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DIY guideBreaker panel

Find the main breaker

Find the main breaker in your panel and label it, so anyone can cut all the power fast.

  • 5 to 10 min
  • 6 steps
  • Every step animated
Find the main breaker: the animation’s first picture

6 steps

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  1. Look in the basement, the garage, a hall closet or the laundry room for a gray metal box in the wall.

    If it's hot, buzzing or smells of burning, leave it and call an electrician.

  2. Open the panel's door. Only the small door: never take the cover off.

    Stand on a dry floor with dry hands.

  3. The main is the biggest breaker, set apart from the rest, usually at the top. No big one? It may be in a box outside by the meter.

  4. Put a bright label beside it, so anyone can find it fast. Off cuts the power to the whole house.

  5. Show everyone in the house. Tell Handyman too, so it's on your home's emergency card.

  6. A fuse box, or no breaker that looks like the main? Ask Handyman for an electrician to show you.

What you need

  • A flashlight
  • A label or tape, and a marker

Call a pro if

  • The panel is hot, buzzing, rusty or smells of burning
  • You have a fuse box, or no breaker looks like the main
  • The panel's cover is loose or missing

Handyman says: Not sure? I'll find an electrician.

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