If you recently bought a new appliance but don’t have any spare outlets, you may have to install a new breaker on your electrical panel. Although it might seem intimidating, installing a new breaker is relatively straightforward, and you can do it without too much difficulty. To help you out, the team at ESD LLC is here with this quick guide on how to add a breaker to a panel.
Call today for more guidance on how to add a breaker to a live panel!
How Do I Add a Breaker to My Electrical Panel?
When learning how to add a circuit breaker to a panel, the trick is to be meticulous and focus on the details. If you add the breaker incorrectly, you might cause electrical problems in the future. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to add a main breaker to a panel.
1. Turn Off the Power
Before doing anything, turn off the power to the panel. You never want to do work on a live electrical box as it can cause serious injury and pose a fire hazard. Make sure you turn off and unplug any sensitive appliances, such as computers, before you turn off all the power to the electrical panel.
2. Locate an Unused Breaker Slot
Check near the bottom and top of the electrical panel to locate an empty spot for the circuit breaker. Make sure that you have enough space for either a single- or double-pole breaker—whichever you need for the appliance.
3. Remove the Panel Cover
Next, you can remove the panel cover. Be careful that you don’t misplace the screws when you take the panel off the breakers.
Once you remove the panel, locate the future circuit breaker spot. The panel also needs to have a knout plate over the position of the new circuit breaker so you can properly place it.
4. Place the Breaker in the Panel
Set the new breaker to the off position and place it in the breaker slot so it snaps into place. Make sure the breaker aligns with all the other breakers in the panel.
You should hear a small snap when the breaker clicks into place. After the breaker is in place, connect the wiring to the new breaker. Check to make sure you are placing the neutral and hot wires in the correct slots.
5. Test the Panel
After placing and connecting the breaker, you can replace the electrical panel and screw it back in. After connecting the panel, turn the main breaker on and push the new breaker into the ON position. If the new circuit immediately trips, turn the entire panel off again and double-check that you properly connected the wires and are using the correct type of breaker.
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Contact ESD LLC online today or give us a call at (425) 419-4167 if you have more questions about how to add a breaker to a panel or would like to learn more about our electrical power and supply products!
