Circuit breakers are must-haves if you want to supply and protect electricity flow to a home or building. Too many energy sources running at once can cause an electrical circuit overload, which causes the circuit breaker to "trip," or shut off power to prevent wiring problems or fires.

Circuit breakers are usually distinguished by poles, or the active connections that the circuit breaker can protect. Single pole circuit breakers, or 1 pole circuit breakers, protect household circuits such as outlets, hair dryers or portable heaters. A tandem circuit breaker has a "two-in-one" slim design that offers two single pole connections in one space. Double pole circuit breakers, or 2 pole circuit breakers, are also intended for home or small office use that protect appliances, heat and hot water heaters. Triple pole circuit breakers, or 3 pole circuit breakers, are ideal for protecting larger offices or factories that handle machines and other electrical equipment. Keep these in mind when searching for the right circuit breakers:

1. Seek a circuit breakers distributor that offers shopping, customer service and support in-store and online.

2. Consider reconditioned circuit breakers in addition to new to save on energy costs.

3. Search for maintenance, repair and parts replacement services.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate circuit breaker manufacturers that offer products and services offline and online

Choose to shop for circuit breakers in-store, or find companies that offer the convenience of browsing online. Check to ensure that the company provides shipping services for your area.

I recommend: Pacific Coast Breaker Inc. features 1 pole circuit breakers, 2 pole circuit breakers or 3 pole circuit breakers, depending on whether you're furnishing a home or a business. Chat live with a customer service representative if you have questions about certain brands. Bruce Electric Equipment Corp. customizes high-, medium- and low-voltage circuit breakers that meet your specifications at competitive prices.

Consider used or reconditioned circuit breakers in addition to new ones

Find a distributor that keeps a large inventory of new and refurbished low- and medium-wattage circuit breakers, depending on the use. Make sure that the circuit breakers are tested and fully warranted.

I recommend: Diversified Electric Services,Inc. stocks specialized devices such as retrofill, air, molded case and vacuum circuit breakers. Arkansas Electrical Outlet manufactures and distributes new and reconditioned circuit breakers of all sizes. Altech Corp. offers thermal magnetic, compact and adjustable trip circuit breakers.

Find reliable circuit breaker installation, repair and replacement services

To avoid electrical fires and any other hazards, locate manufacturers that offer installation as well as circuit breaker replacement services.

I recommend: Carling Technologies offers circuit breaker components and solutions for your electrical needs. Steven Engineering offers circuit breaker repair, testing and rebuilding services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Protect your circuit breakers with sealing boots. The transparent rubber construction of these seals guards against dirt, water or chemical spills.
• •  Circuit breakers usually have switches that automatically shut off whenever there is a power overload. When resetting the circuit breaker, make sure the switch is set to 'Off' before turning it back on to prevent any electrical damage.