightly toward the middle of the panel so it will release from the side rail. Remove the wire from the screw terminal. Attach wire to new breaker. Before installing new breaker, inspect bus bar for corrsion, pitting, discoloration, etc. If bar is damaged, install new breaker in a new location. Make sure new breaker is turned off. Install new breaker to side rail first and then push onto bus bar. Turn on new breaker and check voltage (not required). Replace panel cover.

That is the procedure for "snap" in type breakers, which are found in 99% of homes. If you have bolt-in breakers, you will perform the same procedure except you will have to remove the screw that holds the breaker onto the bus bar. Don't touch the metal part of your screwdriver when doing so, because it will be live (unless you cut off the main breaker).

 

Remember the buss is still live in this condition. Many people turn the main breaker to the panel off. It will kill the whole home but it makes it safe to do and the only live parts are the wires coming in to the main.