How to Install a Circuit Breaker?

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The correct term for a ground fault circuit breaker is a ground-fault circuit-interrupter breaker, or GFCI breaker. The device is installed inside a home's service panel, also known as the breaker box, to offer GFCI protection for every branch circuit that it manages. When installing a GFCI circuit breaker outlets in certain locations where they are needed by the local electrical code, this installation is frequently utilised as an alternative.

Users are intended to be safeguarded against unintentional shock during circuit failures via GFCI protection.

• Disconnect the Power

Turn the main breaker to the OFF position while opening the service panel door. Without touching any of the wires inside the panel, remove the cover (also known as the "dead front cover") for the panel. With the aid of a non-contact voltage tester, check a number of the panel's cables and circuit breakers to ensure that the power is off.

• Knockout plate should be removed

If necessary, use pliers to remove one of the knockout plates from the panel cover in order to make room for the new breaker.

• Affix the GFCI or AFCI/GFCI breakers.

Change the new breaker's setting to "OFF." Using a screwdriver, attach the hot circuit wire to the "HOT" or "LOAD" screw terminal on the breaker. The "NEUTRAL" screw terminal on the breaker should receive the neutral circuit wire.

The white neutral wire on the breaker should be coiled and connected to the neutral bus bar on the service panel. Use an open screw terminal; do not connect more than one wire to a single terminal on the bus bar. Verify the tightness of each and every wire connection.

• Set up the breakers

As instructed by the manufacturer, snap the breaker into the panel. The outer end of the majority of breakers has a notch or foot that fits into a mounting rail on the outside of the breaker area in the service panel. The breaker's inner end clips into a tab or clip on the hot bus bar of the panel.

• Examine the breakers

Put the panel cover back on (and door, as applicable). All of the branch circuit breakers should be shut off. Additionally, shut off any appliances that are powered by the new breaker's circuit. To restart the panel's electricity, turn the main breaker to the ON position. Then, turn on each of the branch breakers, including the new GFGI breaker, one at a time. As instructed by the manufacturer, test the breaker. Put the panel door closed.

I hope this clarifies your query about how to install circuit breaker box.

Although installing a GFCI or AFCI/GFCI circuit breaker only requires a few technical skills, you shouldn't do this project if you aren't completely sure in your DIY electrical abilities because there is a risk of lethal shock. Hence, to complete the task of installing a GFCI circuit breaker, you should call a qualified electrician who should be able to do this simple, inexpensive service visit in within an hour. 

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