Eventually, a circuit breaker or even the entire panel in your home will need to be replaced, whether because it is old, damaged, or doesn’t provide the amount of power required to meet your family’s electrical needs. There are many circuit breakers on the market offering various sizes and amperages, and here are some things to consider when you begin the search for a new one.

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  1. Type and brand of panel. If you are replacing one or two breakers, you need to know your panel’s exact type and brand. Consult your breaker panel’s owner’s manual if you have it, or look it up online. Each panel is slightly different, and not every breaker will fit into the system. You could also ensure that you get the same breaker by looking at it carefully for the catalog number, which will bring you directly to the make and model you need.
  2. Cost. Whether buying a single breaker or an entirely new panel, pay attention to the price. It is a good idea to avoid the lowest-priced models since it is likely that they are made out of lower-quality materials. While it might be less expensive now, a cheaply-made breaker will likely break, overheat, or malfunction shortly. Aim for at least a mid-range cost, and if you can afford ones made from the best quality materials, it is a good investment. The price will vary depending on the number of amps you need the breaker to conduct and the type and model of your circuit breaker panel.
  3. Voltage Rating. Breakers are available with different voltage ratings, so you need to make sure you get one that provides enough power to your outlets. In many cases, low-voltage breakers have ratings of 600 or less to supply power to 120V outlets. The exact rating depends on how many outlets are on the circuit drawing power. If the breaker you choose has too low of a voltage rating, there’s a greater chance that fuses will blow or fire could occur. The best way to select a voltage rating is to look at the current breaker supplies and get at least the same, if not a higher, rating.
  4. Ampere rating. The National Electrical Code determines the appropriate ampere ratings for each use of a breaker–be it residential, an office building, a restaurant, etc. For homes in the US, the ampere rating is either 15 or 20 amps per circuit. Make sure the breaker you are buying is appropriately rated for these amps and is not higher.
  5. Accessories. Some breakers come with accessories, like an auxiliary (which shows whether the breaker is open or closed) or Undervoltage release (which flips the breaker when your home’s energy supply gets low). You will tell if your breaker needs accompanying accessories by checking for a sticker on the breaker–this should list the necessary items. If there is no sticker, there may be wires coming out of the side of the breaker that indicate the presence of accessories.

Promise Electric is a full-service residential and commercial electrical services contractor located in Sarasota.