Circuit Breaker Wiring

A circuit breaker.
  • 1-2 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 50-100
What You'll Need
Rubber gloves
Rubber shoes
Rubber mat
Voltmeter
New circuit breaker
Screwdriver
Tester
What You'll Need
Rubber gloves
Rubber shoes
Rubber mat
Voltmeter
New circuit breaker
Screwdriver
Tester

There is no need to get intimidated if you have to work on the circuit breaker wiring in your electric unit. A circuit breaker controls the electricity flow in the house. If the power flowing is more than the acceptable load, it will trip and shut off the supply. This saves electric appliances from being damaged. Replacing a circuit breaker is a task you can do by yourself. With this set of instructions and the right tools you will be able to do the wiring on your circuit breaker. You just need to know which wire goes where. Follow the safety instructions as you work.

Step 1 - Take Safety Precautions

While working with electricity or any variant of it, make sure to wear rubber gloves and rubber shoes. Stand on a rubber mat while performing the job. This will shield you from shocks. Also make sure the area is dry and move any water containers away from the circuit box.

Step 2 - Turn off the Power

Turn the electric supply off, by shutting down the main power. Now use a voltmeter to find out if the electric supply has been completely cut off. Place one arm of the voltmeter on the hot terminal of the beaker and the other on the ground terminal. If it doesn't register any electricity, this indicates a safe working condition.

Step 3 - Connect the Wires

Strip ½ inch insulation from the end of the green wire and connect it to the earth bus. Then take the white wire, this is the neutral wire, strip ½ inch insulation from the end of the wire, and connect it to the neutral terminal of the breaker. Now take the hot wire and strip off ½ inch insulation and connect it to the live terminal on the breaker.

Step 4 - Install the Circuit Breaker

The major work has been accomplished, now all you need to do is place the new circuit breaker in the unit and work on the circuit breaker wiring. Make sure you fix the wires in place, the screws should be tight.

Step 5 - Test the Circuit Breaker

After the new circuit breaker in place, it is time to check if the circuit breaker wiring is installed properly. Turn the power supply on and snap on the switch on the circuit breaker as well. Connect the voltmeter as mentioned above. If the light turns on, the voltmeter has registered electricity. This is an indication that the circuit breaker wiring has been installed accurately.

Step 6 - Insert the Breaker into the Housing

Most circuit breakers have a spring clip; push the breaker into its box or housing until it snaps into place. Make sure the wires all fit into the box properly and that nothing is sticking out.

That’s all you need to do to wire the circuit breaker.