How To Replace Or Move A Circuit Breaker

Replacing or moving a circuit breaker in your panel is an approachable project for homeowners who feel safe performing electrical and know their local codes. I will show you a few different examples which should help you specific project go smoothly without issues. This will work if you need to fix a failed circuit breaker, add a new breaker for a newly installed circuit, or move a breaker to make more room in the panel.

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[jeffmykytiuk]

Straight forward, uncomplicated thorough explanations. Thank-you. I have an older home I just purchased. Electrical is a mess. 40 space panel box. Tons of junction boxes under house in crawl space. Can't seem to get an electrician to come out. Each video of yours I watch, I become far more confident. I've done some simple wiring before and I do have common sense so I've been successful. I have 7 very old and broken baseboard heaters that I want out. I don't want to remove them and cap off the wires. I would prefer to remove them (220) from panel altogether. You've taken away the mystery of the service panel for me! Thank-you again.

[jerrybell]

Thank you for the trick about extending the wires. I have to do exactly that and move a couple breakers to the bottom for an interlock kit that I want to install. Keep up the great work.

[csimet]

Make sure the bare conductor is fully inserted behind the screw plate on the breaker connector (you should see a little bit exposed through the other side of the plate - as you did) and ensure you properly torque the screws (applies to the neutral and ground bars as well). I picked up a box of those Wago butt connectors for just such use, as well as receptacle side extensions in case they are short. They are very handy for this.

[michaeljavert]

WOW, you work fast, like "The Flash" Thank you for posting this video. I've done that more than I care too. I am competent but not comfortable, but being forced into austerity, by poverty is what I must do. I'll visit your Amazon again. I purchased Wago from your Amazon before but they didn't have butt splice. I am redoing every wire nut I happen across with Wago because it's just so much better, than twisting and straining the wires. Especially in this house. I have to be careful because the Romex Jacket on my wires has asbestos, so I don't want to be splicing wires and pulling back the jacket on Romex, creating dust.

I really like Joel and Electro Pro Academy. He's the best in my book.

[wildbillc]

We still have a lot of homes where I live that have fuse panels...and many of those homes have fuses screwed in that are blown, with a penny behind them LOL. Its surprising the large number of homes around like this, and even more surprising they haven't burned down due to poor electrical wiring, panels, etc.

[Bradleybox]

Perhaps already mentioned, but those service lugs should be protected by service barriers. I was a little nervous watching you work so close to those uncovered lugs. Great video, though!

[bhami]

Don't forget to update your breaker index labels on the back of the panel door, if necessary.

[kylesmithiii]

Thanks for the video, it is very good! Since there are hot wires still inside the panel, I suggest to wear protective electrical gloves as an extra safety precaution. Regards,

[davkevstev]

I would take my wedding ring off while working in a live panel.

[TheWilferch]

HINT : I had the same problem....adding a double-pole breaker for an interlock kit ( in my case, the line power and main-breaker were on top, and I needed space at upper/right positions, 2 and 4). To cope with the "too-short" wire problem you discuss at 4:50...where you show the WAGO connectors to lengthen the simply moved the entire array of remaining breakers down 2 more positions....to open up the needed top-2 positions I needed. My point?---> each breaker has enough "slack" to allow re-positioning 2 slots....without having to add extra wire length. Of course, 1.), I need to have 2 open positions below for this to work, and 2.) the label-index written on your door needs to be updated.

[Bassmaster]

Nice video. And don't forget to relabel your panel description sheet.

[tontweer]

What if I want to just remove a breaker what cables do I remove or cap off?

[NickShoust]

For your upcoming backup power, I'm wondering if you thiught about using an automatic transfer switch

[henrytherd]

It would've been more helpful for you to have worn safety glasses, gloves and insulated screw drivers. You were too comfortably close to the 2 hot lines at the bottom. Also, it is very important to inform everyone that these 221-2401 WAGO connectors to only be used in junction boxes and never outside one to prevent sparks and fire and comply with codes. I like these connectors. Game changer! thx

[bigdave]

If i move a breaker from one side to the other side, do i need to move the ground to the other side also?

[degen_dad]

How would you move a 50amp from top to bottom

[HNT]

Where the video you were pointing at I couldn't access

[budgetaudiophilelife-long]

THANKS SCOTT, JUST THAT EASY…IF WE FOLLOW YOUR DIRECTIONS 🤗💚💚💚

[rickkratz]

What about balancing out circuits? I have some with too many things on it and others with barely an outlet on it. What to do?

[dankronenwetter]

I thought best practice is to trip all the breakers before the main. Was told the main is not designed to handle being tripped under load.