Can you change a double pole circuit breaker yourself? Yes, with the proper safety precautions and a good grasp of the process, you can replace a 20 amp double breaker. This guide will walk you through how to swap a double pull breaker safely and effectively, whether you’re dealing with a faulty breaker or upgrading your electrical panel. We’ll cover everything from disconnecting power before breaker change to testing a new circuit breaker and common troubleshooting double pole breakers.
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Why Replace a Double Pole Circuit Breaker?
Double pole circuit breakers are essential for controlling high-voltage appliances and circuits that require simultaneous switching of both hot wires. These are commonly used for 240-volt circuits, powering items like electric water heaters, clothes dryers, central air conditioning units, and electric ranges.
Several reasons might necessitate replacing a 20 amp double breaker:
- Tripped Breaker: A breaker that frequently trips indicates an overload or a short circuit. While sometimes a sign of a larger issue, replacing a worn-out breaker can resolve nuisance tripping.
- Damaged Breaker: Visible signs of damage, such as melting, charring, or a loose handle, mean the breaker is compromised and needs immediate replacement.
- Outdated or Incompatible Breakers: Older breaker designs may not offer the same level of protection as modern ones. If you’re updating your electrical panel or adding new circuits, ensuring compatibility is key.
- Improving Safety and Performance: Replacing an old or suspect breaker with a new, high-quality one enhances the safety and reliability of your electrical system.
Safety First: The Golden Rule of Electrical Work
Working with electricity is inherently dangerous. Safety tips for breaker replacement are paramount. Before you even think about touching a circuit breaker, remember this: disconnecting power before breaker change is non-negotiable.
Essential Safety Precautions
- Turn Off Power: Locate your main electrical panel. Find the main breaker that controls power to your entire home or the specific circuit you’re working on. Disconnecting power before breaker change means flipping this main breaker to the “OFF” position.
- Verify Power is Off: Do not rely solely on the breaker handle. Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm that power is indeed off at the breaker you intend to replace. Test the tester on a known live circuit first to ensure it’s working correctly.
- Wear Safety Gear: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris or sparks. Insulated gloves can offer an extra layer of protection.
- Use Insulated Tools: Employ screwdrivers and pliers with insulated handles to minimize the risk of electric shock.
- Work in a Dry Environment: Ensure the area around the electrical panel is dry. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity.
- Never Work Alone: If possible, have someone else present who can assist or call for help if needed.
- Know Your Limits: If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about any step, it’s best to call a qualified electrician.
Tools You’ll Need for a Double Pole Breaker Change
Gathering the right tools before you start will make the process smoother and safer.
- Voltage Tester: A non-contact voltage tester is essential for confirming power is off.
- Screwdrivers: You’ll likely need a Phillips head and a flathead screwdriver, preferably with insulated handles, in various sizes.
- Pliers: Needle-nose pliers and possibly wire strippers can be useful for handling wires.
- Replacement Breaker: Ensure you have the correct amperage (20 amp) and type of double pole breaker that is compatible with your electrical panel brand.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: Good lighting is crucial, especially since you’ll be working in a potentially dark panel.
- Camera or Phone: Taking pictures of the existing wiring before you disconnect anything can be a lifesaver for reassembly.
Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing a 20 Amp Double Breaker
Here’s how to approach replacing a 20 amp double breaker for a 240 volt breaker change.
Step 1: Identify and Isolate the Breaker
- Locate the Breaker: In your electrical panel, find the double pole breaker you need to replace. Double pole breakers are usually wider and span two breaker slots. They will have two “ON/OFF” switches that are physically linked.
- Turn Off the Breaker: Flip the handle of the specific double pole breaker to the “OFF” position.
Step 2: Disconnect Power to the Circuit
This is the most critical step.
- Turn Off the Main Breaker: Go to the main breaker in your panel and switch it to the “OFF” position. This cuts power to your entire home.
- Test for Power: Use your voltage tester to confirm that no power is present at the terminals of the breaker you intend to replace. Test all wires connected to it.
Step 3: Open the Electrical Panel Cover
With the main power off, you can safely remove the panel cover. This usually involves unscrewing a few screws.
Step 4: Document the Wiring
Before touching any wires, take clear pictures of how the wires are connected to the existing breaker. This is incredibly helpful for ensuring correct two pole breaker wiring when you install the new one.
Step 5: Disconnect the Wires
- Identify Wire Connections: Each double pole breaker has two “hot” wires connected to it, usually one on each terminal. For a 240-volt application, these wires are often black and red, or black and black.
- Loosen Terminal Screws: Use a screwdriver to loosen the terminal screws on the existing breaker where the wires are attached.
- Remove Wires: Gently pull the wires free from the terminals.
Step 6: Remove the Old Breaker
- Release the Breaker: Most breakers clip onto the busbar within the panel. You’ll need to unclip the old breaker. Often, you can gently pry it away from the busbar with a screwdriver. Some breakers have a clip on the bottom that needs to be pressed while pulling the breaker away from the busbar.
- Pull Out the Breaker: Once unclipped, slide the old breaker out of its position.
Step 7: Install the New Double Pole Breaker
- Position the New Breaker: Align the new 20 amp double breaker with the empty slots on the panel’s busbar.
- Clip it On: Push the new breaker firmly onto the busbar until it clicks securely into place. Ensure it’s seated properly.
Step 8: Connect the Wires to the New Breaker
This is where your photos and careful attention are vital.
- Prepare Wires: If the wire ends are damaged or not stripped sufficiently, use wire strippers to expose about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of clean copper.
- Connect Hot Wires: Connect the two hot wires to the corresponding terminals on the new breaker. Ensure the wires are wrapped clockwise around the terminal screws.
- Tighten Terminal Screws: Tighten the terminal screws securely, but don’t overtighten, which could damage the wire or the breaker. The wires should feel snug and not pull out easily.
Step 9: Reassemble the Panel
- Tuck Wires: Gently tuck the wires back into the panel, making sure they are not pinched or stressed.
- Replace Panel Cover: Carefully put the electrical panel cover back on and secure it with its screws.
Step 10: Restore Power and Test
- Turn On Main Breaker: Go back to the main breaker and flip it to the “ON” position.
- Test the New Breaker: Now, flip the newly installed double pole breaker to the “ON” position.
- Check Appliances: Verify that the appliances or circuits connected to this breaker are now receiving power and functioning correctly.
Common Troubleshooting Double Pole Breakers
Even after a replacement, you might encounter issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Breaker won’t stay on | Overload: Too many devices on the circuit. | Remove some devices. If it still trips, there might be a short circuit or faulty appliance. |
| Short Circuit: Wires touching improperly. | Inspect wiring for damage or exposed copper. Turn off all devices on the circuit, then turn the breaker on. If it stays on, add devices one by one to find the culprit. | |
| Faulty New Breaker: Defective unit. | Turn off power, remove the new breaker, and test it with a multimeter if you have the expertise, or replace it with another new one. | |
| Incorrect Wiring: Loose connections or wrong wires. | Double-check two pole breaker wiring. Ensure all connections are tight and on the correct terminals. | |
| Breaker trips immediately | Short Circuit: Direct short in wiring or appliance. | As above, check for exposed wires or faulty appliances. |
| Faulty New Breaker: Manufacturing defect. | Replace the breaker. | |
| No power to appliances | Breaker not fully on: Handle not fully engaged. | Ensure the breaker handle is firmly in the “ON” position. |
| Loose Wire Connection: At the breaker or outlet. | Turn off power and check all connections. | |
| Faulty New Breaker: Dead on arrival. | Turn off power and replace the breaker. | |
| Incorrect Wiring: Wires connected to the wrong breaker or busbar. | Re-verify all connections based on your photos. |
Ensuring Proper Double Throw Breaker Installation
A double throw breaker installation requires careful attention to detail. Here are key points to ensure a successful installation:
- Panel Compatibility: Always ensure the replacement breaker is manufactured by the same brand as your electrical panel. Breakers are designed to fit specific panel brands and series due to differences in busbar connections and physical dimensions. Using an incompatible breaker can lead to poor connections, overheating, and potential fire hazards.
- Correct Amperage: While you’re replacing a 20 amp breaker, ensure the new one is also rated for 20 amps. Never install a breaker with a higher amperage rating than the circuit wiring can handle.
- Secure Connections: Loose wire connections are a primary cause of overheating and electrical fires. Make sure to tighten terminal screws firmly, ensuring good contact with the wire’s conductor.
- Proper Wire Stripping: Strip only enough insulation to expose the conductor for the terminal screw. Too much exposed wire can lead to accidental contact with other components in the panel, and too little can result in a poor connection.
- Busbar Seating: Ensure the breaker’s internal contacts are fully seated onto the panel’s busbars. A poorly seated breaker won’t receive power correctly and could overheat.
Testing a New Circuit Breaker
Beyond simply flipping the switch, testing a new circuit breaker involves verifying its functionality.
- Visual Inspection: After installation and before restoring main power, visually inspect the connections and the breaker’s seating one last time.
- Power-Up Test: Turn on the main breaker and then the new double pole breaker. Confirm that power is restored to the intended circuit.
- Appliance Test: Plug in or turn on an appliance connected to the circuit. Ensure it operates normally.
- Trip Test (Optional, with Caution): If you suspect a potential issue or want to be absolutely sure, you can perform a trip test. With a load connected (e.g., a powerful appliance or a dedicated load tester), you can try to manually trip the breaker by pushing the handle beyond the “OFF” position (if your breaker type allows). However, a more reliable test involves using a circuit breaker tester, which simulates fault conditions. This is often best left to professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I know if I have a double pole breaker?
A double pole breaker is wider than a single pole breaker and has two “ON/OFF” handles that are linked together. It’s typically used for 240-volt circuits.
Q2: Can I replace a 20 amp double breaker with a 30 amp double breaker?
No, absolutely not. You must replace a breaker with one of the same amperage rating. Using a higher amperage breaker can overload the existing wiring, leading to overheating and a fire hazard.
Q3: What are the risks of not disconnecting power before changing a breaker?
The risks include severe electrical shock, burns, or even electrocution. You could also damage your electrical panel or the new breaker.
Q4: Do I need to call an electrician to replace a double pole breaker?
If you are comfortable working with electricity, have the right tools, and follow all safety precautions meticulously, you can replace a double pole breaker yourself. However, if you have any doubts or are not experienced, it is always safer to hire a qualified electrician.
Q5: What does “double pull throw” mean in the context of a circuit breaker?
“Double pull” refers to the two handles that operate simultaneously. “Throw” refers to the action of switching the breaker from ON to OFF or vice versa. So, a “double pull throw” breaker is a breaker with two handles that control two separate circuits simultaneously.
Q6: How do I identify the brand of my electrical panel?
The brand of your electrical panel is usually printed on the inside of the panel door or on the panel itself. Common brands include Square D, Eaton, GE, Siemens, and Murray.
Q7: What if the new breaker doesn’t fit my panel?
If the new breaker doesn’t fit, it means it’s not compatible with your panel brand. You must return it and purchase a breaker specifically designed for your panel type. Do not force a breaker into a panel it’s not designed for.
By adhering to these safety guidelines and following these detailed steps, you can confidently and safely undertake the task of how to change a double pull throw 20 amp circuit breaker. Remember, your safety is the top priority. If at any point you feel uncertain, stopping and calling a professional is always the wisest choice.