Inside each circuit breaker is a spring hooked over a small piece of solder (a melt-able fusible alloy). Each breaker is connected to an electrical wire that runs through your house. The electricity that flows through your house runs through the solder.
Can circuit breakers be mounted horizontally?
Circuit-breaker enclosures can be mounted horizontally if the circuit breaker is installed in accordance with 240.81. Section 240.81 specifies that where circuit breaker handles are operated vertically, the "up" position of the handle must be in the ON position.Jan 3, 2013