Installing A Circuit Breaker

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

Installing a 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. Whatever the reason when a breaker fails removing the old one and installing a replacement is the cure. Your breaker panel s amperage rating will be listed on the main breaker. This diagram illustrates wiring for a circuit breaker with a built in ground fault circuit interrupter or gfci.

The neutral white from the new cable attaches to the afci. Verify that your breaker panel can handle a new circuit. Most breaker boxes are found in basements utility rooms and laundry rooms. This 20 amp 120 volt breaker is a form of gfci that can be installed at the circuit source.

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. Circuit breakers are fairly inexpensive and are very easy to replace provided you have a bit of understanding about electrical issues. This kind of circuit is used for dishwashers whirlpool spas and other locations where water contact is likely. Just be aware that wiring an afci style breaker is different from wiring ordinary breakers.

To install a circuit breaker start by turning off the power supply to the electrical panel and removing the cover over it. Circuit breakers are housed in a breaker box. Replacing circuit breakers. In this video i show you how to install a new 15 amp circuit breaker into a breaker panel.

Wiring a gfci circuit breaker. Remember that the wires leading into the breaker panel are always energized even with the main breaker turned off. With all circuit wires connected the circuit breaker can be snapped into place into its panel slot. Breakers cut the flow of electricity in the event of an overloaded current and eliminate the risk of fires burned wiring and ruined appliances.

Attach the wires to the breaker and then snap it into the box or install the breaker first and insert the wires last. When working within the breaker panel always shut off the main circuit breaker.