So you’ve decided to add more circuits and circuit breakers, but you aren’t sure what comes next. Circuit breaker box installation can be tricky, especially if the old one is in an awkward location or there isn’t enough room for the new box. Finding space for the new breaker box can be tricky as well.
That doesn’t mean that it can’t be done, though! You just have to know what to look out for and how best to proceed with installation. In this blog post, we will give you all of the information you need to know about installing a brand-new circuit breaker box.
What’s the first step of a circuit breaker box installation?
The first step in installing a circuit breaker box is to shut off the power to the entire house. This is something that can’t be done while the electrical system is still in place and running, so the first step is to remove all of the electrical wiring. This is relatively simple and straightforward, but it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t do it while the lights are on.
While it’s true that you can turn off the breaker that supplies your home, it takes a few seconds for the power to fully dissipate. If you unplug a lamp or something of the like while the power is still present, you risk being electrocuted.
Choose your circuit breaker box location
The next thing that you’re going to want to do is choose the location for your new circuit breaker box. This means finding a spot for it that has enough room for the box, wiring, and any future additions. It’s important to take into consideration possible future additions to your home’s electrical system as well. If you install your new circuit breaker box in a spot that is too small, you won’t be able to add anything else to the system.
In general, the best placement for your new circuit breaker box is near the old one. If you can, place the new box beside the old one. This will make things easier down the road if you have to make any changes to the wiring. It’s best to put the new box close to the power source as well. If you’re unsure of where the power source is, consult a professional electrician.
Additions and changes to your home’s electrical system
If you’re adding circuits to your home’s electrical system, you’re going to need to add new breakers to the system as well. When you do this, you need to make sure that the new breaker is placed in a spot that will make it easy to access, but also won’t interfere with the installation of the new circuit breaker box.
If you need help finding the best spot for the new breaker, consult an electrician. If you’re adding new outlets, you’ll need to decide whether they will be GFCI-protected outlets or non-GFCI outlets. If you’re adding GFCI outlets, be sure that they are plugged into a GFCI breaker. If you’re adding new circuits or outlets to an existing circuit, make sure that you don’t overload that circuit. This can be extremely dangerous and can cause a fire.
New circuit breaker box installation
Installing the new circuit breaker box can be tricky if you don’t have enough room for it. Luckily, if you’ve chosen the best location for the box, it should fit in nicely. If you’re having trouble finding enough space for the new box, it might be time to buy a new circuit breaker box. Before you install the new circuit breaker box, make sure that the wires are arranged in the best way possible.
If you have to move the wires while you’re installing the new box, be sure to mark them with tape so that you know where they need to go. This will make installation much easier. When installing the new circuit breaker box, make sure that you are doing everything in the proper order. This means that you should connect the ground wire first, followed by the neutral wire, and then the hot wire. Once the wires are connected, install the box and the breakers.
Conclusion
Installing a new circuit breaker box is a tricky and involved process, but it is not impossible. You just have to make sure you do things in the proper order and pay close attention to the details along the way. When you do, you’ll be able to successfully install your new circuit breaker box and have a safer, more reliable electrical system.
