Anything that involves working with electricity is something that you need to take precautions with. Circuit breakers are no exception. They are a safety feature in and of themselves, as their purpose is to shut off power when too much electricity is present. This prevents a power surge that could lead to fires or the destruction of appliances.

Circuit breakers are a vital piece to the electrical system of a building, but not following these major safety tips when working with or installing circuit breakers can lead to more damage than they will prevent. Keep yourself, those inside or near the building, and the building secure at all times. Contact Breaker Outlet today for more circuit breaker safety information!

#1 Turn Off All Power

Before you do any work on the circuit breaker panel, you need to turn off the main breaker and ensure that the panel is isolated. This needs to be done prior to even the simplest of procedures done to the breakers, including inspections for worn-out breakers.

#2 Wear Protective Gear

If there is even a slight possibility of an arc flash hazard, you should take precautionary measures and wear personal protective equipment (PPE). To identify an arc flash hazard, take into account if there are circuit parts exposed as well as the overall design of the equipment. Also look into when the equipment was installed and if it was installed properly.

#3 Choose The Proper Circuit Breaker

Ensure that the breaker you choose is compatible with the existing panel. To do so, check that it has the appropriate amperage rating as well as matching wiring. If you are uncertain about the type of breaker circuit you are needing, contact the experts at Breaker Outlet today!

#4 Inspect Tools And New Parts

When replacing an old or installing a new circuit breaker, you should take a moment and inspect that all the tools, wires, and new parts are free from damage. These quick inspections will not only ensure that connections will work properly, but they will also save you time in the long run.

#5 Be Aware Of What Is Still Hot

Even when the main breaker is off, the main bus bar has the potential to still be hot. The same can be true for the conductors leading into the panel. Always take precautionary measures and use proper tools and procedures to get the job done.

#6 Inspect Prior To Turning On

Once the circuit breaker has been replaced or installed, a thorough inspection of all new parts and connections should be performed by a licensed technician. Failure to do so could cause damage to the entire panel as well as all the electrical components of the building. Never just flip the breaker to see if it works. That is not the proper way to inspect that everything was connected appropriately, and could lead to severe damage.

#7 Perform Regular Maintenance

Another major precautionary measure that should be taken for the safety of a building’s circuit breaker panel is performing regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that all the breakers are in good condition. Breakers will get old and worn, and should be replaced accordingly. Many issues can be found during these inspections, and further damage can be prevented if found early.

Where Breaker Outlet Comes In

Your safety and the safety of the building in which you are installing a circuit breaker are Breaker Outlet’s main focus. We want to ensure that all circuit breakers are up-to-date and functioning appropriately. To do so, we offer a variety of circuit breakers and other electrical components that meet the requirements of both residential and commercial electrical systems. Have questions or concerns about the electrical system that you are working on or the parts that you need? Contact Breaker Outlet today for more information!