Hey everyone! I've got a breaker that used to trip every couple of months, but now it won't reset and definitely needs replacing. I usually do a lot of DIY stuff, but I tend to shy away from anything electrical. I know the amperage is 20, but I've heard that there are some variants, so I'm looking for advice on the right replacement breaker. I've attached a picture for reference—can I find something suitable at Lowe's or Home Depot? Thanks in advance for your help!
5 Answers
You're on the right track! But just remember, you need to find out why it was tripping in the first place before you make a replacement. Otherwise, it could trip again after the new one is installed!
It sounds like you might have an old Westinghouse GFCI breaker, which means you'll need to take it out and find a modern replacement that fits the same mounting style. If you’re unsure about doing this yourself, I'd recommend hiring an electrician just to keep everything safe!
Hey there! If your breaker won't reset, there might be a deeper issue than just needing a replacement. Sometimes it's due to a ground fault or an overload on the circuit. I'd advise against just swapping it for a standard breaker without figuring out what's causing it to trip. It might be best to call an electrician to diagnose the problem before you replace anything!
I'm an electrician, and honestly, it's often not the breaker itself causing the issue. You should try to identify what devices or appliances are on that circuit, as they could be overloading it. If you still think it’s the breaker after testing everything, you can replace it. But I suggest just checking for any faults first to avoid unnecessary problems!
Yes, a non-functioning test button could definitely point to a bad breaker. Good call getting an electrician to come out!
This breaker seems to control the outlets in my upstairs bathrooms and a couple of outdoor outlets as well. I noticed the test button on it doesn't work, though. Does that suggest a bad breaker?
If you do conclude it's a bad breaker, here's a quick rundown on what to do: First, turn off the main power breaker. Then, remove the bad breaker, cap the black wire, and take it with you to the store. Finding a compatible breaker should be a breeze with that!
Perfect—thanks for the heads-up! I think I will just give an electrician a call to check things out. ?