Installing A New Circuit Breaker Box

Distributes power from the main breaker to the individual circuit breakers.

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. 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. Install your new breaker. If the electrical circuit trips the switch you just flip it back on.

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. There are a few reasons for a new breaker box installation over a fuse box. If you re not sure how many circuits you ll need you will be better off with a panel that has a few more. Reconnect the wires to the terminal screws and replace your panel cover.

Press the breaker down firmly until it snaps in place. Turn on the main breaker and test your new circuit breaker. Check for correct operation of the new circuit light outlet etc with a test light or meter. Each breaker snaps onto the bus.

Line up your new breaker with the clips on the side of the bus bar. Determine what type of circuit breaker you need to install based on the total circuit load. Your breaker panel s amperage rating will be listed on the main breaker. If you re installing an afci breaker as shown on the following pages you ll also connect the neutral wire to the breaker.

Turn on the branch circuit breakers and your power main. Circuit breakers are more convenient. A breaker box in a detached garage is usually a sub panel to the main circuit panel in the home. If your future circuit needs are for fewer than 40 circuits the 200 amp panel will suit your needs.

Verify that your breaker panel can handle a new circuit.