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 some maintenance personnel who do not normally work with electrical problems or devices.
How to Re-Order Circuit Breakers
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.
One Size (of Circuit Breaker) Does Not Fit All
Some maintenance personnel 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 maintenance, it should be noted that one brand of breaker is often designed very differently than another brand.
Cut Power Before Opening Panel Box; Find Info on Inside of Panel Box
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.
ID The Circuit Breaker Which Has Tripped
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.
When Replacing Circuit Breaker, Write Spec Information Down
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.
Right Information = Right Industrial Circuit Breaker for the Job
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.