Installing A Circuit Breaker

Just be aware that wiring an afci style breaker is different from wiring ordinary breakers.

Installing a circuit breaker.

This kind of circuit is used for dishwashers whirlpool spas and other locations where water contact is likely. When working within the breaker panel always shut off the main circuit breaker. Circuit breakers are housed in a breaker box. 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.

In this video i show you how to install a new 15 amp circuit breaker into a breaker panel. This diagram illustrates wiring for a circuit breaker with a built in ground fault circuit interrupter or gfci. 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. Wiring a gfci circuit breaker.

Breakers cut the flow of electricity in the event of an overloaded current and eliminate the risk of fires burned wiring and ruined appliances. This is not a project everyone is comfortable performing since it involves working at the main service panel with the safety. Newer homes will have a 100 amp 150 amp or 200 amp rating while some older homes may have a 60 amp rating. To install a circuit breaker start by turning off the power supply to the electrical panel and removing the cover over it.

Remember that the wires leading into the breaker panel are always energized even with the main breaker turned off. Your breaker panel s amperage rating will be listed on the main breaker. Replacing circuit breakers. Attach the wires to the breaker and then snap it into the box or install the breaker first and insert the wires last.

Circuit breakers are fairly inexpensive and are very easy to replace provided you have a bit of understanding about electrical issues. Determine what type of circuit breaker you need to install based on the total circuit load. Verify that your breaker panel can handle a new circuit. The neutral white from the new cable attaches to the afci.

With all circuit wires connected the circuit breaker can be snapped into place into its panel slot. Most breaker boxes are found in basements utility rooms and laundry rooms.