Installing A New Circuit Breaker

Tools materials required to run a new circuit wire strippers.

Installing a new circuit breaker.

Install your new breaker. The hot wire usually red or black from each circuit connects to a breaker. Circuit breakers are more convenient. Standing to the side of the panel restore power to the panel by setting the service disconnect or main to on and then set the new circuit breaker to on.

If you re installing an afci breaker as shown on the following pages you ll also connect the neutral wire to the breaker. Hold the circuit breaker at an angle and align its connection point with the rail clip or slot in the service panel. This article is focused on running a new circuit for light fixtures or outlets. Check for correct operation of the new circuit light outlet etc with a test light or meter.

Reconnect the wires to the terminal screws and replace your panel cover. Press the breaker down firmly until it snaps in place. If the electrical circuit trips the switch you just flip it back on. Each breaker snaps onto the bus.

Set the new breaker switch to the off position. Line up your new breaker with the clips on the side of the bus bar. Install the circuit breaker. Newer homes will have a 100 amp 150 amp or 200 amp rating while some older homes may have a 60 amp rating.

Distributes power from the main breaker to the individual circuit breakers. Verify that your breaker panel can handle a new circuit. Turn on the main breaker and test your new circuit breaker. Route the black wire that is connected to the breaker switch from the cable clamp to the location where you will install the breaker.

Turn on the branch circuit breakers and your power main. Determine what type of circuit breaker you need to install based on the total circuit load. There are a few reasons for a new breaker box installation over a fuse box. The average cost to replace a fuse box with a breaker panel is 1 100 to 4 000 and depends on what capacity the new breaker panel can handle.