 Search    Search using google with ads   
Follow newest ideas on Pinterest |
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. |
| 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  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  Buy: 8-2 wire Southwire electric tools NMB is house wiring UF is underground |
 Wire
size and breaker must matchUse 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
 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 |
 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 | |
 See
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 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 |
|
 Larger 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 does not need
Neutral wireNeutral 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 |
|
 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 |
|
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 |
|
 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 |
|
 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
chart for distances up to 100 feetOver 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 |
 Choosing subpanel /or main lugConsider: 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 |
 |
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)
|
||||
| Toggle
between 240 volt loads? Save adding another circuit for car charge station |
|
 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 Toggle 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.  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 |
|
 |
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  Example Nema 3R indoor outdoor enclosures   Resources: Siemens control transformers Siemens transformers |
  Example
wiring diagram for transformerIf 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 enclosureWiring: 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 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 |
 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 |
    |
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 |
 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 240VoltOrdinary 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
from my affiliate links every time/ thanks: Amazon ''As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases'' Enter Amazon from any link on my site, fill cart with any item ... purchases pay small commission E-mail: geno03245w@gmail.com My response might end up in spam folder, check email folders Waterheatertimer on Twitter Message thru facebook |
