Unscrew and pull out of the way the feed wire going to the circuit breaker you are replacing. There should be only one black wire going to the breaker unless you have a multiple pole breaker or a very high amp rating on the breaker.

Remove the circuit breaker by pulling outwards towards yourself (this may take a little muscle but shouldn’t be too bad).

If you are replacing the breaker make sure the new circuit breaker is in the off position.

Install the new circuit breaker with the same amp rating unless you are adding a higher load on the circuit such as a freezer or air conditioner. In that case you might want to consult an electrician as to what kind of circuit breaker to put in.

Push the new breaker in place securely and reconnect the wire(s) going to it.

Turn the main circuit breaker on first and then the new circuit breaker you just replaced.

If the new circuit breaker trips and shuts off then you either have a shorted connection (two wires or contacts touching each other) or the power load on the breaker is too high for the amp rating you chose.

If everything is working correctly install the service box panel and check your outlets, lights, appliances, etc. that are connected to the new breaker you have replaced.

A circuit breaker can be a scary thing to remove but if you take the proper precautions it can be done without any trouble. If you have any doubts then consult an electrician and decide if you need to hire them to take care of the task. I installed a complete service box in my garage and found a “How To” electrical book is a lifesaver as well.

Take care and stay safe!

The author Mike Webb was an automotive technician at a Chrysler Dealership for 15 years and an agricultural technician for 5 years. He won the prestigiousToptech award from Chrysler in 1996 and is an ASE certified Master Technician. He currently owns and operates the Okinawa School of Karate with 2 locations. To learn more about Mike Webb you can go to his website: http://www.karatebenefits.com

Test a circuit breaker. Testing a breaker is fairly simple. First turn your meter to the Ohms or resistance setting. Next, find the metal contact on both sides of the breaker, and put a Ohm meter across the two sides. You should get an open with the breaker off, and continuity with the breaker in the "on" position. If you get no continuity in the on position, then the breaker is open electrically and would need replaced. On the other hand, if you get continuity in the "off" position then the breaker is shorted and is also bad. 

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