Circuit breakers are used to control the flow of electricity to and from the outlets and electrical fixtures in your home. Most of the time, you do not have to worry about them. Every once in a while, an overloaded line will cause the breaker to trip, stopping electricity to that whole line. When this happens, it is often enough to shut off an appliance and then simply flip the breaker back on. However, if it keeps happening, you should either replace that breaker because it is faulty or add a new breaker to the panel to handle the electrical load. Here are a few tips to make sure you buy the right breaker and keep you from repeated visits to the electrical or hardware store.
Amperage
The first thing you need to know is what amperage you require. If you are replacing a faulty breaker it is simple enough to buy one with the same amperage. If you are adding an additional breaker, you need to know the amperage of the wire that connects the breaker to the outlets. If you will be adding new outlets or fixtures, you will need to know what amperage they will require for proper operation. If you are unsure, it is best to talk with an electrician or someone at the store to help you determine what you need. The wrong amperage can cause a short and/or fire.
Poles
Breakers have either a single pole or double pole. While a double pole breaker can handle more amperage, they are also wired differently. A double pole breaker requires two positive wires that are connected with a single neutral wire. If you are going to get a breaker in the mid amperage range that could be either a single or double pole, make sure you have the proper wiring.
Panel
Not all breakers will fit in your panel box. Different brands fit into the panel differently. If you buy the wrong brand, the breaker will not connect to your system. It is a good idea to either take an old breaker with you or take a picture of the panel so you can match the breaker fit.
While it is not difficult to replace a breaker, adding a new one will require new wires to the outlets or fixtures. It is important to shut down the main breaker in the box before ever working with the system. If you are not sure of what you are doing, always have a professional do the work. Electricity can be dangerous.
Share14 March 2022
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