Breakers come in many different shapes and sizes.

Look carefully at the front of the circuit breaker.

A small label near the reset lever will show the identification numbers you oughta find the correct replacement.

Circuit breaker in service panel being replaced

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

This may now put you in the dark, so check that you have a flashlight handy.

All branch circuits in the panel will now be shut off.

These componentsremain livecarrying deadly voltageunless the power company shuts off your service.

Flashlight, screwdriver, safety glasses and new circuit breaker for replacing

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Do not touch the service lugs or the bare wire of the incoming service lines at any time.

Remove the Breaker Panel Cover Plate

Remove the screws holding the panel cover plate on.

It’s best to leave the middle two screws in place until last, removing the corner screws first.

Main circuit breaker switch in service panel switched off

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Turn off the new breaker by flipping its reset lever to the OFF position.

The breaker should snap free and pull out from the panel.

Be very careful not to touch the metal bus bar where the breaker was attached.

Panel cover plate removed from breaker

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

(If replacing a 240-volt breaker, it will have two hot wires, usually red and black.)

This terminal may be labeled LOAD or LOAD POWER.

This terminal may be marked NEUTRAL or LOAD NEUTRAL.

Old circuit breaker pivoted and removed towards the outside of the panel

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

This could require a bit of force.

see to it the breaker lines up with the bus bar as you install it.

You should feel a click as the breaker snaps into place onto the hot bus bar.

Screw terminal unscrewed to remove black circuit wire

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Again, be careful not to touch other wires or metal parts on the panel.

This will prevent a sudden high power demand on the electrical service when the main circuit breaker is activated.

With all circuits off, flip the lever on the main circuit breaker to the ON position.

Bare end of black circuit wire attached to new circuit breaker

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Now, flip each individual branch circuit breaker to the ON position, one at a time.

where the potential for fatal shock always is present.

Electrical Safety.United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management.

New breaker hooked to back holder clip and pushed into place in breaker panel

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

How to Replace a Circuit Breaker: A Complete Guide.Angi.

Main breaker switch turned on before powering on circuit breaker switches

The Spruce / Kevin Norris