If you’ve ever lived in a home with a fuse box, you may be familiar with replacing fuses and the process that is involved with completing this task. If your home has been upgraded to an electrical service panel or has had a panel box from the start, you might be unsure of what to do when a circuit breaker needs to be replaced. As with most electrical components in a home, it is often best to leave technical tasks to qualified professionals, otherwise known as a licensed electrician.
At Penfold Electric, we have over 40 years of experience and are the residential electrician Durham Region residents trust to complete work in their homes. We understand that some homeowners like to complete work on their own. However, we also know that taking risks with electricity is never worth it. If you are looking to learn how to remove a circuit breaker from a panel box, you might wish to consider hiring an electrician for the task. In this post, we outline what you should know about removing or changing a circuit breaker to help you make the best choice for your home.
How Can I Know if a Circuit Breaker Needs to Be Removed?
Whether your home has always had a service panel or if you have recently completed an electrical service panel upgrade, there is a good chance that you may not fully understand the system in your home. Most of the time, homeowners don’t think of their electrical service panel. Only when you need to shut the power off or when a breaker trips do you take a look and flip a switch to make things right.
So, if something isn’t working or when switching a breaker doesn’t turn the power back on, you might wonder if the circuit breaker needs to be replaced. You should never try to diagnose electrical problems on your own. Only an electrical contractor can help you understand what is going on and what steps need to be taken to get things right. Having to replace a circuit breaker is not a common problem as these systems function differently than fuse boxes which do need replacing. If you are experiencing issues with power loss or having trouble with your electrical panel, always reach out to a certified electrician to help resolve the issue.
Can I Remove a Circuit Breaker on My Own?
When you know for certain that a circuit breaker needs to be removed or replaced, it is possible, in theory, to complete this task on your own. Homeowners are allowed to complete electrical work; however, without the extensive knowledge and experience that is held by electricians, some homeowners may risk making dangerous mistakes.
Your electrical service panel has components that are always live, and care must always be taken when working on one. Additionally, you’ll need tools to ensure that the area of the panel you are working off has been shut off. Without knowing how to work on an electrical panel safely, a homeowner risks severe injury, and this task is never one to begin without a thorough understanding of what needs to be completed. Always consider calling a residential electrician for service calls and troubleshooting to be confident that you are making a smart choice.
Should I Upgrade My Electrical Panel?
If you are finding that your circuit breakers are frequently tripping, it may be a sign that you are in need of upgrading to a larger panel or that some other electrical issue is causing the problem. In our previous post, When Should You Upgrade Your Electrical Panel, we outline what you should know about electrical panels, including when your panel may become outdated or too small. Your local electrician can help you understand if your electrical concerns are being caused by an issue with your electrical service panel.
Electrical components of a home are important for both the comfort and safety of those who reside in them. If you have concerns about your electrical service panel, reaching out to a licensed electrician is always a smart move. At Penfold Electric, we have helped countless homeowners ensure they get the service they need while always making safety a top priority. Contact us today and see why we are the electrician Durham residents depend on. You can expect tenfold from Penfold Electric.