How to Fix a Breaker That Is Not Making Contact in an AC Panel
- 1). Inspect the circuit breaker if the circuit breaker is removed and is not wired. If the circuit breaker is still in the electrical panel, turn off the main circuit breaker. Remove the circuit breaker and use the screw driver to remove the black wire connected to the circuit breaker.
- 2). Remove any obstructions or foreign objects lodged in the back of the circuit breaker. Occasionally, excess pieces of plastic from the circuit breaker become lodged on the back of the slots on the circuit breaker when it falls. Use the needle nose pliers to remove any foreign objects on the circuit breaker. If no foreign objects are present on the circuit breaker then you must replace it.
- 3). Place the black load wire on the circuit breaker back into the screw on the circuit breaker. Use the screwdriver to secure the wire in place. Make sure the main circuit breaker is in the "off" position.
- 4). Push the circuit breaker into the panel box. Slide the back end of the circuit breaker onto the panel box then push in the forward end.
- 5). Turn on the main circuit breaker and then flip on the repaired circuit breaker. If the repaired circuit breaker stays in the "on" position but does not provide power to the circuit then you must replace it. If the circuit breaker trips to the "off" position, then you must contact an electrician. The most common problem in this situation will be a short circuit.
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