If your circuit breaker has tripped, you may need to replace it. There are some safety concerns involved, as well as cost considerations. Here are the steps to replace your circuit breaker. Before you begin, make sure to turn off the electricity to the area where the breaker was tripped. Once you have disconnected the power, locate the circuit breaker that tripped. Then, follow the steps outlined below to replace the breaker.
Safety Considerations
Circuit breakers are an essential piece of home electrical system safety. They cut off power when too much electricity flows through them. A surge of power can cause fires or the destruction of expensive appliances. When a circuit breaker is not working properly, the breaker may not be able to safely shut off the power. This can be dangerous to people and the building. Therefore, it is important to replace circuit breakers as needed to keep your home safe.
While removing and replacing circuit breakers, be sure to isolate the circuit breaker panel from power. You should always use personal protective equipment when working near the panel. You can tell if the circuit breaker is damaged or if it needs to be replaced by its general condition. Check the date and design of the panel to make sure you don’t accidentally switch off the power. Always remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when replacing circuit breakers.
Before you start the replacement process, make sure to know the age of your switchgear. Before you start working on the circuit breaker panel, conduct a visual inspection of the existing panel for any visible signs of moisture or charring. When you’re ready, contact a qualified electrician. You don’t want to expose yourself to lethal voltage or shock hazards. Before starting your project, consult a professional electrician.
Cost
A basic estimate of the cost of circuit breaker replacement will cost anywhere from $800 to $4,500. This cost will vary widely depending on the type of breaker and its location. The repair process itself will require four to eight hours to complete, and you will need to include additional costs for moving panels, adding amps, and other associated work. Listed below are the average costs for circuit breaker replacement. The price may vary based on the level of complexity of the replacement, and the timeframe involved.
To save money, you may wish to downgrade your circuit breakers. A 100-amp circuit breaker may cost less than eight hundred dollars, but you may need to upgrade the entire panel board, as well as the electrical panel itself. The cost of downgrading depends on the number of circuits in the home, as well as whether or not you are following the building code. In addition, the old panel board may not have the wiring required for a new panel board. Adding circuit breakers to an older home may require moving existing obstacles.
A typical replacement job will require three circuit wires and a new panel. A basic panel can cost two to three hundred dollars. Specialty breakers, or those with a higher voltage, can cost up to three thousand dollars. Fortunately, you can save money by contacting an electrician. A professional electrician will charge at least $50 to evaluate your circuit breakers, and it may be worth your while to pay the extra money to upgrade your panels.
Identifying The Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker may be the result of a faulty light fixture, overloaded circuit, or troublesome plugs and connections. The switch for the circuit breaker may be springy and will not stay in the “on” position after resetting. To identify a tripped circuit breaker, you must first turn off any appliances connected to the circuit.
If you suspect a tripped circuit breaker, you need to know exactly what caused it to trip. When it is caused by a circuit overload or a short circuit, a tripped breaker may repeatedly trip. If you can’t identify the problem yourself, you should contact a licensed electrician to perform a professional inspection. Older circuit breakers are also more sensitive and may trip more easily.
To replace a circuit breaker, check the location of the service panel. Most electric service panels are located underneath the main power lines inside a home. Locate the breaker handle and make sure it is positioned in the middle. Do not turn it to the left or right, as these positions may indicate a tripped breaker. Certain manufacturers of circuit breakers trip to the fully off position. In this case, you should not attempt to replace the breaker yourself. If you do it yourself, you can risk further injury or even death. Identifying the tripped circuit breaker is vital to ensuring your safety and that of your family.
