Swapping breaker

Submitted by Greenbench27 t3_118b680 in DIY

Hey Y’all, I’m trying swap out a breaker that’s gone bad in my box. I’ve swapped breakers before in homes I’ve had previously but this is the first box where the hot wires from the electrical company come up through the bottom and not the top. One of the wires goes right over the wires that screw into the breaker and my voltage tester naturally goes ape shit over it. What would be the safest way to handle this task? Would it just be in my best interest to call an electrician? I’ve done a bit of electrical work around the house (fixtures, lights, etc) these seems a little more advanced. Some help advice is appreciated

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PlatypusTrapper t1_j9gehj7 wrote

I swapped a breaker on a panel that didn’t have a main breaker once so I had to do it live.

My heart-rate at least doubled while I was doing it.

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schmag t1_j9gqi1o wrote

its really only "scary" the first time, shouldn't really be then.

as with anything potentially dangerous/deadly.

you should understand what you are doing and why you are doing it and how it ensures your safety. if it still seems unsafe, maybe it is and you should consult a pro.

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PlatypusTrapper t1_j9gvmli wrote

It was a safe as I could make it but that doesn’t mean it was “safe.” Still working on live wires. Actually in that case they weren’t even protected by a breaker, just what’s coming out of the transformer.

I’ve accidentally snipped a live wire but at least in that case it was protected by a breaker. When you’re dealing with actual unprotected circuits… I don’t think the dread feeling ever goes away.

Working on a car is also kind of nerve wracking no matter how many times I’ve done it. I’m putting all of my faith into jack stands and I need to exert a great amount of torque under the car. It’s not as unsafe as it used to be back in the day (scissor jacks used to be known as widow-makers).

So I don’t agree with you. It’s more important to have a healthy fear of possible dangers and still do everything in your power to protect yourself than it is to get over that fear. When I feel comfortable doing something is when I make more mistakes (like when I snipped a live wire).

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schmag t1_j9jv1h8 wrote

the big thing for me anymore is ladders.. I don't like them, I don't like working on them.

I am always on a 6' fiberglass step ladder, but much beyond that I don't care for.

I still do it when I have to, but I haven't been able to shake the uncomfortable feeling when being anything much over 6-8' it lessens as I spend more time, but quickly returns the next time.

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Gneissguy368 t1_j9g2izn wrote

Can you get to the screws to loosen the wires with the supply wires there, or do the wires complete block access? I would just do it like you have in the past.

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Greenbench27 OP t1_j9g3dse wrote

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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Diligent_Nature t1_j9hix0t wrote

Never trust a non-contact tester. They can be used for troubleshooting, but for actual wiring work, use a multimeter. Non-contact testers can have false positives and false negatives.

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Greenbench27 OP t1_j9hj2e4 wrote

Understood, thank you. I have one on hand and I’ll use that

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