Installing A New Circuit Breaker Box

Before deciding where you ll install your new circuit breaker panel decide the size you ll need such as 200 amp 300 amp or 400 amp.
Installing a new circuit breaker box. Line up your new breaker with the clips on the side of the bus bar. If you re not sure how many circuits you ll need you will be better off with a panel that has a few more. If your future circuit needs are for fewer than 40 circuits the 200 amp panel will suit your needs. Newer homes will have a 100 amp 150 amp or 200 amp rating while some older homes may have a 60 amp rating.
The hot wire usually red or black from each circuit connects to a breaker. Standing to the side of the panel restore power to the panel by setting the service disconnect or main to on and then set the new circuit breaker to on. Turn on the branch circuit breakers and your power main. If you re installing an afci breaker as shown on the following pages you ll also connect the neutral wire to the breaker.
Determine what type of circuit breaker you need to install based on the total circuit load. Check for correct operation of the new circuit light outlet etc with a test light or meter. If the electrical circuit trips the switch you just flip it back on. Reconnect the wires to the terminal screws and replace your panel cover.
Your breaker panel s amperage rating will be listed on the main breaker. Turn on the main breaker and test your new circuit breaker. The average cost to replace a fuse box with a breaker panel is 1 100 to 4 000 and depends on what capacity the new breaker panel can handle. Each breaker snaps onto the bus.
Press the breaker down firmly until it snaps in place. There are a few reasons for a new breaker box installation over a fuse box. Install your new breaker. A breaker box in a detached garage is usually a sub panel to the main circuit panel in the home.
The advantage of installing a breaker panel in the garage is that it allows you to have multiple circuits available while only needing to run one line to the garage from the house.