New Circuits for your Electrical Panel
Electrical demands are constantly changing. You may wish to add more devices to add more functionality to your home. It's easy to assume that a panel is capable of handling new circuits just because there are vacant spaces . This is not always the case. A new hot tub or EV charger can easily exceed the rating of an existing electrical panel. The Canadian electrical code specifies a set of equations that will accurately determine what size of panel will be required with a given set of loads. To be certified as a Master Electrician in Alberta, a Journeyman Electrician will be required to pass a 7 hour test that has a focus on using these equations.
Common Questions About Adding New Circuits
How do I install a breaker?
Most breakers are simply pushed in to place. Safety precautions will need to be observed before work has begun as there are many live components that present shock and arc flash hazards. Some breakers may have screws that securely fasten it to the bus bar but these are mostly found in commercial or older residential panels. Once the breaker is in place, the wire(s) are terminated to the specified torque. After the panel cover(s) are put back in place, the breaker can be tested for proper operation. The testing procedure is specific to the type of breaker installed.
What kind of breaker do I need?
Although a breaker may fit in an empty spot in your panel, that doesn't mean it is installed properly. A handful of manufacturers make breakers that are very similar in appearance. These breakers appear to have a good fit even though they are not making good electrical contact with the bus bar. It is also possible that you have selected a breaker that is designed for your panel and makes good electrical contact but it is not the correct breaker type required by code. There are many type of breakers available such as: combination AFCI, non-combination AFCI, GFCI, AFCI/GFCI combo, GFEP, tandems and multipoles. Each type has a specific role in your electrical system and installing the wrong one can result in nuisance trips or missing safety features. In addition, some newer panels have an extra bus bar for the neutral and a compatible breaker must be selected accordingly. It is important to select the right breaker the first time as most suppliers will not return a breaker that has been previously installed.
Where is the best place to buy a breaker?
Counterfeit breakers do exist and will not perform as well as the real deal. In some cases they may not even have a tripping mechanism installed! The best way to ensure that you are getting a real product is to buy it from a supplier that you can trust. If you want to make sure that you are getting the best deal, purchase the breaker from a supplier that is a distributor for that manufacturer, as they will often get the best price. The big box stores do stock common breakers but will often charge more than an electrical supplier.
Should I install a breaker myself?
Only you can answer that question. In most cases, installing a breaker will require a permit, and in all cases, will require deenergizing the panel in order to work safely. If you have any concerns about your electrical knowledge and ability, a licensed professional will be able to guide you in the right direction. At McKones Electrical Services, we provide free estimates for the addition of new circuits. Give us a call at 587 988 2707 and we would love the opportunity to answer questions regarding the addition of a new circuit in your home.
Most breakers are simply pushed in to place. Safety precautions will need to be observed before work has begun as there are many live components that present shock and arc flash hazards. Some breakers may have screws that securely fasten it to the bus bar but these are mostly found in commercial or older residential panels. Once the breaker is in place, the wire(s) are terminated to the specified torque. After the panel cover(s) are put back in place, the breaker can be tested for proper operation. The testing procedure is specific to the type of breaker installed.
What kind of breaker do I need?
Although a breaker may fit in an empty spot in your panel, that doesn't mean it is installed properly. A handful of manufacturers make breakers that are very similar in appearance. These breakers appear to have a good fit even though they are not making good electrical contact with the bus bar. It is also possible that you have selected a breaker that is designed for your panel and makes good electrical contact but it is not the correct breaker type required by code. There are many type of breakers available such as: combination AFCI, non-combination AFCI, GFCI, AFCI/GFCI combo, GFEP, tandems and multipoles. Each type has a specific role in your electrical system and installing the wrong one can result in nuisance trips or missing safety features. In addition, some newer panels have an extra bus bar for the neutral and a compatible breaker must be selected accordingly. It is important to select the right breaker the first time as most suppliers will not return a breaker that has been previously installed.
Where is the best place to buy a breaker?
Counterfeit breakers do exist and will not perform as well as the real deal. In some cases they may not even have a tripping mechanism installed! The best way to ensure that you are getting a real product is to buy it from a supplier that you can trust. If you want to make sure that you are getting the best deal, purchase the breaker from a supplier that is a distributor for that manufacturer, as they will often get the best price. The big box stores do stock common breakers but will often charge more than an electrical supplier.
Should I install a breaker myself?
Only you can answer that question. In most cases, installing a breaker will require a permit, and in all cases, will require deenergizing the panel in order to work safely. If you have any concerns about your electrical knowledge and ability, a licensed professional will be able to guide you in the right direction. At McKones Electrical Services, we provide free estimates for the addition of new circuits. Give us a call at 587 988 2707 and we would love the opportunity to answer questions regarding the addition of a new circuit in your home.