How to Replace a Circuit Breaker | Quick and Simple Step-by-Step Process

How to Replace a Circuit Breaker Step-by-Step for Most Electrical Panels
Replacement Circuit Breaker Current Pricing: geni.us/w7wc1
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This video covers the step-by-step process of replacing a bad breaker, including basic safety, how to choose the correct replacement, and the different types you need to know about.
This is NOT a sponsored video. Some product links are affiliate links, including Amazon Affiliate links, which means if you buy something, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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From fixing your plumbing to installing smart home tech, we've got you covered with awesome content that's informative and entertaining. Our mission is to help you make your home the best it can be!
==Product Link(s)==
1 Pole Circuit Breaker: geni.us/w7wc1
2 Pole Circuit Breaker: geni.us/hTBLASs
Duplex (Tandem) Breaker: geni.us/XoTBmhm
GFCI Breaker: geni.us/vD0gign
AFCI Breaker: geni.us/uIN4cm
==Tools Used or Shown In This Project==
Ratcheting Screwdriver: geni.us/Q5T4Lo8
DeWalt Impact Driver: geni.us/tJU26k
Non-Contact Voltage Tester: geni.us/BqrxE
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Disclaimer:
Top Homeowner produces videos for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Information here is not to be viewed as advice but as an opinion. Viewers should be aware that if they choose to work on their homes, they do so at their own risk. Top Homeowner is not responsible for any damages that may occur to the property of a viewer. Some of the projects, materials, and techniques may not be suitable for all ages or skill levels. It is up to the viewer to decide whether to consult with a professional before working on their home. We make no claims to the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources featured in this video, and we will not be held responsible for the actions viewers may choose to take with the information provided. It is recommended that viewers use common sense and take all necessary safety measures. Codes, regulations, standards, and rules are constantly changing around the world, so it is the viewer's responsibility to ascertain their local requirements before starting any type of work.

[@xoltacueponi]

HELL YEAH, I REPLACED IT ALL BY MYSELF AND DIDN'T GET ELECTROCUTED. Thank you so much, there was no power to just ONE portion of my house, and now I can use the bathroom while not in the dark :)

[@shaunatate7740]

Wondering if I can too. Rude to upgraded my breaker panel accidentally put the 110 in the 220 spot and the 220 where the 110 should have went. Realized something was wrong when my vacuum started smoking and my baseboard heater stop getting fully hot.

[@pdminvo4126]

While it may be obvious to some, make sure the replacement breaker is in the OFF position before installing (I know the panel is OFF so technically it doesn't matter but I'm more of a belt and suspenders kinda guy. After installing the breaker, then turn the main breakers ON and the replacement breaker ON.

[@riverrat8693]

Thx man, its so hard to find a simple video like this .... Some vids dont even tell people about those deadly hot bolts. Like wtf 😮 For an idiot like me that could be the end game for me and my family... I sure hope my suspect breaker is the culprit I've been looking for. Ive checked so many things and learned so much but I haven't tried replacing a breaker yet. I suspect the 40 strands of Christmas lights either ruined a breaker or fried a line in a circuit somewhere. Its frustrating though as some idiot electrician chained the GFCI outlets together like 10 times on one circuit I think and they labeled the breakers wrong....... For an idiot like myself thats been a huge headache. Literally spent like 15hours on this project already but its kind of fun. On a side note you know you're getting old when you like trips to the hardware store and trying to fix things in the house. You got a new sub. Thank you sir!

[@TopHomeowner]

Thanks for the comment and I'm glad this helped you!

[@TheLifePhoenix]

Great job simple straightforward explanation and informative. I will now be able to DIM (DIY) thanks to you

[@mikejrog]

You're an absolute legend, thank you so much!

[@davidbrown9390]

Good lesson. Thanks

[@highsecurityagent8778]

Very good. Explain it so that it can be understood. Keep it simple.

[@CircleMaster5000]

Thank you! Very helpful

[@TomWhite-oy8pz]

Thankyou. Excellent video.

[@JonnyExcess]

Super great video. I have no questions. Thank you

[@discohiro]

Great video! Easy enough to understand and follow!

[@jacobleblanc27]

Thank you so much!

[@hectorhernandez4878]

Thank you that works great. 🙏

[@crj8988]

Great lesson. Very easy to understand. Thank You!!!!

[@francovb2001]

Thank you Sir!! You have saved me a $500 bill!! Thank you!

[@SalveRegina8]

YOU ARE AMAAAAZING!!! 🙌

[@johnblesso2592]

Thank you for this helpful and informative video!

[@briantheking6096]

Great job!

[@user-zg7uh4qt3h]

Very informative, thank you

[@francobelmonte8601]

Saved me a lot of money probably. Thanks!!

[@freeman573]

Great informative video

[@beatricehernandez4358]

Excellent video 🙌🏻thank you

[@davidh.8513]

Very good camera work and audio. Great explanation on how to fix it!

[@TopHomeowner]

Thank you very much!

[@dumdumdrums5896]

Great video. Thanks for sharing

[@ajlovesmoz7820]

Thank you! This really helped me.

[@TopHomeowner]

You're welcome!

[@gilramsey3518]

Thank you - was able to replace a bad breaker myself. I appreciate it. I diagnosed it was the breaker by turning of the main and it still would not reset. It should have reset with no power on the circuit so I replaced it and problem solved.

[@fluffyfeetbmf]

Awesome, and now I can get back to ESO.

[@orlandoarocho4973]

Excellent video bro. Quick and to the point. Thank you 😁

[@TopHomeowner]

Glad it helped!

[@Mike-jx8ks]

The was a great video for non electricians.. it helped me alot.. even though I was scared as shit doing it... 😆 I had to replace 2 of them and I watched ur video step by step while doing it..m so thank you....

[@TopHomeowner]

Glad it helped!

[@Mike-jx8ks]

​@@TopHomeowner so I have a question... Can u attach the wires to the fuse before u put it back in its spot in the box??? It's so tight in my box that I can't get any room to put the wires back in once the fuse is in place.. if I attached the wires first before putting the fuse back in the spot It goes will it shock me???

[@Miketaylornews]

I got to do it with no main breaker shut off..😃 if I survive I'll update my comment🤣

[@Miketaylornews]

I survived it was pretty easy it was a breaker all the way on the bottom so after I took the cover off I just pulled the breaker off the main bar so that means the breaker is disconnected so all I did was transfer the two wires to the new breaker and then click it back in.. Would have been nice to be able to shut off all the breakers with a main breaker up top but there wasn't one

[@DavidWilliams-tw2xz]

​@@MiketaylornewsR.I.P to this man

[@MrBlunt419_]

Awesome. Thanks

[@jamesmartin279]

Thank you...

[@mohandasu43]

Thank You Sir. Well explained to understand to do the job safe without any problems.

[@TopHomeowner]

Glad it helped!

[@dougbrown3144]

Thank you!

[@TopHomeowner]

You bet!

[@Walkd3k]

Thanks

[@DMVMTB]

Very helpful 🥰

[@MeredithWilliams-ti2kv]

Thank you so much for your video.

[@TopHomeowner]

You are welcome!

[@fluffyfeetbmf]

I just got this game today, and it has a few bugs here, and there… It’s still absolutely an amazing game. Thanks for another great video.

[@D_Whit3]

Thanks buddy!

[@TopHomeowner]

You bet!

[@dhflannagan1]

Thanks!

[@TopHomeowner]

You bet!

[@electricalron]

Circuit breakers don't just "go bad." Unless of course they're made like garbage (General Electric). An overload, a short-circuit, and a ground fault are the three ways a circuit breaker can trip.

[@JB-ob8qu]

Great video!

[@TopHomeowner]

Thanks!

[@exclusivesafar]

Nice job bro 👍

[@basilioreyes8079]

Good video. Will be tackling my issue layer today. Will let you know (hopefully) how it went😂

[@BrendaNolen]

Thank you! I will be replacing my first one as soon as Ace opens.

[@TopHomeowner]

Glad I could help!

[@BrendaNolen]

@@TopHomeowner and we have power!

[@humbleken2266]

Thank you. 🤔🦅🌻🙂!

[@TopHomeowner]

Welcome!

[@erikgutierrez3613]

Great information. Can you elaborate on the AFCI and GFCI combo breakers? I may need to replace my square D breaker. It has a purple test button and a google search indicated that it is a combo AFCI/GFCI breaker.

[@shelbyflamm2982]

Great video! Only thing you should add in the breaker types section is that manufacturers can make different styles as well - ie Eaton CH type breaker completely different from Eaton HOM type

[@TopHomeowner]

Good point, thanks for the feedback!

[@Jeloetta]

Twas the day before Christmas, And all through the place, The decorations were off, What a seasonal disgrace! The lights were hung up but the garage door was closed. As it turned out the fifteen year old breaker was hosed. But along came a video, perfectly timed, to manage the problem, and inspire a rhyme. Now the powers back on, and the garage door can move. Twas with this tutorial, the process was smoothed. So I leave you a like, and a wish for good cheer! Merry Christmas, and thanks! Have a brilliant new year!

[@TopHomeowner]

LOVE this! Nice work.

[@EeshsSweetSpotBakery]

Thanks for sharing this very important information😊 Definitely thought it was gonna be harder than this! Gotta love youtube 😅😅😅

[@BuckwheatPlatypus]

Im about to try this in my home this afternoon.. I bought a volt meter pen and tested it just to be sure.. electricity is not something to play around with!

[@BigOsTaco]

Nice job and now back to Fortnite

[@406.dabber8]

What haha

[@Jacob488.4]

😂😂😂

[@paulsosa1872]

What are symptoms of a bad breaker?

[@stevesls007]

GREAT question!!! I am seeing one breaker to a bedroom tripping monthly with no apparent reason. I suspect the breaker may be faulty, but am not certain.

[@FloridaMark1611]

You're circuit panel looks a lot nicer than mine. Mine looks like angel hair pasta mixed with fettuccini.

[@adambirnstihl9390]

Thanks! I’m a electrician now😂

[@RetroTeddyBear]

I am pretty good with controlling a littler M12 drill and use it to do outlets and switches as well. Someone going too tight like that doesn't know how to use a power drill.

[@davqi]

Exactly what I am looking for. Saw a couple of other articles and videos, they basically all talked about the super high level guide of a replacement which is basically useless and not helpful at all.

[@TopHomeowner]

Glad this helped!

[@user-su6id6uc8b]

Very helpful. Thank you. Is it ok though to turn back the power on while the old fuse is out as I bring it to the store?

[@TopHomeowner]

That's a judgement call. If you put the panel back in place you'll still have a gap where the old breaker went which makes it more of a hazard (someone could stick their fingers inside). You could also take a picture with your phone and match it up that way.

[@michaelsasso13]

Yeah, Fortnight game so much more important than Dads instructional video for thousands of repair personnel.

[@KiVeNiCo2015]

Hey @Top Homeowner, I'm surprised that being a licensed electrician you don't have your home electronics protected with a U.P.S. Battery Backup System. However, I am glad you did a video like this for people like me who have been in the electrical and electronics industry for a while, but would rather hire an electrician just to play it safe. Thanks and keep up the good work. I enjoyed this video a lot.

[@johnoceanyang623]

👍

[@Basskingdom7]

Great explanation, have you ever replaced a breaker while the main was on?

[@TopHomeowner]

No I haven't and I don't plan on it!

[@michaelhorn8962]

@@TopHomeowner My box doesn't have a master shutoff. Any suggestions?

[@iN3CROo]

Well that Fortnite game is for sure over now lol

[@riverrat8693]

The joy of hearing the boy be like "wtf" 😂

[@therealscrantonstrangler]

I have a room in my house that has no power and 3 outlets on the outside wall, but the breaker isn't tripped on any of them. Could it still be a malfunctioning breaker

[@moboutmen]

Great video. Loved shutting down the kids! Two questions......Why are some wires red by the breakers, and why did your tester lite up when you were scanning the breakers for juice? Thanks.

[@TopHomeowner]

The red wires are thicker gauge, like for a stove or AC. The tester flashes every couple of seconds to indicate that it's on. If it detects a current it flashes rapidly and beeps.

[@moboutmen]

@@TopHomeowner Great day when you learn something. Greatly appreciate the getback.

[@templesilas6461]

I

[@mydyisgod]

@@TopHomeowner , I was going to ask very same question!! Thank you so much.

[@IsaganiPumar]

​@@moboutmen are you still alive

[@MeredithWilliams-ti2kv]

😊😊

[@ufo-nut9575]

can't believe you wrecked that fortnight game...

[@TopHomeowner]

Technically they're always on Fortnite so you're right, I should have known better 😅

[@Gichanasa]

Thank you for the nice video. We have a loss of power to some outlets in the basement, but no breakers are in the tripped position. We suspect that some breakers have gone bad and probably need to be replaced, but we have difficulty identifying which ones are the bad ones. The labeling is not detailed enough to be helpful, so how should the bad breakers be identified? Would the voltage detection pen be the tool to use or are there other means?

[@TopHomeowner]

I made a follow-up video to this one that explains the symptoms of a bad breaker: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jafMpqqimLenj6c Also, you may want to make sure there isn't an issue with the wiring if only some of the outlets aren't working. Here's another video that may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmbLYn2go8Z9g80

[@Gichanasa]

@@TopHomeowner Thank you dearly, sir. I have found some directions and confidence and going to check the outlets and the breakers. Wish me luck!

[@paulbonaventura4969]

This seems a lot easier than my fear made it out to be.

[@TopHomeowner]

The main issue is knowing what you can and can't touch safely

[@micahhenn9441]

ALWAYS check with a multi meter

[@zeekflash6924]

Does it matter which wires are connected to each screw . Like the red and black wires should be black on top and red on bottom or are they interchangeable? Thx

[@Mike-jx8ks]

He tells u in the video.. he says to make sure u out the same wire back on the same spot it came off.. so don't cross them.. if red is on top then put the red one back on top..

[@dtejada1988]

😎👍🏼

[@justinkohl926]

Lights not working in kitchen. New lightbulbs. Replaced the switch and still no luck. None of the breakers were tripped. What could it be? The breaker? Something else?

[@carriebenton2480]

I have a voltage tester similar to the one in the video, it blinks red and makes noise when it's on and after the main breaker is off, it just glows red on certain breakers and green for others. Does that mean it isn't live anymore and safe to work on?

[@TopHomeowner]

Mine doesn't act that way so I can't say for sure. It's best to check the documentation for your specific tester to understand what the codes mean.

[@ThatGuyInKansas]

I am laughing so hard at the Fortnite interruption. How ironic: Circuit Breaker is a Rare Outfit in Fortnite. Great info nonetheless.

[@almierz4604]

Could you show how to replace a MASTER- ( MAIN ) BREAKER SWITCH.

[@TopHomeowner]

I'll add that to my list!

[@davidgearardo1788]

that NCV hot pen with that blinking light not a fan.

[@omen7168]

Can you leave a fuse missing and just cap the wire? I want to bring the blown fuse to the hardware store to match it exactly but I'm worried about leaving that terminal unfinished/ unfixed in the meantime...

[@TopHomeowner]

If you're disconnecting a circuit, just capping the wire in the panel is a common practice. If you are removing a fuse or breaker, make sure it's covered with a blank so that no one can accidentally get shocked.

[@crazylouie68]

Great video. My issue is i need to change a smoke detector in my living room. I turn off circuit breaker but i still have power in my living room. Is this a circuit breaker issue or something else ? Thanks

[@scylusblack6241]

You must not be turning off the right breaker. Sometimes they're labeled incorrectly. My house is like that and I had to remap all the breakers by turning them off and checking what had lost power. You can also just turn off power to the main, instead of just a single breaker. This will cut power to the entire house.

[@crazylouie68]

@@scylusblack6241 let’s say i want to change the ceiling fan, i turn off that circuit and still have power. Would that be a circuit issue then ?

[@floresr32]

My panel doesn’t have a main switch shutoff like in this video. Is that possible? Can some work as such?

[@TopHomeowner]

It sounds like the panel in question could either be a sub-panel, which would rely on a main breaker located in another panel, or it could be part of an older electrical system that doesn't include a main breaker. If there's another panel, turning off the main breaker there should cut power to the sub-panel. BUT, it's still important to always test and make sure the power is truly off for safety. If there's no main breaker and it's an older system, you would need a professional, typically from the electric company, to safely disconnect and then reconnect your meter. That would ensure any work on the panel is done without live electricity. Hope this helps!

[@dakotawitt5886]

My house has the main breaker outside and all the breakers for the individual rooms are inside. Is this not normal?

[@r532p]

That's fine, my house is the same way. The main power shutoff is outside by the meter, and I have another sub-panel inside my garage with all the breakers.

[@rkgsd]

I have a 60's era Square D subpanel. I'm guessing I'm out of luck replacing just the circuits.

[@TopHomeowner]

Square D may still make breakers for it (or another company may make a replica), so look into that first before deciding to do any major work.

[@rkgsd]

@@TopHomeowner Great suggestion! In fact the breaker you took out looks like the ones in my panel. Thank you!

[@davidhall8874]

So how do you know if your breaker is bad?

[@stephenlokey6711]

JUST LIKE THE OTHERS TO DARK TO SEE WELL ENOUGH

[@Unplugged704]

Good video! Question- I have a dryer (less than 1 year) that just started tripping the breaker AFTER about 10+ minutes. I reset the breaker a few times and it does the same. House is about 16 years old, and dryer is 1 year old. If not for bad dryer motor or heating element.. is it possible the breaker is bad? Again it just started happening

[@Rabideen]

I have same problem. The tech said that electric dryer should be on a 30 amp circuit. Current circuit breaker is only 20 amps. I will try and change it myself. But I'll verify my life insurance is in order first 🤪

[@Unplugged704]

@@Rabideen lol. Yeah before any dangerous activity always check up on the policy! 😂😂 So we had electrician come out, did full diagnostic and found nothing! And of course it did NOT shut off when the pro was there.. 😂 Nothing was fixed other than tightening some screws, on the dryer, outlet and breaker. Problem has not come back since! 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@qwentingreer6793]

I live in a studio apartment and my breaker for the bedroom/living room set been going out, and I switched back on.

[@leighanndespain7438]

Mine is doing this exact thing! It’ll be fine for 10-15 mins then trips the breaker I’ve already checked turned power off and checked the junction box in the attic the wires in the plug and then the wires the pigtail goes into the dryer and they’re all tight so now I’m putting my big girl panties on and gonna check out the breaker. Cause mamas gotta do laundry. I hope it’s just loose.

[@The_Gr8Pre10der]

can one side of a duplex breaker go bad?

[@TopHomeowner]

Yes, it can

[@riverrat8693]

Why does that screw driver click? Does it have a torque spec built in? I know it ratchets but right as you finish it seems to make a torque click.

[@TopHomeowner]

No torque, I must have backed it off slightly when I removed it.

[@kevmc8934]

Hey, just watched this video. My issue is this, all my outlets in the bathrooms and garage (5 total) are not working but no breaker is tripped. None of the outlets are burnt or look damaged. Any suggestions?

[@TopHomeowner]

The next thing I would check is if you have any GFCI outlets tripped. Sometimes they can even be located in another room. Otherwise its probably a loose connection inside one of the boxes.

[@kevmc8934]

@@TopHomeowner Preciate ya, you are the man ×10

[@josh1242]

Does the breaker itself make a noise if it’s going bad?

[@TopHomeowner]

Yes, it can sound like a loud hum or buzz

[@AM-tb3le]

How do you know if a breaker is bad?

[@TopHomeowner]

Some common signs are the breaker being hot, it won't reset, it's buzzing loudly, physical damage. It's important to point out that those can all be signs of larger issues though.

[@iishyxvietxboyii1]

The electrician came to change my home breaker didn’t even shut off the power to the panel.

[@TopHomeowner]

They sometimes do that because of how much experience they have since it's faster. I don't recommend anyone try it themselves though!

[@IsaganiPumar]

​@@TopHomeowner dang, wow. That's good to know. Thnkx!

[@micahhall2843]

Don’t trust your life with a tick tracer, verify with a multimeter.

[@nerdwerds]

how do you verify the wires with a multimeter? what should the meter be set to?

[@chrisvillanueva5718]

Can I change a 15amp breaker to a 20amp breaker?

[@TopHomeowner]

No, the breaker is rated for what the wiring can handle safely. If you increase the amperage of the breaker, you risk melting the wire and starting a fire.

[@curtkautsch]

You mentioned that all the breakers were off… Is that required or is the main shut off enough?

[@tmo7919]

You should always shut off every breaker before shuting down the main

[@greyaluer7975]

When he says all the breakers are off, he means because he flipped the main power breaker to the panel off. (As you say, "the main shut off".) This turns off all breakers. I think some ppl are confusing that with actually flipping each individual breaker switch off... Not necessary.

[@marnamoran4627]

What if you don’t have a main shut off

[@TopHomeowner]

The only option would be to have the electric company cut the power. Some electricians will work on residential panels while they are still "live" but I'd never recommend that. I would recommend contacting an electrician for help though

[@1uP-v2]

My breaker (20A) tripped when using a portable heater, can I change it to 30A? Will that stop the breaker from tripping?

[@robertfox1562]

Do not put in a 30A breaker! Your wiring is only safe for up to 20 amperes of current. The 20A breaker is trying to prevent a fire, maybe saving your life.

[@twennywonn]

NO!

[@dallas5374]

Lol

[@AnhDonoi]

Dumb question probably then, can I put a 15A to replace a 10A?

[@georgelouis6515]

Now all I need is to find out which breaker is bad.

[@TopHomeowner]

This might help... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jafMpqqimLenj6c

[@johncampfitness]

I put a scoop in my protein shake each morning.

[@TopHomeowner]

Not sure I'd recommend that but OK! 😅

[@user-zc6pj1gt4b]

Fort

[@DREKOWICK69]

why can't you replace it if the wire is silver?

[@TopHomeowner]

Silver is aluminum and harder to work with safely and it usually needs connections that are specifically designed for it. Best to let a professional handle it.

[@pelwood7315]

Fortnite. Hysterical.. lol