How to Install a Tandem Circuit Breaker

* Tandem circuit breaker

* Wire stripper

* Phillips-head screwdriver

* Flat-head screwdriver

* Safety glasses

* Gloves

* Wire nuts

Instructions

1. Turn off the power. This is the most important step, as it will help prevent you from getting shocked. Go to your home's main electrical panel and turn off the circuit breaker that controls the area where you want to install the tandem circuit breaker.

2. Remove the cover plate from the electrical panel. This is usually held in place by a few screws.

3. Locate the empty slot where you will install the tandem circuit breaker. Tandem circuit breakers are typically installed in pairs, so you will need to find an empty space next to an existing circuit breaker.

4. Disconnect the wires from the existing circuit breaker. There should be two wires, a hot wire and a neutral wire, connected to the circuit breaker. Disconnect the hot wire first, followed by the neutral wire.

5. Connect the wires to the tandem circuit breaker. Connect the hot wire to the first terminal on the tandem circuit breaker, and the neutral wire to the second terminal.

6. Secure the tandem circuit breaker in place. Use the Phillips-head screwdriver to tighten the screws that hold the circuit breaker in place. Make sure that it is completely secure before moving on to the next step.

7. Repeat steps 4-6 for the second circuit breaker.

8. Install the cover plate. Replace the cover plate on the electrical panel and secure it in place with the screws.

9. Turn on the power. Go to your home's main electrical panel and turn on the circuit breaker that controls the area where you installed the tandem circuit breaker.

Tips

* Tandem circuit breakers are a great way to add additional circuits to your home without having to install a new electrical panel.

* They are also a convenient way to replace two single circuit breakers with a single tandem circuit breaker.

* When installing a tandem circuit breaker, be sure to connect the wires correctly. If the wires are connected incorrectly, it could cause a fire or electrical shock.

* If you are not comfortable working with electricity, you should hire a licensed electrician to install a tandem circuit breaker for you.