How Can I Replace My Circuit Breaker Box Safely?

The circuit breaker box plays a very important role in supplying electricity to different parts of your house and managing the flow of current.

Because of this reason, you should always keep it in good condition and avoid rust, moisture, or damage. However, as most of the circuit breaker boxes are made of metal, it gets damaged due to wear and tear and weather conditions.

If the box is in a really bad condition, you need to replace it because it can affect the electrical system in your house. It is best to hire a professional electrician to replace the box due to safety issues. 

If you want to know how to replace the circuit breaker box, we can help you. In this article, we are going to show you how to replace it in a step-by-step guide.  

Should You Repair or Replace Your Circuit Breaker Box?

If you notice flickering lights, or you’ve noticed that appliances no longer work properly, it’s time to replace the circuit breaker panel. If you suspect that a malfunction has occurred, you should have it checked out by a licensed electrician. 

If only a part of the circuit is broken, you can simply repair or replace the part. However, if the entire box is in bad condition, it is better to replace the entire panel.

The size of the breakers and service panel will affect the amount of power available for distribution. If you see chalky white corrosion on metal parts, it’s time to replace the circuit panel.

There are several signs that your circuit breaker panel is on the verge of failing. Typically, the first symptom is a burning smell. If you notice this, shut off the main power to your house and call a professional electrician to inspect the damage. 

It’s important to understand that a professional electrician will have to replace or rewire a circuit breaker panel if it needs it. This will ensure that all connections are secure and that your home is safe. 

Additionally, a new panel may have more capacity than your old one. If you find that your breaker panel isn’t working properly, it is best to get it replaced by a certified electrical contractor.

Equipment and Tools You Will Need to Replace Circuit Breaker Box:

Before you begin, check the local building code for your area and obtain a permit if necessary. In some cases, you’ll need to contact a building inspector to ensure you don’t break any codes. 

During the replacement process, three steps are involved: planning, performing, and having the work inspected. Depending on your local building codes, you may even need a licensed electrician to do the job.

Before you begin, you will want to check the interior of the circuit breaker panel. You will need special tools and equipment to complete the task. 

You will need a flashlight to work in the dark if the box is located in the garage or any other dark place. As there will be no power, you will need artificial light.

Apart from that, you will need safety glasses as well. You will also need a screwdriver to open the box and circuits. Along with that, you will need a tester as well.

Lastly, you will need a new circuit breaker panel. Make sure you purchase a good quality panel that is perfect for the size of your house. 

How to Safely Replace a Circuit Breaker Box?

If you’re in the process of replacing a circuit breaker panel, it’s important to know the proper procedures. The process involves removing the old panel and replacing it with a new one. It should also be done in phases. Here are the steps you need to follow.

• Step 1: Inspect the Box

The first step in replacing a circuit breaker box is to inspect the box. You need to open the box using safety gloves and check for the damage. If it is in a really bad condition, you need to move on to the next steps to replace it.

• Step 2: Turn Off Power and Remove Cover

Now, you need to turn off the main power feed at the main source. Before starting the replacement process, you should turn off the main breaker to the house. If you’re replacing a circuit breaker that has a reset lever, make sure you have it off. Remember to use your free hand to hold the cover in place. Simply toggle off the main breaker to cut off the power supply. You also need to remove the cover from the box. Use a screwdriver to remove the cover. You need to check the internal wiring and use the label to name the connections so that you can install the new one properly. There will be three wires. The black one is live, the green one is ground wire, and the white is neutral.

• Step 3: Remove Old Breakers

After you remove the cover and label the wires, you need to carefully remove the old breaker and discard it. All you need to do is clip the breakers. Once you remove the old breakers from the box, disconnect the wires. Make sure you cut off the ground and neutral connection.

• Step 4: Disconnect Main Breaker

To replace a circuit breaker, you have to disconnect the main breaker. Then, screw in the new breaker. However, when dealing with the main breaker, you need to be careful. Make sure the power is disconnected. After that, you need to disconnect the main breaker and remove the panel mounting. Once it is done, you can easily remove the old circuit box. 

• Step 5: Prepare New Circuit Breaker Box

Now, you need to remove the new box and check the instruction. Once you prepare it, use a screwdriver to install the new box in the wall. Make sure you join wires carefully in the right places. Connect neutral and ground wire in the new box. 

• Step 6: Install New Breakers

In the end, you just need to install new breakers in the box. Install the main breaker and connect it with the main wire. Similarly, install other breakers and use the label to join the wires properly. Once it is done, you can switch on the main breaker, close the box and check the power supply.

If you’re not sure how to do this, hire a professional electrician. This way, you can rest assured that you will get the job done safely. In addition to that, you can be sure of a good job.