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How to install a subpanel / How to install main lug
It is ok to have multiple breakers and fuses on same circuit.
Breakers and fuses protect full length of wire.

It is ok to have multiple surge protectors on same circuit.
Surge protection works best when located at or near equipment.

Caution: ONLY 1 GFCI per circuit.
Multiple GFCI, AFCI on same circuit will cause tripping and other problems.
2023
Use only 600 volt wire.
Lamp cord, extension cords are not rated 600 volt.
Use copper wire only. Aluminum wire is fire risk and should be avoided or installed by professional.

30 amp breaker use 10 gauge /
120-240 volt 30 amp outlet can be installed on 30 amp breaker only/ use 10 gauge wire ... cannot be connected to 15-20-40 amp breaker.

Orange/ #10 gauge wire, with ground ... 30 amp capacity. Safe maximum: 30 x 80% = 24 amps.
Buy:
10-2 gauge/ 30 amp
10-3/ 30 amp
Southwire electric tools
Resource
Safe electric wiring
Yellow 12 gauge 20 amp
120 volt 20 amp outlet can be installed on 20 amp breaker, but not 15 amp breaker/ use 12 ga wire.
... cannot be connected to 30-40 amp breaker. 1

Yellow/ #12 gauge wire, with ground ... 20 amp capacity. Safe maximum 16 amps.
Buy:
12-2 gauge/ 20 amp
12-3/ 20 amp

NMB is house wiring
UF is underground
Rolls of stranded wire
HOOK UP Wires
50-60 amp breaker use 6 gauge /
240 volt 50 outlet can be installed on 50 amp breaker only
6-2 wire
Buy:
6-2 wire
Southwire electric tools
NMB is house wiring
UF is underground
40-50 amp breaker use 8 gauge /
240 volt 40 amp outlet can be installed on 40 or 50 amp breaker only
6-2 wire
Buy:
8-2 wire
Southwire electric tools
NMB is house wiring
UF is underground

Wire size and breaker must match

Use 600 volt copper wire only.
Use solid copper wire for all 14-12-10-8 gauge applications. High amperage loads will heat wire, which can cause stranded wire to expand and contract, and come loose under breaker screw, causing arcs that will melt the breaker and/or cause fire.

Never use extension cord, aluminum wire, undersized wire, damaged wire, or solder .... inside subpanel, or for permanent wiring. Extension cord code
Do not use aluminum wire unless panel is rated for CU-AL. Aluminum wire expands more than copper and will come loose and cause fire.
Never use solder on residential or commercial circuit. Heat from amperage will melt solder, and cause hazard.
Solder is used for low amp application like circuit boards.

240 volt breakers must be double-pole breaker with connected switches, and cannot be 2 separate single-pole breakers, unless the breaker switches are connected together.

GFCI circuit breaker
A GFCI circuit breaker will protect all boxes on circuit.
Circuit must be grounded. Ground wire must be continuous and connected to each piece of equipment.
GFCI breakers have a white wire. This wire must be connected to Neutral busbar inside the breaker panel.
Buy
GFCI circuit breakers
Push down
single-pole breaker    double-pole breaker
1" wide Push down breaker
Plug-in breaker
Buy single-pole:
Choose from 15 to 60 amp
Eaton CL series
Siemens 15-60 amp
Single-pole tandem breaker

2" wide Push down breaker
Plug-in breakers
Buy double-pole:
Choose from 15 to 125 amp
Choose from 15 amp to 200 amp
Eaton CL series circuit breaker
Siemens circuit breaker
Double pole GFCI

Both sides of a 30 amp double breaker are 30 amp, not 15 amp

Installing subpanel
Indoor subpanels are not weather resistant and can only be installed indoors.. Cover must fit flush against the metal box. Subpanels can be surface mounted to firm structure or mounted between 2x4 studs, and set out 1/2" or 5/8" in anticipation of drywall thickness. Surface-mount must be attached to structure (2x4 frame, concrete wall, electric pole etc), and cannot be mounted to drywall or siding where the enclosure can pull loose. Locate where shop tools etc cannot impact panel.

Outdoor subpanels are weather resistant and can be used indoors or outdoors. Rated Nema 3R outdoor panels are 'weather resistant' but not 'waterproof.'
Electric panels cannot be attached to mobile trailer unless trailer is permanent and skirted. Attach to nearby pole. Locate 12" above anticipated snowfall. Best in sheltered, shaded area. Avoid direct exposure to sun to maximize efficiency and longevity. Must be attached to permanent structure. Locate panel where equipment (forklift, lawn mower) cannot impact panel. When required by code, steel outdoor panels should be bonded to ground wire that is connected to nearby ground rod. Never touch or work on outdoor electric while standing on bare soil or wet surface... stand on dry 2x4s or plywood. Wear dry clothes. Turn off power to subpanel. Never lean into anything made of metal. Use non-contact voltage tester to determine if power is present. Receptacles (outlets), switches, and circuits that are installed outdoors must have gfci protection. Only 1 GFCI per circuit. Test GFCI before each use to ensure function. GFCI circuit must have ground. Double insulated tools are not fully protected by GFCI.
Read about electrocution
Grounding code

Basic installation
Attach subpanel and wiring firmly to structure.
Subpanel must have cover. Cover must fit flat against the panel, and door remain shut to avoid fire hazard. Subpanel cannot have ventilation holes.
Wires entering subpanel must be attached with wire clamp or conduit so wires cannot move ... wires and conduit must be attached to structure so they cannot pull loose. Movement within electrical installation is major cause of faults, insulation failure, injury, fire, and loss.

Buy:
NEC books
Dewalt plumbing/ electrical codes
Basic electric book
National electric code guide/ illustrated
Detached structure
Detached structure TIPS:
Electric panels cannot be attached to mobile trailer unless trailer is permanent and skirted with wheels removed. Attach to nearby pole and use extension cord if trailer is mobile.
Typically with a detached structure, you will run underground wire (preferably inside conduit) from main breaker box, then install subpanel inside detached structure.
Where to put GFCI? Supplying power from GFCI breaker in main panel solves any GFCI problem caused by detatched structure or garage etc, but using GFCI breakers inside subpanel instead of main panel make it easy for renters etc.
You generally want to oversize the wire by 1 gauge... so run 8 or 4 gauge gauge wire instead of 10 ga since you don't want overheated, damaged tools or motor etc caused by voltage drop over distance.

120 volt or 240 volt    vs    120-240 volt subpanel?
Why install 120-240 volt panel, when I only need 120 volt?  You might need a 240 volt car charge station some day.
I suggest installing 3-wire plus ground instead of 2-wire plus ground because 3 wires installation gives you 120 and 240 volt versatility. True that 120 volt only, and 240 volt only subpanels are okay, the effort of installing subpanel probably merits extra cost of running 3 wires + ground, instead of just 2 wires + ground.

You can add meter to your installation in event you need the kWh consumption for renters or tax deduction etc. Resource How to add meter

Motors

''For motor Loads multiply running current by 1.75-2.50 to get circuit breaker size''

150' 12 gauge wire will supply 240 volt 1-HP motor like for water well.

Inductive loads including motor, pump, HVAC, shop tools, refrigerator, electromagnets etc draw brief but large inrush of amps for start up.

Light bubs that dim during motor start up are evidence of power surge.

Two stage and variable speed motors and modern appliances mitigate effects from inrush. Increasing wire and breaker size might help.
Motors
Distance & Wire size with motors/ shop tools/ pump etc
Up to 100' is generally no problem. Over 150', use next larger size wire.
Resources Motor Amp rating and wire size charts

The longer the length of wire, the larger diameter the wire must be to handle same amp load. Oversizing the wire is never a problem, and will run cooler with higher efficiency.
If distances are too great for the wire size, the voltage drop will cause malfunction and shortened life of motor. Most electrical devices require at least 80% rated voltage.
This is especially important when calculating wire and breaker size for shop tools, pump, exterior living quarters etc located at detached structure. Distance is less problem with small loads like light bulbs.

Separate electric service drop and meter might be needed if distance is too great, for example over 400-600 feet.

Before committing to a plan, test fire your shop tools with temporary connection located near existing breaker box. To make rough estimate: buy one or two 250 foot rolls of cable ... buy larger size wire than you expect to need ... don't unroll ... instead, just strip both ends of cable and temporarily connect to load (motor, pump, table saw and planer and light bulbs etc). Does load operate correctly? Run load for a while... turn it on under usage like planing an oak board .. and check if motor is getting unusually hot or slowing down.
Connect incandescent light bulb to the circuit and watch how much it dims during start up when the motor inrush is at maximum amp draw. A brief dimming is common, but if it seems unusual, then up-size the wire and breaker.
Resources:
Motor wire size and distance
Color code for wire
Figure volts amps watts

Indoor: Install between 2x4 studs or surface mount. Must be attached to structure, and grounded..
Keep enclosure door closed.
Buy Indoor 120-240 volt:
100 amp 6 space
125 amp 8-space
125 amp 20 space
125 amp 24 space
Main lugs/ subpanels

Outdoor:
Install above anticipated snowfall
... away from direct sun and exposure to physical damage.
Must be grounded.
Must be attached to structure.
Buy Outdoor/ from my affiliate links: 120-240 Volt
70 amp 2-space
60 amp 2-space
125 amp 8-space
Subpanels at Amazon

Load centers
120-240 Volt with breakers.
Install between 2x4 studs, flush with finished surface.
Must be attached to structure and grounded.
Buy main load center:
200 amp INDOOR 30 space HOM
125 amp outdoor 12 space
Intermatic T30000R5
Outdoor subpanels with space for breakers, timer, switches, outlets, GFCI, low voltage transformer etc/ 120-240 Volt.
Flush mount, widths vary.
Must be attached to structure and grounded.
Resources:
60-125 amp with & without timers
With freeze protection panels for pools
How to wire control centers

Subpanel wiring
Installing subpanelSee larger 
60 amp Subpanel / with 240Volt  and 120Volt
Use with both 240Volt and 120Volt breakers
1) 60-150 Amp breaker replaces any 240 breaker in main box near top of box

2) Two Hot wires connect to 60-150 Amp breaker in main breaker box. Either hot wire can connect to either hot busbar inside subpanel.

3) Neutral connects to Neutral busbar so subpanel can power 120 and 240 breakers.

4) Ground wire connects to Ground busbar. Ground busbar can be purchased separately.

If Subpanel located at another structure, for example  garage several hundred feet away, might be cheaper to use ground rod located outside other structure. If structure is farther than 140', then wire gauge increases from #6 to #4. Consult local electrician for correct gauge.
Buy:
50 amp 240 volt breaker
60 amp 240 volt breaker
60 amp 240 volt breaker
Resources:
See wire size chart
Electrical formulas
Main lug wiring 
Main breaker wires are HOT when main breaker is OFF
Main breaker wires are HOT when main breaker is OFF unless service meter is pulled
How to pull meter
Install subpanel for Tankless electricLarger image
150 amp subpanel/ with 240Volt and 120Volt

150 amp breaker uses #2/0 wire
Neutral wire needed only if subpanel has 120Volt breakers/ or GFCI
Ground wire required for all installations
If panel will not have 120Volt circuits, then neutral wire not needed, and a Separate ground busbar might not be needed since ground wires can connect to neutral busbar. The metal box must be grounded.

Resource:
Subpanel shown here is for installing while-house tankless electric water heater
How to wire Tankless water heater
240 volt subpanel 240 Volt subpanel does not need Neutral wire
Neutral wire needed for 120Volt breakers, but not 240Volt
2 Hot wires arrive from breaker, and connect to Hot lugs
This will energize both hot busbars
Connect ground wire to silver busbar. The metal box must be grounded.

Wires going to Load connect to 240Volt breakers
When connecting ground wires to ground busbar, keep wires along edge of box.

Wires cannot be put over the top of breakers or busbars
Wires cannot lay over the breakers or busbars.
Wires can lay over top of other wires, but not at point where wires connect to busbars.
Lay all wires to sides of box
240Volt GFCI
Neutral wire needed in 240Volt subpanel when installing 2-pole GFCI breaker

240V GFCI has white wire. This wire must be connected to neutral busbar
Wires going to Load connect to breaker in usual way, except there are 3 connection screws on 240 Volt GFCI
Connect neutral going to Load to center screw on breaker... if Load has neutral wire available
Connect Hot leads going to Load to other two screws on breaker (either wire to either screw)
General rule/ Load neutral not required: The Load Neutral does not have to be connected to center pole on breaker.
Buy from my affiliate links:
Single pole GFCI at Amazon
GFCI breakers at Amazon
Double pole GFCI/ choose 15 to 60 amp/ at Amazon

Resources:
Wiring-GFCI.pdf
How to wire GFCI
120 volt main lug subpanel
120Volt subpanel illustration/ ... install jumper over top of neutral busbar
1 Hot wire arrives from breaker
Add jumper wire between Hot lugs
This will energize both hot busbars so each breaker slot will work.

Ground bar must be installed so Neutrals and grounds are separate. The metal box must be grounded.

Buy:
Terminal ground bar at Amazon
Ground bar with attachment screws
Resource:
How to change 120 volt subpanel into 240 volt subpanel
main lug with GFCI
Larger image
120Volt subpanel with GFCI breaker 
Neutral wire required for GFCI breaker
Neutral wire required for GFCI outlet
Do not put 2 GFCI on same circuit

Buy:
Single pole GFCI/ choose 15 to 30 amp/ at Amazon

Resources:
How to wire GFCI


Larger image


Put electric meter on Subpanel

Resource:
New and used electric meters
How to install electric meter on water heater
How to get electric service
Wires connect to subpanel
Larger image 
Square D 60 amp/ 6-space/ Subpanel with 6 gauge wire

Replace any 240V breaker with new breaker
Or remove two 120V breakers to make room for new breaker.

Normally, each 240V breaker serves 1 appliance.
For example stove has 240V breaker. Water heater has separate 240V breaker. Air conditioner another 240V breaker.
240V appliances cannot be 'doubled-up' on a single 240 breaker. Each needs separate breaker.
If there are no extra slots in breaker box, add a Tandem breaker. Also you can double-up two lightly used 120Volt circuits.

Buy:
Terminal ground bar at Amazon
Main lugs (subpanels) at Amazon

Resource:
How to replace circuit breaker
wire size chartWire size chart for distances up to 100 feet
Over 100' use next larger size wire.
Larger wire and breaker are better and run cooler.

Resources:
See rating chart with more sizes
Rating chart with temperature, long length

Select correct breaker and wire size
Wire diameter, weight, resistance





Wire color
Black-black or Red-black is preferred for Hot wires

White wire should be used for neutral wire.
If white wire carries power in 240 volt circuit, then wrap black tape around wire to indicate that it carries voltage, and is not a neutral wire.

Green or bare copper for ground.
Ground can never be used to carry voltage.
Ground must be continuous throughout, with no gaps or breaks etc.

Do not use aluminum wire: fire hazard unless installed professionally using AL-rated connections. All wires have resistance to electric current. Resistance is like friction that causes heat on wire. Wire expands when it gets warm/hot. Aluminum and copper expand at different rates. Aluminum expands a lot more than copper, and will force wires and connections to come loose from terminals, wire nuts etc

Load center subpanelChoosing subpanel /or main lug
Consider:
Amp rating of panel
Number of breaker spaces
With Door / No door
Weathertight or indoor (example shows indoor panel)

Availability of breakers:
Federal Pacific uses Federal Pacific breakers, etc
Siemens uses Siemens breakers or widely available 1"-2" wide BR breaker

Buy:
Main lugs at Amazon
Siemens 125 amp/ 8 space at Amazon
Siemens 125 amp/ 12 space at Amazon
100 amp 6-8 space/ indoor and outdoor
125 amp 8-12 space/ indoor and outdoor

Terminal ground bar at Amazon
Copper ground rod
Ground rod clamp


See larger

See larger
Example subpanel with 6 breaker slots


Subpanel with 6 slots.
This panel accommodates three 240Volt breakers
-or- six 120Volt breakers

Resources:
See amp - wire rating chart
Color-code for household wires
Terminal ground bar Install separate ground bar
Main lugs and subpanel etc often do not have separate ground bar. The metal box must be grounded.
Good electric practice requires separate busbars for ground wires and neutral wires.
Install ground bar
If subpanel is 240volt then separate ground busbar not needed. And ground wires can attach to busbar where neutral wires attach
Buy:
Terminal ground bar at Amazon
Ground bar with attachment screws
Ground bars at Amazon
Do not bond (connect) Neutral and ground together inside main lug, or subpanel. Why?
Answer: Resistance on the ground wire.
The purpose of the ground wire is to offer a continuous resistance-free route for electricity to reach ground (earth).
Inside main breaker box, the Neutral and ground are bonded together because the ground busbar is directly connected to the ground rod.
If you bond the ground and Neutral together inside a subpanel, it would be same as connecting the ground wire and Neutral wire at each light fixture or using ground wire for the Neutral. It would function of course, but add resistance to the ground. It would increase risk of fire and electrocution in event of a short.

Overview:
Grid transformers that supply power to each home have a neutral that is connected to ground. Every pole in the grid has a neutral that is connected to ground. Every main breaker box should have a neutral bonded to ground busbar that is connected to ground rod. Some older main breaker boxes use same busbar for both Neutral and ground, but codes have changed to help avoid hazards.
So whenever there is a ground rod nearby, the neutral and ground are connected together.
This mean if your subpanel is located outside or in a separate building where local codes require the box to be bonded to ground wire that is connected to ground rod, then you can bond the ground and Neutral busbars together.
So proximity of the ground rod is the guideline for bonding neutral and ground.
Wire connections/
-Always tighten screws and connectors very tight against wire.
-Use clean wires ... sand off any corrosion, cut back any melted or burned end. Do NOT use damaged wire.

-Make hook shape with needle nose pliers when attaching wire to screw terminal.
-Never use stranded wire under screw terminal. Instead crimp on a terminal.
-Straighten wires for lug connection
-Twist wires together so there are no gaps or looseness, and then cover completely with wire connector.
-Do not re-use old twist-on wire connectors.

 

Subpanels available with or without timer(s)
4-8 spaces to mount circuit breakers
2-5 spaces to mount switches and GFCI outlets
Outdoor Subpanels with timers
Can be used for any subpanel purpose located outdoor
Subpanels available with or without timer(s)


Control centers and parts




Digital control centers and I-wave




Freeze control centers and parts
Intermatic control center wiring
            120Volt                 240Volt              120-240Volt    
How to wire Intermatic control center breaker busbar


Toggle between 240 volt loads?
Save adding another circuit for car charge station
Cooper 30 Amp switch
Single-pole/ or 3-way switches/ rated 30 amp/ safe max 24 amp
Buy:
30 amp 3-way switch

Other type switches
30 amp 2-pole
30 amp industrial
Leviton 3033 
30 amp motor switch
40 amp DP motor 
30 amp DPDT


See larger
water heater switchToggle car charger using 30 amp 3-way switch:
Buy:
30 amp 3-way switch
Car charge station

Incoming 240 volt line from breaker has 2 hot wires.... one hot wire (white wire) runs to both the charge station and the water heater ... connect the second hot wire (black wire) to the common terminal or different-colored screw on 3 way switch.
water heater switch
Second wire to water heater connects to one of the other screws, and second wire to charge station connects to remaining screw.

Generally best to hook wire around screw terminal, or at least get a bend on it, so it is less likely to pull loose. Insert wire on left side of screw so tightening screw pulls wire in, and doesn't push wire out. Tighten screw very tight using correct size screwdriver. Undersized screwdriver can cause a loose connection.

All connections must be made inside electrically-rated enclosure (box) that is make to fit a switch. Enclosure must have a cover installed. Metal enclosure must be grounded, plastic box does not need ground. All devices and loads must be grounded. Wires, cables, boxes must be attached to structure. Buy: Xtra Deep switch box  3-1/2" deep boxes  
3"x2" switch box is standard height and width

Note all switches have a volt and amp rating embossed in the metal or plastic part of switch.
Single-pole and 3-way 30 amp switches are rated 120-277 volt. So these 30 amp switches work with 120, 208, 240, 277 volt.
All double-pole switches are rated 240 volt, including 30 amp double pole. This mean it can be used on 120-208-240 volt.
30 amp switches can be used on 15-20-30 amp circuit, but not 40-50 amp circuit.
Builder grade 15 amp switches that are rated 120 volt can only be used for 120 volt. Not for 240 or other voltage.
15 amp switches can be used on 15 or 20 amp circuit, but cannot control 30 amp load.

Need 120 volt, but only have 240 volt?
At your wellhouse, or at water heater in garage?
Use industrial transformer
buck boost transformer



Siemens industrial transformers/
Typical household use would be to step 240 volt down to 120 volt.

Inexpensive .... reliable ... requires enclosure
5.1 x 5.6 x 3.6 inches ; 3 pounds
Different models have input for 120 with 24 volt AC output, input for 240 with 120 volt output ... or input 480 volt with 240 volt output.
Outputs are AC.

Buy:
Siemens industrial transformers

Choose enclosure that is large enough
Bud industries hinged box 6x8x4
Metal outdoor Enclosure/ with 1/2-3/4" knockouts
Polycarbonate enclosures drill for knockouts
Thomas and Betts 6x6x4 plastic with cover at Amazon
Bud industries 11x7x5 box no knockouts
Tapered drill bit 1/4"-1-3/8 holes
tapered drill bit
Example Nema 3R indoor outdoor enclosures
2T511GA enclosureAltelix enclosure

Resources:
Siemens control transformers
Siemens transformers
Siemens MT0050AExample wiring diagram for transformer
If the input voltage is 220-230-240 volt, then connect one wire to terminals H1 and H3, connect other wire to H2 and H4.
Output on X1 X2. Optional fuse clip.
If input voltage is commercial 440-460-480 volt (480 for Americas), then connect one wire to H1 and other wire to H4, then jumper a wire between H2 and H3.
Larger image of transformer
Buy:
Siemens MT0050 industrial transformer

Note: 60 Hz Hot to Hot 240 volt is for power grid in Americas, 50 Hz Hot to Neutral 230 for Europe, and 50 Hz Hot to Neutral 220 for Australia etc.

When ordering: "If the dual voltage is separated by an “X” (120 x 240), the transformer can be connected only for 120 volts or 240 volts.
But, if it is separated by a “slash” (120/240), an additional Neutral connection is possible since the mid-point becomes available for 240/120 3-wire operation."
Resource pdf pg 4
Read more about transformers
Encapsulated step down Transformers/
Typical household use would be to step 240 volt down to 120 volt.

Convert 240Volt to 120Volt without neutral wire from breaker box
Do not buy the buck boost transformer for step down to 240-120
the buck boost is for stepping down to low voltage, 24, 48, 36 volt etc

Step down is to Convert 480Volt to 240Volt
or step 240v to 120v
Type 3R outdoor enclosure

Wiring:
480Volt input connects to H1 H4, and then H2 and H3 are connected together
240Volt output connects to X1 X4, and then X2 and X3 are connected together

240Volt input connects to H1 H4, and then H3 connects to H1, and H2 connects to H4
120Volt output connects to X1 X4, and then X3 connects to X2
Buy:
500 watt 240-120 volt step down
1000 watt 240-120 volt step down
1000 watt step down
2000 watt 240 volt to 120 volt
Acme step down

Resources:
Acme transformer wiring
Dry transformer installation
Match wire and breaker size
How to wire a subpanel
Read about household single-phase electricity
Read about 3-phase
How to wire 3-phase timers


Bond solar panel to ground wire that is connected to ground rod
Bond outdoor panels to ground rod
All phone, satellite, pool equipment, solar systems and electric panels must be grounded. Check local electric codes.
What does this mean? Bonding is the connection of metal to a ground wire that is in turn connected to a ground rod driven into the earth to a depth that meets local codes for grounding. Drive ground rod 8-10 feet into soil as per local code. Bond #6-8 bare copper wire to ground rod and to solar panels and pipes on roof.
Do NOT ground electric system to water pipes. Ground must be connected to ground rod. Stray current corrosion can cause pipes to deteriorate. Uncertain bond to ground because of plastic pipes.

Subpanels installed outdoors or in distant buildings should have a separate ground rod ... local codes vary. For example, outdoor pool equipment should have a separate ground rod. Satellite dish or antenna should have ground rod.
All ground rods should be wired together if possible to give best protection from lightning and power surge.
Buy:  
Ground rod and clamps at Amazon
Bonding lugs

Resources:
Why you need ground
Ground loop
safety switch Safety switch
Install safety switch next to any electric appliance
HVAC requires safety switch or pull-out so service technician knows power is OFF
Tankless electric requires safety switch when breaker box is not in clear sight line
Machine tools generally require safety switch.
Use fused or non-fused safety switches.
Having two fuses, or fuse and breaker, or 2 breakers on same line is not a problem... as shown in illustrations above for wiring subpanels
Note: having 2 GFCI on same line will cause GFCI to trip

Buy:
Safety switch

Resources
How to wire safety switch

Related
How to save hot water with mixing valve/ applies to any tank-type water heater
Pro and con with mixing valve
9-ways to save with water heater
Electric box knock out
Larger image
Installation illustrations

Buy tapered drill/ step drill bit for any size hole
Step drill bits at Amazon
Neiko tapered drill bit 1/4"-1-3/8 holes


tapered drill bit
linesman pliers

front cutting pliers
Utility knife
Electric tools

Buy:
Linesman pliers

Buy:
Wire strippers at Amazon

Buy:
Crescent-brand end cutting nipper at Amazon
End cutting nippers at Amazon

Buy:
Utility knife at Amazon<

Photo shows typical residential breaker-types
Example circuit breakers
Tandem circuit breakers give 2 separate circuits for 1 slot
Tandem is for two-120Volt circuits because it pulls power from one of the how busbars. Tandem is not for 240V.
Best practice: Use tandem breaker for two circuits that do not pull high amperage. For example, choose hallway lights and a bedroom for the two circuits, but not higher amp loads like dedicated microwave circuit and a 1/2+ Hp attic fan.

Single-pole 20 amp breakers
Double-pole 208-240Volt breakers

Buy single-pole:
Siemens 15-60 amp
single-pole tandem breaker

Buy double-pole:
Siemens 15-60 amp
Circuit breaker
Push-down type breaker
Attach wires very tight
Only copper wire under screw
No wire insulation under screw

Double-pole breakers
Double-pole 208-240Volt breakers must have connected switches so both legs are turned on-off at same time.
It is not code to use two separate single-pole breakers for 208-240 volt circuits
Push-down breaker
Notch on breaker sits against rail or cleat
Rotate breaker down to busbar
Push breaker down over vertical busbar

BR type 1" wide breakers are usually used for residential applications
Available local box store
Buy circuit breakers:
Siemens circuit breakers at Amazon
Siemens single-pole 15-60 amp
Single-pole tandem breaker
Siemens two-pole 15-125 amp

Larger image

Hook on breaker
Either hooks or snaps over round rod
Rotate breaker down to busbar
Snap breaker down over bar

Instructions for replacing circuit breaker
: Turn off electricity > > remove wire from breaker > pull old breaker off busbar > grab switch and rock breaker back-forth > if needed, use screwdriver between breakers to gently pry up breaker > rotate out > remove other end of breaker off cleat or bar or metal rod > buy matching brand breaker > check busbar for damage > install new breaker onto cleat or bar > rotate breaker down to busbar > push new breaker firmly onto busbar > re-attach wire > tighten screw very tight against copper wire

Resource:
How to replace circuit breaker

 Review basic 120Volt and 240Volt
Ordinary Main panel for home has 120 volt and 240 volt circuits.
This is called single-phase electric power. Phasing is determined by the power company.

Each 120 volt circuit can include up to 12 outlets, and supply power to lights inside a room.
- Generally each 120 volt circuit sends power to one area of home. The Hot and neutral and ground wires leave breaker box and travel to first junction box inside a room. From junction box, the wires split off and travel to each individual box, jumping from box to box until the final box is reached. So each box will have 1 black hot wire, 1 white neutral wire, and 1 ground wire that connect back to main breaker box.
- Some circuit breakers are dedicated to 1 specific appliance. For example the kitchen microwave is usually wired to 1 circuit breaker and no other outlets or lights are connected to that breaker. This is because microwave draws so much amperage. That is called dedicated circuit, and dedicated breaker.

Each 240 volt circuit is usually dedicated to one appliance. For example electric water heater is connected to 1 240 volt breaker. The electric dryer is connected to another 240 volt breaker. The heat/AC is connected to another 240 volt circuit breaker, and so on.

Resources:
See inside main breaker box
How to replace circuit breaker
Basic water heater circuit
Figure volts amps watts for electric water heater

Service disconnect

Buy disconnect from my affiliate links:
200 amp Circuit Breaker Enclosures
60-100-200 Amp outdoor service disconnect at Amazon
200 amp outdoor breaker enclosure
60 amp indoor flush mount breaker enclosure

Buy:
Meter box to install meter
Once meter box is installed, the electric company installs their meter.
Or if you are installing a meter for rental property attached through your house voltage, you can install your own meter

Buy:
Ground busbars at Amazon
Copper ground rod
Ground rod clamp
Ground rod driver




Buy
Tools
Milwaukee
DEWALT
Black and Decker
Stanley
SKIL
Makita
Porter-Cable
Bosch

Irwin Hand tools
Klein hand tools
Fluke electrical testing
Dremel hobby tools

Campbell Hausfeld air powered
Tekton automotive

Powerbuilt automotive
Saws and saw blades

Buy from my affiliate links every time/ thanks:
Amazon
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Enter Amazon from any link on my site, fill cart with any item ... purchases pay small commission

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