Does Pwr have to be off to install additional breaker?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Does Pwr have to be off to install additional breaker?
I have added breakers to panels in the past but it has been a long while. Seems like I did it without shutting off the "main" disconnect. Is that correct?
Thanks
Thanks
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Just not having to have computer, wifi, and cable restart. But you are correct. Not a good reason.
#5
Member
It can be done and I do all the time, but there definitely is a added risk and risk is greater if you have many empty spaces on the bus.
Risk of shorting the bus to ground while pulling and wiring the wire is greater than the risk of electrocution because you would know not to put your finger on the bus bar, but the wire can just fling into the bus bar when you are focused on elsewhere. I had that happen twice, but managed to pull the wire away before melting it. (less than a sec).
Also, when you plug the breaker, make sure that particular breaker is turned off do avoid arcing on the bus bar.
Risk of shorting the bus to ground while pulling and wiring the wire is greater than the risk of electrocution because you would know not to put your finger on the bus bar, but the wire can just fling into the bus bar when you are focused on elsewhere. I had that happen twice, but managed to pull the wire away before melting it. (less than a sec).
Also, when you plug the breaker, make sure that particular breaker is turned off do avoid arcing on the bus bar.
#6
I have added breakers to panels in the past but it has been a long while. Seems like I did it without shutting off the "main" disconnect. Is that correct?
#7
I may have installed a breaker in an energized panel once or twice. (today ) But companies tend to get crabby when I shut their entire business down.
I don't recommend DIYers to do it in their own homes.
I don't recommend DIYers to do it in their own homes.
CasualJoe
voted this post useful.
#8
Member
And unfortunately many homeowner DIYers don't realize that even though you shut off the main breaker in the panel the panel itself is still live and danger is just as much present.
#9
panel itself is still live and danger is just as much present.
CasualJoe
voted this post useful.
#10
Member
Tolyn Ironhand: Yes, I stand corrected.
I was just trying to make the point overall that there was still some danger working in the panel even with the main breaker off.
I was just trying to make the point overall that there was still some danger working in the panel even with the main breaker off.