Install gfi circuit

The primary item for this project is the dual-function breaker that you will install. Its function is to suppress both arc fault and ground fault risks. Make sure to find out which connectivity matches the design of your electrical panel. Also, be brand-specific when you buy a breaker; it should come from the same manufacturer as your panelboard to avoid electrical anomalies.

If you are unsure what to purchase, consult your panel manufacturer. Consider your circuits too. If you have various circuit sizes, ensure that you have suitable breaker sizes for each one: amps for the bathroom and amps for the kitchen, for example. Multimeters are sacred tools when it comes to electrical projects. On the other hand, if a multimeter is not available, you can also use a non-contact voltage tester to check if a specific area is safe to touch.

However, this lacks the feature of being able to read the voltage. But do not worry, the standard set of electrical screwdrivers can help you get by with ease. Phillips and flat-head drivers are enough for the job. Given that you will be working in front of an electric distribution board, protecting yourself is very much required. Get something to insulate and cover your hands and feet. A rubber glove is good, and so is putting on boots to avoid the risk of grounding.

I highly recommend using insulated floor mats as well. Wiring a dual-function CB is almost the same as installing a typical circuit breaker. Their only difference is that there are three wires coming from the dual-function breaker itself. Then, shut down the main power line that feeds your load center. What we need to achieve here is the assurance that panel surfaces are safe to touch.

Use your multimeter or voltage tester to test the screw points on your panel cover before you make contact with your screwdriver. Set your multimeter to voltage reading and press its probes down to the mentioned areas.

Now that you have clearance, remove your old breaker the one that needs replacement by carefully pulling it outward from the seat of the hot bus bar blades. Unscrew the wirings connected to the old breaker once it is out.

Identify which circuit will go into your breaker before an AFCI breaker installation. The tester should indicate zero voltage for all tests. Remember: Switching off the main breaker turns off the power to the panel's hot bus bars and to all of the branch circuits. It does not turn off the power to the utility service conductors coming in from the utility meter or the terminal lugs they connect to in the panel. Utility service wires and the main breaker terminals remain live and carry deadly current even when the main breaker is switched off.

Never touch the main breaker terminals or the service wires. Remove one of the knockout plates on the panel cover, if necessary, to create an opening for the new breaker, using pliers. Switch the new breaker to the OFF position. Connect the breaker's coiled white neutral wire to the neutral bus bar on the service panel. You must use an open screw terminal on the bus bar; do not connect more than one wire to a single terminal. Make sure all of the wire connections are tight.

Snap the breaker into the panel as directed by the manufacturer. Most breakers have a notch or foot on the outer end of the breaker that fits into a mounting rail on the outer side of the breaker area in the service panel. The inner end of the breaker snaps into a tab or clip on the panel's hot bus bar. Reinstall the panel cover and door, as applicable. Turn off all of the branch circuit breakers. Also, turn off any appliances that are supplied by the circuit with the new breaker.

Switch the main breaker to the ON position to restore power to the panel, then turn on each of the branch breakers one at a time, including the new GFGI breaker. Test the breaker as directed by the manufacturer.

Close the panel door. National Association of Home Builders. United States Product Safety Commission. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile.

Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Project Overview. Warning It's critical that you connect the hot circuit wire to the "hot" or "load" terminal on the GFCI breaker and the neutral circuit wire to the neutral terminal.

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