How to Replace the Circuit Breaker on a DeWALT Planer

The circuit breaker provides overload protection to your planer's motor. Planers are workhorses that make short work of thicknessing lumber. Attempting to take "too big of a bite" out of a wide board will quickly strain the motor beyond its working capacity. At this point, the circuit breaker will "trip," shutting off power to the motor (and protecting it from costly damage). Over time, the circuit breaker can fail, causing it to trip prematurely, or to not reset after tripping.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE CIRCUIT BREAKER   1. Remove the switch.

a. Remove the screws securing the switch cover to the housing.

b. Remove the switch cover plate from the unit.

c. Remove the screws securing the switch to the housing.

d. Pull the switch assembly out of the housing (it is not necessary to disconnect the switch).

  2. Remove the circuit breaker.

a. Use long-nosed pliers to disconnect the two wires from the circuit breaker.

b. Use a wrench to loosen (and remove) the nut securing the circuit breaker to the housing.

c. Use long-nosed pliers to remove the circuit breaker from the switch housing.

d. Remove and retain the square washer (plate) from the old circuit breaker.

INSTALLING THE NEW CIRCUIT BREAKER

  3. Install the circuit breaker.

a. Remove the nut from the threaded end of the new circuit breaker.

b. Remove the indicator plate from the new circuit breaker.

c. Install the square washer (plate) onto the new circuit breaker.

d. Connect the CORD wire to the "line" terminal on the new circuit breaker.

e. Connect the SWITCH wire to the "load" terminal on the new circuit breaker.

f. Install the new circuit breaker into the switch housing and align the threaded stem on the circuit breaker with the opening on the top of the housing. (You may need to use long-nosed pliers to properly position the circuit breaker from inside the housing.)

g. Install the indicator plate onto the threaded stem of the new circuit breaker.

h. Secure the new circuit breaker with the nut.

REASSEMBLING THE UNIT

  4. Reinstall the switch.

a. Install the switch into the housing (and carefully tuck the switch wires into the housing).

b. Secure the switch with the screws.

c. Install the switch cover plate.

d. Secure the switch cover plate with the screws.