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Greenbench27 OP t1_j9g3dse wrote

Reply to comment by Gneissguy368 in Swapping breaker by Greenbench27

These about an inch between the supply wire and the screws to the breaker. In the past the supply wires came in through the top of box and in this they come up from the bottomhttps://imgur.com/a/efP2ZaM

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Gneissguy368 t1_j9g4s1k wrote

I don’t understand the problem? Are you worried that the wire you are unscrewing is still powered cause you can’t verify with the voltage tester?

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Greenbench27 OP t1_j9g4zd5 wrote

I’m worried that if I hit that supply line if I’m going to be electrocuted

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schmag t1_j9grc2e wrote

you shouldn't have to get your screw driver in there.

turn the breaker off. that screw, and the small black wire connecting it is now cold.

remove the breaker, test this wire if you still aren't sure its cold. (it is surely cold now, its not connected to supply anymore)

connect the new breaker to wire, (you should be able to do so plenty clear from that big scary black wire)

ensure that the new breaker is off (to minimize/negate arcing) and insert it.

finally turn on the new breaker energizing that black wire again.

if you are unsure how to accomplish these steps safely, call an electrician.

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Greenbench27 OP t1_j9grx4c wrote

Ok I think I can manage that. This was very helpful thank you I guess I was thinking I needed to unscrew the black wire from the breaker before I removed it from the cluster

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schmag t1_j9gtdxl wrote

no, you don't, the breakers more or less press fit...

make sure you are comfortable with what you are doing and it makes sense that it is safe to you...

I should add when I say it is surely cold its not connected to supply anymore was wrong, if there was another point in the circuit that you cannot see and the circuit is connected to supply at that point... this would certainly cause trouble so it is best to verify it is cold before touching it regardless.

the steps are simple enough, but overlooking one of them could be dangerous.

understanding how it is safe is the best.

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