How to Replace a Circuit Breaker: Complete DIY Guide for 2025
Learn how to safely replace a circuit breaker with this complete DIY guide, including signs of a bad breaker, step-by-step instructions, and when to seek professional help.
Go to the electrical panel in the basement, garage, utility room or hallway. Open the panel door and look for an index that tells which area of the home each breaker serves. Locate the corresponding breaker. The switch on the tripped circuit breaker will rest between the “on” and “off” positions.
Learning how to replace a breaker can save you from minor irritations, like flickering lights and circuit breaker trips every time you plug in the vacuum cleaner. However, a wonky circuit breaker can sometimes indicate a fire or electrical shock hazard.
Push the new circuit breaker into the panel with the hooked side first. Line it up with the existing breakers and push it gently across the bus bar. With the new breaker in place, lightly loosen the terminal screw with a rubber-handled screwdriver. Manipulate the old breaker wire until it fits in the terminal of the new breaker.
To ensure your circuit breaker is replaced correctly, you should hire a licensed electrician to take over the task. Hiring a professional electrician will cost between $50 and $100 per hour, and replacing a circuit breaker takes around 30 minutes. Your final price depends on the type of breaker, its location, and the project's complexity.
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