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Adding a New Circuit

Project Overview

Adding a New Circuit

To install a new electrical circuit, ensure your service panel can accept a new breaker. Now plan a circuit that won’t be overloaded. To buy a breaker to fit your panel, note the brand and model number of your current breakers, or bring a sample to the store. Install the new boxes; run cable from the boxes to the service panel. Hook up devices and fixtures. Energize the new circuit by installing a new breaker and connecting the wires to the new circuit. Before you start, contact your municipal building department.

6 Steps

  1. SHUT OFF MAIN POWER
  2. REMOVE A KNOCKOUT
  3. CLAMP THE CABLE
  4. CONNECT THE NEUTRAL AND GROUND WIRES
  5. WIRE THE NEW BREAKER
  1. SNAP THE BREAKER INTO PLACE
Show all steps »
SHUT OFF MAIN POWER
SHUT OFF MAIN POWER

Step 1

SHUT OFF MAIN POWER

Work during the daytime and have a reliable flashlight on hand. Turn off the main circuit breaker. All the wires and circuit breakers in the panel are now de-energized except for the thick wires that come from the outside and connect to the main breaker. Do not touch the thick wires.

REMOVE A KNOCKOUT

Step 2

REMOVE A KNOCKOUT

Remove the service panel cover . To remove a knockout slug from the side of the service panel, first tap it with a hammer and screwdriver, then twist it off with pliers. Install a cable clamp. Also remove a knockout tab from the panel cover.

CLAMP THE CABLE

Step 3

CLAMP THE CABLE

Determine how far the wires must travel to reach the breaker and the neutral bus bar. To avoid tangles plan a path around the box perimeter. Strip about a foot more sheathing than you think you need. Thread the wires through the clamp and secure the cable. Don't over tighten.

CONNECT THE NEUTRAL AND GROUND WIRES

Step 4

CONNECT THE NEUTRAL AND GROUND WIRES

Run the neutral wire toward an open terminal in the neutral bus bar, bending the wire carefully so it will easily fit behind the panel cover. Cut the wire to length and strip off about 1/2 inch of insulation. Poke the end into the terminal and tighten the setscrew. Connect the ground wire to the ground bar (or neutral bar if there is no ground bar).

WIRE THE NEW BREAKER

Step 5

WIRE THE NEW BREAKER

Run the hot wire, bending it carefully so it will easily fit behind the panel cover. Cut the wire to length. Strip off 1/2 inch of insulation. Poke the wire into the new breaker terminal. If bare wire is visible, remove the wire, snip it a little shorter, and reinsert it. Tighten the setscrew.

SNAP THE BREAKER INTO PLACE
SNAP THE BREAKER INTO PLACE

Step 6

SNAP THE BREAKER INTO PLACE

Slip one side of the breaker under a tab to the right or left of the hot bus bar. Push the other side onto the bus bar until the new breaker is flush with the other breakers. (Some brands of breakers may require a slightly different installation method. Check the instructions.) Restore power and test.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Beginner

Time: 1 hour

Before you start, read this »

Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Home Depot® assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of attempting to replicate any of the home improvement ideas portrayed in this website Before beginning any home improvement project, review it thoroughly to ensure you or your contractor can finish the project and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

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