How to Add a Power Circuit Breaker

In the pursuit of keeping up with modern conveniences, homeowners may need to add another circuit breaker to their home's electrical system. Electrical circuits can easily become overloaded with the addition of electrical devices, such as televisions, that require a lot of power to operate. This excess power consumption will cause circuit breakers to continually trip until a safe amount of electricity is flowing through the circuit. While the task of adding a circuit breaker may seem daunting, with the right tools and directions, it can be accomplished by most individuals.

Flathead screwdriver
14/2 Awg electrical wire
Wire cutting pliers
Box connector
Hammer
Wire stripper

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the power to the electrical panel by opening the panel door and flipping the main breaker to the off position. This breaker is usually located at the top of the panel. If you are working in a sub-panel, you will need to go to the main panel and turn off the power supply there instead.
- 2
  Remove the cover from the panel by removing all the screws around the outside edge of the panel.
- 3
  Inspect the inside of the panel to see if you have any unused circuit breakers. Unused breakers will not have any wires attached to them. If you need to add an extra breaker; turn the breaker off, snap or screw it into place, and loosen the screw on the back of the breaker where the power wire will be inserted later.
- 4
  Install the 14/2 Awg electrical wire from the location where you want your extra circuit to end, moving backward toward the direction of the panel box location. Leave ample wire at the panel for termination and also leave enough wire at the end of your circuit to attach receptacles and switches where you want them.
- 5
  Knock out the properly sized prefabricated hole in the panel box that coincides with the box connector you will be using. Do this by using a screwdriver and hammer, or wire-cutting pliers to pop out the hole. Remove the locknut from the connector and insert the connector with its small end first into the whole. Replace the locknut and tighten firmly.
- 6
  Insert the wire into the panel through the box connector. Pull enough wire into the panel to reach the bottom of the panel and back up to the circuit breaker you are adding. Mark the wire with a pen or marker where it enters the panel.
- 7
  Pull the wire back out of the panel and begin stripping it from the mark you made in the previous step.
- 8
  Reinsert the wire through the box connector. Pull the wire into the panel until the remaining sheathing on the wire enters the connector. Use a screwdriver to tighten the box connector around the wire until it has a snug fit. Do not overtighten the connector.
- 9
  Strip about 3/4 inch off the ends of the wire, using wire strippers. Connect the wires by screw to their appropriate location within the panel. Keep like colors together.
- 10
  Connect all electrical receptacles and switches. Replace the panel cover and flip the main breaker back to the on position.
- 11
  Turn on the new circuit breaker and check for proper power with a voltmeter.

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