Many homes have a circuit breaker in the garage if it is attached to the house. If you are looking to install a new circuit breaker in your garage, you will need to use these instructions to help you. Our team recommends that you contract a professional to handle this repair if you have never worked with electricity before.
Here are the basic steps needed to install a new breaker.
1. Shut Down The Power
It is very important to cut the power supply to any electrical part you are working on. You should plan to do this job during the day if you can because there will be more light. Since you will have to shut off power to the box, you will not have the light you need.
To shut the power off, flip the main switch at the top of the panel box. One side should say on and the other should say off.
2. Locate The Unused Locations
Most of the time, there are unused spots in your circuit breaker. Builders usually leave spots empty in case a breaker needs to be added later on.
3. Test The Power
Use a meter reader to test the voltage range on your panel. You can check the presence of power by touching one probe to the ground and the other to the screw terminal that has a black, blue, or red wire connected to it.
The meter should read 120 volts. If you see that, then you can know there is still power in the box. You should not work on the box if there is any presence of power. If you still do not know how to cut the power off completely, then it is time to call a professional.
4. Look For a Space Between Breakers
If you are installing a single pole breaker, then you can expect it to provide you 120 volts. A double pole breaker is able to provide 208 volts You need to make sure there is enough space to install what you need.
5. Stick With the Code
You must install an approved circuit breaker. If you do not, then it will be a fire hazard. The breaker should not exceed the circuits conductor’s rating.
6. Find The Mounting Points
The new breaker will have two mounting points that are mechanical contacts. One of the contact points is for the electrical input and the other is for the output.
7. Turn The Breaker Off
Before you install the new breaker, make sure the switch is turned off. You do not want any chance of conducting electricity while you are making that installation.
8. Align The Breaker
You will need to tilt the breaker so it can reach the contact point on the box. It needs to be supported by the rail when it is going in. After it has engaged, then roll the breaker towards the center of the panel.
9. Connect The Circuit
After you have pushed the breaker in the box, you will need to connect the wires. Be sure to connect the neutral wire to the correct post. Also, make certain the switch is still off.
10. Test The Breaker
Once it is fully installed, cut the power back on to the breaker box. At this point, you can test the breaker to see if it is working. Cut on the switch and test out the outlets it services. Be sure to label the breaker on the panel so that you know what it works later on.
Call Us Today
If you have problems with the power to your garage door opener, call us today. We can assist you with that type of concern. Our team is ready to help you with anything related to your garage door.
