Installing A Circuit Breaker

This diagram illustrates wiring for a circuit breaker with a built in ground fault circuit interrupter or gfci.

Installing a circuit breaker. Whatever the reason when a breaker fails removing the old one and installing a replacement is the cure. Remember that the wires leading into the breaker panel are always energized even with the main breaker turned off. 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. This 20 amp 120 volt breaker is a form of gfci that can be installed at the circuit source.

Your breaker panel s amperage rating will be listed on the main breaker. In this video i show you how to install a new 15 amp circuit breaker into a breaker panel. With all circuit wires connected the circuit breaker can be snapped into place into its panel slot. This project guide will show you how to replace a standard circuit breaker by installing an afci breaker.

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. Replacing circuit breakers. When working within the breaker panel always shut off the main circuit breaker.

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 fairly inexpensive and are very easy to replace provided you have a bit of understanding about electrical issues. Circuit breakers are housed in a breaker box. Determine what type of circuit breaker you need to install based on the total circuit load.

Wiring a gfci circuit breaker. Just be aware that wiring an afci style breaker is different from wiring ordinary breakers. Most breaker boxes are found in basements utility rooms and laundry rooms. 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.

Verify that your breaker panel can handle a new circuit. This kind of circuit is used for dishwashers whirlpool spas and other locations where water contact is likely.