Knowing how to remove a circuit breaker from a panel box expands your skill set as an electrician, guaranteeing that you can safely cater to your clients’ households.
Below, EDS LLC goes over the basics about these essential electrical network components. You can also apply our instructions as a homeowner with some basic electrical know-how.
What Is a Circuit Breaker and Panel Box?
Before learning how to remove and replace a circuit breaker, you must first understand the anatomy of both components.
A panel box is a recessed metal panel with a series of electrical switches built into it. It features a small door to cover and protect the switches. The switches are circuit breakers, which prevent circuit overloads from destroying the wiring, outlets, and connected appliances.
Other parts of a circuit breaker’s anatomy include:
- Trip units
- Contacts
- Arc extinguishers
- Frames
- Operating mechanisms
With that in mind, you can learn how to remove a circuit breaker correctly.
Why Knowing How to Remove a Circuit Breaker Comes in Handy
Like any other piece of equipment, circuit breakers have an expiration date. Most last up to 40 years, but in older homes, outdated network equipment will require an electrical upgrade sooner rather than later.
There are concerns as a property’s circuit breakers age. Besdies frequent breaker trips, you might notice the following:
- Frayed or burned wires
- Smoky or scorched smells
- Buzzing or crackling
- Outlets that feel hot to the touch
Each warning sign above indicates trouble. Knowing when and how to remove a circuit breaker from a panel could be important before the components spark a fire.
How to Remove a Circuit Breaker From a Panel Box
Before using this guide on how to remove a circuit breaker from a panel, remember the safety rules of working with electricity. Personal protection equipment, like rubber gloves or goggles, can protect you. However, that won’t matter much if you forget to cut the main power supply before you work with any components on your electrical grid.
With safety first, here’s how to remove a breaker:
- Open the panel cover and identify the breaker you want to replace.
- Turn the breaker into the “off” position.
- Test the voltage with detection probes (to confirm you’ve disconnected the power).
- Take the terminal screws off using a flathead screwdriver.
- Disconnect the wire attached to the breaker.
- Remove the breaker from its mounting point.
- Check for noticeable damage. If you see signs of wear and tear or the breaker is dead, locate the replacement.
- Install the replacement, attaching the new breaker to the wire the old breaker was on.
- With the wire connected securely, you can turn on the main power grid again.
A local electrician should always tackle this potentially dangerous task over a homeowner. You can source your breaker replacements and more from suppliers like ESD LLC.
Call ESD LLC for Reputable Breaker Replacements Your Electrician Service Can Proudly Use
That’s all you need to know about how to remove a circuit breaker and replace it. Contact ESD LLC online or at 425-419-4167 to peruse our extensive inventory of electrical components from trusted brands.
