I am in a home that is only 5 years old. Suddenly, within the last month I have noticed a breaker that frequently trips. I have not added any new electrical appliances in the room that this breaker covers. I will just be sitting in the room watching TV, with the usual room light on, and the power goes out in that room. When I go to the breaker box, it is indeed that breaker that has tripped. I am thinking that I would like to replace that particular breaker on my panel. Is that a DIY job, or do I need to get a professional? If it is a DIY job to replace one "gone bad" breaker on a panel, how is it done and what tools will I need?

Thanks.
--Mhoward

Hi. It does sound like a bad breaker. You can do this yourself. Just make sure you turn off your main breaker FIRST, that way you are not working on anything live. Then check it anyway with a voltage tester if you have one. Most residential panels you can unscrew the wire from the breaker, then pull the breaker out. Buy the same breaker - don't replace a 15 amp with a 20 amp. Push the new one in and screw the wire back. Close it up, then turn your main back on after it's closed up.