Circuit breakers

Clyde S
by Clyde S
How can I figure out which circuit breaker goes with which outlet without turning breakers on and off?
  12 answers
  • Z Z on Mar 21, 2014
    Unless they're labeled, I don't see how you can Clyde. Let me see if I can find someone that will know for sure. Ed @AK Complete Home Renovations, David or Paul @Hamtil Construction LLC
  • There is a tool that you can purchase, but it does cost about $50 that allows you to plug a device into the outlet which sends a electronic sound into the wire. Then the other part of the tool is placed on each breaker and if its connected it will make a special sound. But like AK said turning on and off. If your by yourself, plug in a radio and turn it up loud so you can hear it from the breaker location. When it gets quite, you got the right breaker.
  • Z Z on Mar 21, 2014
    Thank you guys!
  • Clyde S Clyde S on Mar 21, 2014
    Thanks,Yvette!
  • Hamtil Construction LLC Hamtil Construction LLC on Mar 31, 2014
    @Clyde - Woodbridge and AK have it right, that flipping it off is best.. however, always test it at the wires in the outlet box even after you turn it off at the panel. Sometimes, there could be two circuits running to (or through) an outlet box or ceiling fixture box, so use a tester on the wires to be absolutely sure it is safe. We usually flip off breakers one at a time, off then back on, and go down each side of the panel that way. The circuit finder tool works too, but in my experience, you have to spend money on a good one if you want it to work well.
  • Clyde S Clyde S on Mar 31, 2014
    Thank you all very much!
  • Lucia Lucia on Sep 10, 2014
    How can a change a circuit breaker,I removed the screw but the circuit did not came out.
  • @Lucia There are no breakers that are screwed in. The only screw on the breaker is the one that holds the wire in place. Please get a professional in to do this for you or someone who understands electrical work. Not knowing how to properly change a breaker out and doing it wrong risks you and your families well being. Most breakers are simply pulled out from the center to the side that they reside in. Little hooks and spring loaded connectors hold it into place. My only question would be, why do you need to change it? Is it rusty? OR got wet? If its tripping the circuit its connected to is overloaded and putting a larger one in risks fire in the home.
  • Lucia Lucia on Sep 16, 2014
    Thank you for the help!!!
  • Argo Electrical Services Argo Electrical Services on Sep 29, 2014
    Actually some commercial grade panels to require screws for attachment.
  • Pamrwilson Pamrwilson on Jan 22, 2016
    Have someone help you. Turn on all of the lights in your house, flip one breaker at a time, then label each breaker which lights went out with little stickers. Then you will know next time.
  • Maryjanie36 Maryjanie36 on Mar 15, 2016
    Mine shows a red spot of which breaker needs to be turned on.