A Circuit Breaker uses the same principles of a fuse. When a current is too high, the breaker opens the circuit. The exception is that a circuit breaker is a simple switch that can be flipped and used repeatedly. The hot wire is connected to both ends of the switch. When the switch is in the on position electricity is allowed to flow through. When it is in the off position electricity becomes blocked.
1 Open the main breaker box.
2 Switch the main circuit breaker, the largest one typically found at the top of the breaker box, to the "Open" or "Off" position. The main circuit breaker is the only one within the breaker box that is rated for 100 or more amps in the residence.
4 Locate the mounting screw terminals on the edge of the breaker to be replaced.
5 Take note of the position of each color wire, if more than one, on the circuit breaker.
6 Loosen the terminal screws one at a time and set aside the circuit wires.
7 Pull firmly on the circuit breaker to remove it from its housing. Circuit breakers are held in place by friction alone, and it may take some force to remove them from the breaker housing.
8 Install the new breaker by sliding it firmly into the breaker mounting slot.
9 Replace the wires around the terminal screws as they were positioned on the previous circuit breaker.
10 Tighten the mounting screws to ensure that the exposed portion of the wires are held firmly in place
11 Set the new circuit breaker into the "On" or "Closed" position. Repeat this step for the main circuit breaker as well.
Operating Mechanism
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