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Replacing
Circuit Breakers Does Not Have To Be Confusing
Replacing
circuit breakers is usually an easy task for the
professionals. They have been schooled in the proper
ways of identifying various devices so that when they
order them they get what they want. The same cannot
always be said for homeowners and some maintenance
personnel who do not normally work with electrical
problems or devices.
This
article does not contain information on the mechanics of
replacing circuit breakers but does offer some tips on
how to properly order the items that you need.
Some
consumers believe that ordering new devices is simply a
matter of stating that they need a new 20 amp breaker.
This is not true; much more information is needed in
order to get the proper item. When replacing circuit
breakers it is good to remember that one size does not
fit all in this case. To make matters more confusing for
consumers, it should be noted that one brand of breaker
is often designed very differently than another brand.
What
all this means is that when you are replacing circuit
breakers you need to have the right information for the
item that you need. This information is often located
inside the panel box or service box itself. Extreme care
should be used whenever you are opening or even touching
the panel box. Panel boxes do not normally carry current
in them but that does not mean that they cannot carry
current in them. The safest way to work with panel boxes
is to cut the power before you touch or open the box.
Once
you are sure the box is safe to open, you must first
identify which device in the box is defective. This is
easy enough to do as this is the device that has tripped
or been permanently damaged. Once you have identified
this device, look for its corresponding number on the
panel literature. You will often find an entire set of
specs on the device and you should write this
information down as this is what you need when replacing
circuit breakers.
If
you find that you cannot identify the part properly, you
may need to call in a professional who can help you with
this task. It is very important that you have this
information when replacing circuit breakers as this is
the only way to get the right part aside from removing
the part itself and showing it to the electrical supply
outlet.
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