How do I turn off all power to replace the main circuit breaker which is stuck in the OFF postion? ?

Question

I want to replace my main 100 amp 2 pole circuit (GE Type TQAL-AC) in my garage. My garage which is separate from my house; has its own separate electric meter and Circuit panel. The main circuit breaker is stuck in the OFF position so nothing will turn on in my garage. I want to replace it but all the on-line advice to "safely change a circuit breaker" are to replace breakers below the main breaker. My question is how do I cut off the power coming into the circuit panel to replace the main breaker safely or what are the correct steps I should follow to replace the breaker safely?

Answer 1

You will need to have the power company pull your meter.  The details might be a bit different depending upon your power company and state, but generally they will send someone out to pull the meter, you do your work then call them to come back out and put it back in.  There may or may not be a charge, and you may have to have an inspection and/or a statement from a licensed electrician that all is well before they will replace the meter.

Some electricians will replace a main breaker with the box hot, but this certainly is not a good practice.  Electricians should not do it, you definitely should not.  Dangerous.

On another note, are you sure the breaker is stuck?  That is a bit unusual.  Did you push the breaker all the way to the off direction before trying to turn it back on?  

Answer 2

You will need to have the meter pulled to kill the power to the panel. Let an electrician do it.

Thumbs down ??? I dont think so.

Answer 3

Short of having a qualified electrician replace a main breaker you should contact the power company and see if a service technician can kill the power to your drop while you change out the main then re-connect the power when you are done.