The circuit breaker popped while I was vacuuming. Now it won’t reset, even after moving the switch to OFF, unplugging everything (the only things still connected are two outdoor lamps, which I turned off), and waiting for an hour.
The red flag shows up as soon as the switch is turned to ON, and the circuit doesn’t appear to connect even momentarily. I assume that switch needs replacing.
Is this a DIY-level fix? More importantly: Could I easily cause further damage by trying to replace it myself?
Janet
Replies
You could try swapping it with another breaker of the same rating in your panel.
Make a note of which breaker you started with and where you swapped it so you don't get screwed up.
Is it just a standard breaker?
If it is AFCI or GFCI, the cost will go up, but if it is just a regular breaker, it is a very inexpensive fix if you have the knowledge to do it safely. AFCI and GFCI breakers cost around $40, and regular breakers should be around $4. Only replace it with a breaker of the same type and rating (15 amp or 20 amp for example). Make sure you know the brand and type (for example, Square D Homeline) before you go to the hardware store, or remove the breaker and take it with you to make sure you get one that will work in your box. Relpacing a breaker is not a difficult job, but if you have never done it before, you might just want an electrician to do it....
When working in a box, remember that the buss bars are hot and they will be exposed when you take the cover off. if your box has a main shutoff, you can shut off the power to the buss bars, but the lugs (where the big wires come into the box) will still be hot. As long as you are careful not to get electrocuted and are replacing the breaker with a breaker of the same type and amp rating, you can't really do any more damage, as the new breaker should still trip if there are other problems that caused the last breaker to not reset. Then it is probably time to call an electrician for sure, as it can be very difficult to trace the problem down so it can be corrected.
First off, make sure you turn the breaker OFF, then ON. Breakers are generally designed such that when tripped they go to a sort of middle position, and cannot be turned back on again until turned all the way off.
Also, before doing anything else examine the outlet where the vacuum was plugged in for any sign of scorching.
It is an easy DIY level fix, but I'm not going to kid you - it will look scary. As long as you are carefull, dilagent, and prepared you will do just fine.
First, I recommend you go get a DIY electrical book from HD or the library, they will have good pictures and explinations about everything.
Here is what you will do:
1. Turn off the Main breaker - You don't have to, but it is the safest course for a beginner. This DOES NOT cut off all electricity in the panel, it just cuts it off to the areas you are working directly in.
2. Unscrew the panel face - the panel face usually has the panel cover attached too. Once unscrewed, you will have an open box filled with wires and bare metal posts with screws on them.
3. See the Main breaker? Stay away from everything upstream of it - There should be some very thick wire connecting the Main to upstream devices like you meter and wherever you power company brings power from the pole or ground. This is ALWAYS electrified, so stay away from it.
4. Find your bad breaker and snap it out - The back side of the breaker connects to a bare metal piece that is powered by the Main, it may also conect to another pice for stability. It will usually rock in one direction of another to snap out. Once snapped out, you will gently pull it out enough so that you can unscrew the terminal holding the blak or red "Hot" wire. Once removed, put a piece of electrical tape over the exposed copper and gently fold it back into the box so that it isn't anywhere near the other breakers - you can tape it to another wire to keep it away from the breakers temporarily.
5. Re-cover the breaker panel
6. Turn on the Main breaker - If you did something stupid, this is when you will find out
7. Copy the model name and number from the panel cover
8. Drive to store with old breaker to get new breaker - make sure your new one is made for your panel, and matches the AMPS (15 or 20).
9. Turn off the Main and pull the panel cover again
10. Install the Hot wire - Release the Hot wire from it's taped bondage, make sure there is no residue on the bare copper. Insert it into the termial and screw it down firmly... don't be a gorilla, hand tight is just fine. You should be able to gently wiggle and tug the wire WITHOUT it coming out of the breaker.
11. Install the breaker - fold the wire back down so it lays exactly like it did before.
12. Recover and turn on the Main
Done
If this didn't fix it, then you need to start troubleshooting - this is where that DIY book you already got will ome in handy.
You read me correctly--I'm a bit leery of the project. Thanks for the detailed explanation. I also got a stack of books from the library, and will work on it this weekend (so my husband can help).
Janet
gold star
Nicely explaned.
Appropriate breakers are listed on the lable in the cabinet.
No need to pull the breaker, and then go to the store to match it. You just go buy the listed breaker in the amperage rating you need, before you start.
But it helps to have the breaker to match, to be sure you get the right type.
Grrrr!!
The thing acted like Mollum had swallowed my post, but then I got a twofer.
Wow, that's putting great faith in your local big box stores ability to properly manage and stock inventory. No one EVER puts an item back in a tray it doesn't belong in ;)
Woo-hoo!
We followed everybody's advice and replaced the circuit breaker with no trouble. We also replaced and grounded the wall outlet because it had been painted over (and why would anybody do that?). Total cost: $7.
Thank you!
Janet
You go girl!
And the house didn't burn down?? Amazing!! ;)
My fillings didn't light up, either. :)
Yaaaay!