Installing A Circuit Breaker

Determine what type of circuit breaker you need to install based on the total circuit load.

Installing a circuit breaker.

Circuit breakers are housed in a breaker box. This 20 amp 120 volt breaker is a form of gfci that can be installed at the circuit source. Verify that your breaker panel can handle a new circuit. Circuit breakers are fairly inexpensive and are very easy to replace provided you have a bit of understanding about electrical issues.

Most breaker boxes are found in basements utility rooms and laundry rooms. Just be aware that wiring an afci style breaker is different from wiring ordinary breakers. When working within the breaker panel always shut off the main circuit breaker. In this video i show you how to install a new 15 amp circuit breaker into a breaker panel.

Attach the wires to the breaker and then snap it into the box or install the breaker first and insert the wires last. To install a circuit breaker start by turning off the power supply to the electrical panel and removing the cover over it. Replacing circuit breakers. Your breaker panel s amperage rating will be listed on the main breaker.

On afci or gfci breakers this circuit wire will be attached to the terminal marked load power or black finally for afci or gfci breakers attach the breaker s coiled white pigtail wire to the neutral bus bar in the panel. The neutral white from the new cable attaches to the afci. This kind of circuit is used for dishwashers whirlpool spas and other locations where water contact is likely. Make sure you use a test light or meter to verify that the power is off since it s dangerous to install a circuit breaker in a panel that still has power.

This project guide will show you how to replace a standard circuit breaker by installing an afci breaker. Remember that the wires leading into the breaker panel are always energized even with the main breaker turned off. Wiring a gfci circuit breaker. With all circuit wires connected the circuit breaker can be snapped into place into its panel slot.

Newer homes will have a 100 amp 150 amp or 200 amp rating while some older homes may have a 60 amp rating. Whatever the reason when a breaker fails removing the old one and installing a replacement is the cure.