How to Replace the Main 60-Amp Circuit Breaker

Written By
L.P. Klages
L.P. Klages
Published: Jul 4, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read
  1. Turn off the power to your breaker panel. There should be a large switch on the top of the panel itself. With larger panels, the switch will be outside, in the same box as the electric meter.

  2. Unscrew the terminal screws for any wires in the 60-amp breaker, and pull them out. There are probably two, and they are probably black, red, or both. Keep track of them; you’ll need them later.

  3. Pull the breaker out of the socket. Some firm pressure should slide it right out.

  4. Slide the new 60-amp breaker into the slot where the old one was. Firm pressure should slide it in securely.

  5. Replace the wires you removed before, and tighten the terminal screws to secure them.

  6. Turn the power to your breaker panel back on.

Warnings

If you fail to turn the power off before working with the breaker, electric current will travel through your arms into your heart, killing you almost instantly. When in doubt, hire a professional.

L.P. Klages

L.P. Klages is an entrepreneur and software developer, concentrating on information theory, software user experience, and mathematical modeling. He has been writing about technology and the business of technology since 1999. His articles…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.