EASILY find the correct breaker switch
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- Опубліковано 8 чер 2024
- Find the correct switch with fewer trips and no yelling with these few hacks.
I had a friend die working in a circuit breaker box because of a few poor practices. Practice a few techniques to keep yourself safe.
Attributions:
The Grinch!
Back to the Future
Jurassic Park
Back to the Future
Dr. Strange
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Spongebob Squarepants
I Am Sam
Verizon Wireless Commercial
The Simpsons
Say Anything
#circuitbreaker #breakerbox - Навчання та стиль
Crap, I'll just have someone else do it. I didn't know turning off a circuit breaker was so dangerous.
Heck, you can do this! Don’t be fearful. Life is full of dangers: using a tablesaw, eating stew, road cycling, voting, inhaling your own saliva. Be careful out; there just take appropriate precautions.
YOUR FRICKEN GENIUS!!!! 😂 ILYSM RIGHT NOW!! im a 31 yr old single mom with no job so NATURALLY I'm ALWAYS doing DIY projects myself. By myself.... I've rewired and replaced EVERY SINGLE outlet and light fixtures. This whole time I've been asking someone to lmk when I hit the right one!! It absolutely ABSURD BECAUSE IVE HAD ONE OF THOSE TOOLS YOU USED THE WHOLE TIME!!! of course I want to make sure I'm not going to fly across the house and possibly die....alone... and be eaten by my cats 😅 so I invested in a very nice line tester and a wand type thst can tell me without actually touching a wire. Just get close to tell me if it's "live". So I thank you good sir. You have NO IDEA how much easier you have made my life omg!! Im currently replacing my outside porch lights and restoring a very very old post light by my walk way the house is about 300 yrs old and there are soooo many fixtures and original thing to the house I've been going through restoring and deoxidizing... again.. tysvm (tips her hat) 😊
You made my day, Nikki Love the yard sale-again!! Seriously thank you for taking time to watch AND to leave a comment. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.
A 300 yr old home?!?! That, my friend, sounds like a project! I’m proud of you for taking it. Way to go.
Your video was extremely helpful and easy to understand. I am a single woman now and trying to navigate areas that I know nothing about. You have made it possible. My hat is off to you! Thank you!
I love your narration. I’ll never get to my project because you’ve got all my attention 😂. I’m going to sub, great walkthrough, great tips, and I actually understand. THANK YOU
Thanks, brother. I appreciate you taking time to leave the comment.
Exactly the information I was looking for and loved your sense of humor, thanks!
Glad it was helpful. Also glad you enjoyed it.
Great advices on the Hazards. He is 100% right about these. Listen to him!
D. I. A. thanks for taking time to post. Thanks for the support.
I’m so mad my hot water isn’t hot, came here and I’m laughing so hard! 😂 Thanks so for the laughter and the Knowledge! And for introducing me to new tools.
I’m glad I could relieve sone of the pressure. Thanks so much for taking time to comment.
Dude informative and love funny cuts. Awesome. I need to find the breaker for outdoor light
Did you find it yet?
New homeowner here, thank you so much for the advice and the movie references.
Bamfhoneybadger, congratulations on the new home. That’s huge, my friend. I wish you the very best, and happy projects!
Man - the security camera idea was great. Loved it thank you
Glad you liked it!
Jared, great tips on using items already owned to identify circuits.
Apack, thanks for taking time to leave a kind message.
Thanks for this video instructional it gives me a lot of tips and content that I have to be aware when I’m trying to fix something in my house.
You are very welcome. Stay safe as you’re working on your house.
The safety tips were very helpful but I'm still not sure which breaker controls my wall heater. There isn't a control knob on the wall heater itself. There's nowhere to plug anything in to see, nothing is labled and I'm afraid to just go randomly flipping at the breaker box. There is no dial on the heater itself so I'd have to shut it off at the breaker box. I can't find a brand name on the breaker box to research it online. These wall heaters I don't know why they even use them. They get searing hot and it just dosen't seem safe with pets and small children, toddlers in particular running around.
My issue! I’ll shut off every breaker in the morning 🤷🏾♀️ worth a shot! I’ll be resetting clocks but that’s ok. Lol
If you can financially afford it, I'd call and have a consultation with someone in the HVAC field. Last thing you want is your water heater breaking and you have cold water for however long.
Your funny and entertaining, thanks for the vid. How would you trace wires in a celling for a fixture that may not have all the juice it needs. It read a very low reading on my meter. I need to find out what circuit its on.
Love the safety tips! Thx
John Hsu, thanks so much for the feedback.
OMG, thank you!!! I flipped each breaker looking for the one to the garage with no luck. I tried your suggestion to run an extension cord from the garage to the panel, and Voila! Thank you so much!
Thanks for taking time to reply. So glad you found it helpful.
Excellent tips. Thanks
You bet!
Hi, newbie here and not really that handy. I like the wireless camera option to use when changing a light fixture. However, if you're using a plugged in video camera, you may see that the video stopped working and then think that the light fixture is also off. However, you may have only killed the power to the outlet powering your video camera and not the power to the light switch. I'm thinking of using the Blink battery powered video camera, which should do the trick. Thanks again for taking the time to make this video for us newbies.
Great addition, JM. You’re thinking like a problem solver!! That’s half the battle with projects.
If the fixture still has a light attached, you can test it by flipping the switch.
These are all good ideas. they are ,the best idea is that shameless Spotify plug I never saw it coming and then he doubles up on it
Carlos, thanks for taking time to comment, brother. You gotta have a bit of fun as you make videos. 😉
I'm watching this because I need to replace smoke detectors in my Dads house. Even though I've never actually changed a hardwired smoke alarm before, but I know how to change it. The first thing I need to do is learn the circuit breaker so I can turn the power off to the alarms to avoid electrical shock before I begin. Unfortunatly, no one wants to teach me in the real world for some reason.
The best way I’ve found is to drop the alarm from the ceiling (wires still attached). You should typically see a white (neutral), black (live) and red (wire used to network alarms). You may not have a red if yours are not interconnected.
Carefully remove the wire nuts to expose the copier without touching the copper. Then follow then using a multimeter, wire checker-whatever variety you have to determine which breaker is associated with the alarm wiring.
I own both of the ones below and find them both helpful. The first one will save you trips back and forth from the circuit breaker.
I hope that helps.
Klein Tools 80016 Circuit Breaker Finder Tool Kit with Accessories, 2-Piece Set, Includes Cat. No. ET310 and Cat. No. 69411 a.co/d/2oc9bDT
Morris Products Circuit Tester 80-500 Volts AC/DC Economy Twin Lead Tester for Testing Switches, Outlets, Electrical Devices Blister Packed cULus Listed 1-Pack 59010 Black a.co/d/8pDehfb
good tip! thanks
FF4, thanks for taking time to post. I appreciate the feedback.
That was incredibly helpful! Now do one about how to find the breaker attached to a large household appliance, like a water heater, where there’s no outlet to use for a test.
Bonnie Foxx, thanks for taking time to leave a comment. Challenge accepted.
Unless I missed it, showed nothing about finding the right breaker for a ceiling fan, which is what I needed.
It’s on there. A phone. A camera. A computer. A tablet.
@diywithconfidence sorry, did miss it!
What do I do if I'm trying to change a light socket and want to turn off the electricity to it and not a wall outlet? The light socket doesn't turn on so that won't help find it.
Does the light socket currently work? I assume it does not and that is why you’re asking. If it DOES work simply put in a lightbulb and find the breaker that turns that light off.
Now assuming it does not work. Is it connected to a switch? You can use one of the lime testers I mentioned in the video to connect (touch) the wires underneath the switch wall plate. Touch the sides of the switch until you find power. Then turn off the breaker that provides that one power.
Worst case you can’t find any of those, turn off all the power in the house.
Be safe!!
the way you insert movie scenes is masterful
Thanks, tons for the feedback. I either get response that the video clips are asinine or that they love them. It’s one or the other. I have fun, so I’ll keep doing it. 😉
Good Quality Video, i can see the effort
Shadow, seriously thanks tons. I appreciate you noting the effort. I produce videos simply as a hobby. So any positive feedback is helpful and gratefully received. Thanks for taking time to leave a comment.
I’ll call an electrician. 😂
I get it.
I need the cameras off so I can sneak out lol
😂
Thank you so much. the Einstein that owned my house before me labelled switches and outlets like this = "Lights" "Plugs" with no indication of which floor it was on etc. Another good one is if you have an apple watch and an iPhone, open up the camera app on the watch and then you can see the lights go off when the switch is flipped!
There you go! Great thinking.
Ahaaaa☝. The Wyze idea was very wise for me. Thats how il do it. Thank u👏👏👏
Great. I hope it works well for you. Thanks for taking time to comment. Now Some Guy will be Some Wyze Guy.
Short it out, then look for the breaker.
That also is an option. Just can be potentially dangerous if done wrong.
Don't try this on high voltage. Have you seen arc flashes!
I bought an AC buzzer from McMaster … wired it safely with a plug and accessory box. Plug that in. When the sound stops, I’ve found the breaker. Also I then write the number of that breaker on the back of the outlet cover with a sharpie.
Great move, George. I like it.
the breaker number on the back of the cover is genius!!!
How do I find the thermostat breaker? Whoever labeled them could barely write apparently
You may find this video helpful. Most thermostats are low voltage. Low Voltage Wires
ua-cam.com/video/ukJRkshGzoY/v-deo.html
how to test a two plug socket when only the top half works and the bottom doesn't? Thanks
It’s on a switch? Test the top half per video instructions, flip the switch and test the bottom.
I particularly liked the blender test!
😂
I liked the long extension cord method to the upper level since the 2nd half of it nearest the breaker box would never have to be moved and the other end could be just moved from room to room. Someone commented what about a water heater, well that going to be a double 220v breaker for that application only and should have already been marked to begin with like a air handler, air conditioning unit, a range, well pump, etc. other that that this is mainly used for identifying multiple outlets, lighting, etc. After I retired I had so much free time on my hands that I took the time one day to identify every single item's location on each of the 15 or 20 amp circuits even down to outlets on which walls, inside lighting, front or rear outside lighting, flood lighting, doorbell transformer etc. I could never stand those small little standard identification labels in the box so I created a master sheet using Excel on the computer using single space for 15-20a, or double space for 30-50a rows and printed out a easy read large full size 8 1/2" X 11" sheet (resembling the actual panel) and fastened it to the inside of the breaker box door, it has highlighted colors and matching color coded breaker larger number labels (also easy read) for each room. It was a great rainy day project with nothing else to do and was definitely worth all the time and trouble, if I ever need to work on something now I just go to the panel box and switch that breaker off confidently, but for safety I always take the time to confirm that the circuit is dead using testing equipment.
Great, in-depth comment. Thanks for taking time to leave your comment.
@@diywithconfidence Thanks, I hope that it gives others the incentive to be creative with some organization and be able to tackle the breaker identification issue permanently.
Actually an electrician told me that doorbell is low voltage. Go to the breaker for the closest outlet to the bell and turn it off then ring the bell. It doesn’t ring then that’s the one and then mark on schedule.
Interesting. I’ll have to give that a spin.
❓❓❓❓I have two wall plugs (out of three…in a room size area)……..that are “open hot” (reading on a circuit reader) ….how do I find out which circuit they are in the box?
‘Open hot”…(they don’t work)
So to be clear, you plug something into the outlet and the item will not work, but the circuit reader shows that it is hot meaning there’s electricity running to it. Is that correct. In this situation, I see two options. One is calling electrician to come look at it And investigate. However, as a DYIer we want to do it ourselves. So if the circuit reader is giving you that reading then leave that plugged in and use the process of elimination on the breaker box by turning one breaker off at a time to see when that circuit reader turns off. Once again, use many of the method available from the video: have somebody standing near it, using a video app on another device, etc.
I have another brand of circuit breaker finder, and I have one receptacle in my kitchen that I absolutely cannot figure out.
The detector starts beeping over a general area, I have flipped every one of those breakers and it’s not it.
The only one I didn’t flip in the area that “beeps” is the 50 amp that our electric emergency heat is on, and there’s no way in hell this 15 amp outlet in a totally different room is connected to it, is there?
Certainly not that I can imagine. Do you have a subpanel (another panel in an addition added later)? Could it be on that?
@@diywithconfidence no subpanel.
I just use a length of romex wire, white or black, stripped on both ends and jam both ends into the outlet...The breaker that's tripped is yours...Check it's dead with a ticker...
One of those technical words.......schlepping..... we like those words....
Keep your eyes open and be aware of where you place your hands at all times. If you are concerned about your safety put on some protective equipment like safety glasses, electrical gloves, face shield, etc. or just call an electrician.
All true.
I have a broken dimmer switch how do I find out its off since i cant turn the light on to check?
A voltage tester tool held near the broken dimmer switch will tell you whether or not the electrical is live or not. The closer you can get it to the exposed wires without touching them the better the report will be.
Thx 😊 🙏
You’re very welcome. Thanks for taking time to comment.
Thank god mine has label…
What’s with all the cartoon snippets? Very annoy when just want the answer.
SC thank you for taking the time to comment. I really do appreciate it.
I’d love to hear a little bit more from you. 50% of the comments I get about the video clips are very positive the other 50% are very negative. I’m sure there are a number of people that just simply don’t comment and are indifferent to them as well. Tell me a little bit more about why you dislike them. I genuinely want to improve to make videos that are useful.
I'm trying to put in a ring doorbell The instructions say to put a jumper cable on your original doorbell chime. However on both breaker boxes one I have inside and the one I have outside there is no spot that says doorbell. 🙄🤪🤦🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
So does this mean I have to turn off each individual one or the whole house which I really don't want to do?
I mean literally there is no switch and either breaker box that says specifically doorbell chime. 🤪🙄
So what would I look for?
It is in a hall upstairs... That will help some of you figure this out for me. LOL
Lissa M, first there usually is no breaker for doorbells, owing to the fact they are low voltage. So no surprise you don’t see it.
Not knowing your exact situation I’m going to point you to an article that should help you evaluate your specific scenario. I hope you see your set up here and can make the right decision.
www.smarthomepoint.com/ring-doorbell-jumper-cable/
@@diywithconfidence
Thank you for the link.
Well eventually what I did is buy one of those tester to see if there is voltage. In the breaker box it says something about plugs and switches so I turned off all of those. Went to test with the wand seemed to be nothing there.
Took off the old doorbell no problem... But then there was a problem with how short and I do mean very short wires that were underneath that thing. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to put my ring camera doorbell on those little tiny wires. LOL 🙃🤪
Well eventually I did but it wasn't easy but they're in the process I found out there was still a little spark nothing that hurt just tiniest spark. 🤪🙃
I finally got it on and I'm not too sure about how long it's going to last with such short tiny wires. 🙃🙃🙃
This was my very first doorbell and my very first upgraded technology. LOL 😂 Well I guess we'll see how It goes. LOL 🤷🏼♀️
Lol I love the movie snippets
Painis Vergina thanks for taking time to post. I appreciate the feedback.
Do you have an easy way to find the breaker for hallway lights without someone else upstairs to tell you when the light goes off (and the lights don't appear to power any outlets)? I wish it was as simple as an outlet. Whomp whomp. 😂
Do you have another phone, iPad, computer, etc.? Go to Zoom or FaceTime or Facebook Messenger and use the video to see when the lights go off.
Idk what breaker is messed up.
Nothing tripped
Give us more detail. What’s the scenario?
Why does this guy not have more views than this?
Right?!?! I keep asking myself the same question!! 😉
That’s a lot of work 😂
Just one if you label the breaker box. 😉
What about using the other accessories?
Lap l, what do you mean “other accessories”? Can you give me an example or two of what you’d like to see?
@@diywithconfidence You show some adapters that can be used with the device. I think 3.52 minutes into your video. Possible to do a video on those items (mainly the one with the cable accessory)? I've seen some videos using the product but all show it been used with exposed wires. Like to see a video on when the wire burns out and you don't know what breaker it is. Thanks
How about a switch not a receptacle?
Short it out...touch a wire between the two poles or brass screw to ground...
...? "without reaching my STEP GOAL in the first quarter of the day". What does that mean?
Walking back and forth from the panel to the opposite location 75 times to identify which switch turned the lower off. Yuck!!!
Great
Thank you.
All very good advice..... doorbells what about doorbells with LOW voltage???????????????????????????????????????????/?
MSG A J Himel Ret, thanks so much for taking time to ask this question. I have made a short video to respond to your question. I hope you will take a moment to watch it.
ua-cam.com/video/ukJRkshGzoY/v-deo.html
I realize now that "Ret" probably stands for "retired"... Again, thanks so much for your service.
How about water heater breaker
Khadijah, that’s a good one. Hadn’t even thought of that. I have a natural gas water heater.
I assume there is some kind of indicator that the heater has started? A light? A sound? You could use a camera or phone to see it or hear it.
Is the water heater hard wired in or plugged in? You could unplug the heater and plug in an extension cord or radio as mentioned in the video.
Would any of those work in your case? Help me know if neither of these explain your situation.
Cool
Jeff, thanks, brother.
6:14 if you dont charge your phone it'll cease too ;P
That is truth.
Does not help at all with the doorbell low voltage at all
Yes
NAIVE QUESTIO...ALL THE OUTLETS IN THE ROOM ARE CONNECTED TO THE SAME SWITCH, CORRECT?😮😮
Usually but not necessarily. Often a fridge or microwave or an entertainment center may be isolated. In a bedroom that is usually the case. That is why it is wise to check each before working on them.
@@diywithconfidence thank you, I really appreciate your reply.
Too many video clips. Are you trying to make us laugh or teach us
Exactly, the goofy clips are disruptive.
all but worth less ....
Why?
You forgot to show how to breaker that control flipping switch this is a third video failed to show how to detect beaker of the switch waste of 45 minute watching 3 videos😢
masterciefl2k, I assume you’re talking about a wall switch? What does your wall switch turn on and off? A light? A fan? Some thing else? If you let me know, I will tell you how to find the breaker.
You kidding me? Close your eyes when flipping the circuit breaker. This is so over board and making this task a dangerous one. You need to calm down and not put the fear of God into every home owner......hell everyday you sit on a gas bomb driving. Does this mean we need to get a 4inch plate behind me. Everything we do everyday fixing things can go wrong. Get to the task and tell people how to id there breaker and use sensible saftey measures. No homeowner should remove a panel unless they have knowledge of electric. If in fact you believe everything you did explain to the viewers and your that scared of the panel, higher an electrician to label it.
I could not agree more. I do want people to feel confident attacking tasks, but they also need to know potential risks. ***If you still do not feel comfortable after learning about it, hire a professional by all means.***
I have friends who have both been scarred and died working on breakers without practicing best habits. We can approach breaker work without fear if we practice some safety steps.
Bruh , chill …
Exactly, just flip and continue
Please be more concise
Ta! (Was that concise enough?)
Pleeeeeaasseeee get to the damn point omg 😡
And the point being….
Kind of terrible..nothing seemed easy..should be titled how to find the right breaker if you have the right tools
Hmmmmm. I thought I demonstrated how to do it with simple objects you already have around the house…
Waste of time. This guy is more concerned with inserting movies clips he thinks are funny, but they are not. Just annoying. Bye Guy!
Thanks for dropping in anyway.
So corny 🤦🏻
ua-cam.com/video/_caMQpiwiaU/v-deo.html 😉
This video was useless
Useless? Really? What were you looking for it to accomplish? What would you like to have seen displayed? Help me make it better.
Very good tips. Thanks.
Thanks for taking time to comment.