How To Add a New Circuit Breaker to a Main or Sub Panel

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In this video I take you through the process of adding a new circuit into an existing main or sub panel. This process can be slightly different for different panel manufacturers but the basic principles are the same.
How to pull a wire into a panel.
How to install a new breaker.
Thanks for watching and subscribing! As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support!
Blessings from Minnesota,
Ben

[@stephenwalling5878]

I've been an electrician for 35+ years, we didn't have some of the tools you do. But always hookup first the ground, then the neutral, then the power. Remember electricity takes the simplest route, so you don't want to be it.

[@MrFitness94]

No, it takes all available routes. How do you think circuits work my guy

[@FishFind3000]

@@MrFitness94 it takes the easiest path if there’s no other path for that power to go and your part of the circuit you get fried my guy.... learn something before you talk out your ass. Electricity flows though copper wire much easier then a human body so it’s going to want to take that path. It’s just about how everything in the universe works. The path of least resistance.

[@geraldbagby8880]

@@FishFind3000 Actually, electricity takes all available paths. You were correct in stating that if there were no other path, and your body became an available path, then electricity would go through you. However, if your body becomes connected in parallel with a load in an electrical circuit, electricity will flow through you and the wiring of the circuit. Mike Holt debunks the myth that electricity takes the path of least resistance in many of his excellent videos on electrical safety and fundamentals. I recommend his website (mikeholt.com) and KZbin channel (MikeHoltNEC). Here's one of his videos where he mentions the misconception that electricity takes the path of least resistance (within the first minute or so)kzbin.info/www/bejne/aafZp6lrhruNpaM

[@blackrockcity]

@@FishFind3000 Actually, light travels the path of least time, not the path of least resistance. There’s a lot more light out there than electricity.

[@MrFitness94]

@@FishFind3000 if i have a light switch, and a space heater on the same circuit, the light would never turn on by your logic. The heater has less resistance, so you’re saying that all of the current would flow through it. Nop, both turn on, and current flow through each path is determined by ohms law, simple. If I touch the circuit, the heater AND light will continue to be on, as well as I will have current flow through me - contrary to the nonsense you’re spewing. Electricity takes every and all available paths with current being inversely proportionate to resistance. Nice try though!

[@coolhodgepodge5778]

I am helping a buddy tomorrow add a circuit breaker in his little weekend house in the country. I wanted to refresh my memory and found this is the best instructive video I have ever seen. Thank you!

[@bettescaife4488]

I searched for two hours for a video that explained what I needed to know before I found you! This video should have come up first in my search. Thank you so much for the time you took to explain everything so precisely. You turned what I saw as a terrifying ordeal into the easiest part of my barn light wiring repair.

[@jimharris1590]

Electrician for 52yrs---good job----Jim

[@paulmayerpiano]

Great video. Tells people exactly what they need to know and what is important, without a lot of nattering on or information overload. Great self-editing skills.

[@dicarlo57]

You must be one hell of a nice guy to donate this much time to make a video that is as helpful for those you dont even know! you bet I subscribed!

[@illestofdemall13]

Im my opinion, it's safer and easier to strip the sheathing before you put it in the connector. Just figure out where you need to strip off the sheathing, and strip it. Then put it through your connector until you have enough sheathing coming through. That way you don't need to stick your hands and stripper/utility knife into the panel. I would also recommend to turn your face when turning on your newly installed breaker, just in case there is a fault. You never know if a spark might come out or if a breaker will blow.

[@aaron74]

Meticulous, great work Ben! Only quibble is your terminology! You inadvertently use wire and cable interchangeably. Follow the NEC to avoid confusion. Romex, or NM-B, is cable. It contains wires, which are conductors. So a group of two or more conductors is a cable, or cable assembly.

[@carlomiranda3799]

Thanks Aaron, I learned something today.

[@truthbetold1855]

WRONG cable is T.V.!!! Jk

[@toddsmith7174]

Gave the best description I have EVER seen on KZbin

[@thomashajicek2747]

Just found your channel as I've been looking to correct some issues in my basement wiring, and yours are by far the best quality videos on electrical work I've seen. And I've watched a lot already!

[@soil-aint-dirt4903]

You are a teacher at heart. Well done! Thanks for taking the time to share your ways with us. 👍🏼

[@danielkerr55]

Dude I have to say your channel has been, by far, the most helpful as a new homeowner. I’ve wired a couple music studios with lines for audio so I have a lot of experience with wires in general but shudder at lines that have actual power involved. Watching one of your videos last night I had a breakthrough and started sketching my houses wiring setup on paper. I finally understand what’s happening! I’ll still be consulting professionals for larger jobs but I have a much better understanding of home wiring because of you. Thank you very much for that!

[@ahxishwe5664]

I love your safety briefing from the beginning, along the way and till the end.

[@bigpicture8309]

Outstanding! Not many have the rare combination of technical depth + presentation skills; this is what makes Ben stand out. The key to great videos is getting the message across to the viewer and making them understand by watching just once. Keep it up!

[@jillrosen6485]

Excellent video. Clear, concise and full of lots of tips and tricks. Well done!

[@kevinjones340]

I love your channel young man!!! Great tutorials for those of us that are not electrical savvy! Gives great confidence to do things around the house and not pay a fortune, other than for romex these days!!!

[@alecsithong]

Very well done! Your instructions were clear and concise. I learned quite a bit and gaining little more confidence in doing it. Thank you!

[@helmo2003]

Really nice to see how this stuff works across the ocean (I'm from Austria). Thank a lot Olli

[@tpbross]

Great video, I've never felt comfortable with breaker boxes but your video was a great help. Well done and great job on the little details.

[@WEdHarris]

Excellent presentation! Clear and concise! Even though I've tackled such projects in the past, it's always good practice for us DIYers to review and learn from professionals such as yourself who do this for a living before we tackle our next home project! I always learn something new, and your informative video was no exception! I learned at least 3 or 4 new great tips! Thank You and keep up the great work and above all...keep safe! Oh yeah...I subbed as well!

[@joelclarke2035]

What are those extra tips?

[@DialedN_07]

@@joelclarke2035 not sure about Ed, but drip loops, 2-4 grounds under a screw. Not sharing neutral with ground, each neutral has it's own screw. Cut the cable at the floor length, two cables per knockout/staple.

[@jeffoswald5036]

I love your videos. You always explain and provide excellent close ups during filming. Well done

[@ericzamora9179]

absolutly amazing, im a very novice beginner to learining how to wire, ive run cables and moved boxes but have always relied on our electrition buddies to wire them to the breaker and this taught me so so much! i now feel almost completly confident to wire to boxes now!

[@barbarabecker7484]

I love your no nonsense approach. Very easy to understand explanations and instructions.

[@ncooty]

Thanks. Very nice, as always. Remember to update the panel directory, preferably including a key to any error codes for the A/GFCI breaker.

[@ssarraf6855]

I liked using the yellow jacket for labeling and the use of the stripper for taking the yellow jacket off. Thanks Keep up the good work!!

[@pico1991]

Thanks for giving me the confidence to open up the main panel, as well as describing all the terms and some compliance issues.

[@mikemajer1236]

I'm just about to add two new twenty amp circuits into my garage. This couldn't have come at a better time! Very well done!

[@MrPsimmons3]

Great video, Sir! Very well done and very informative. Preparing to complete installation of a 50A, 2P GFCI circuit for an EV and this is indeed confidence inspiring.

[@JaradDowning]

This is the best addition of a circuit breaker I've seen on youtube. Thanks for adding CAFI/GFCI info.

[@willythehero88]

First video ever I've viewed on this topic and I clearly understood it all without having to rewind/pause several times. Although I'll stick with installing switches, receptacles & light fixtures, this new knowledge gives me a greater appreciation for what's in that "black box".

[@sethliberty9228]

Great video, thank you. I'm wanting to install two 30 amp 240v outlets and two 20 amp 120v outlets to an existing panel and this helps a lot. Ill be watching a few more videos though to get a better understanding

[@dwoodog]

Great refresher style video. Keep'em coming. Seems to be hard to find a good video, but if you ever have the chance to install one of those 0-10v dimmer switches in a LED light set up like a shop or something definitely film it, especially connecting the small purple and grey wires to multiple lights and at the switch.

[@nuyork77]

This video is so well done, and so thorough. Thank you for the time you put into this!

[@Marss13z]

Very straightforward. Concise. Efficient. Excellent work.

[@millayesantonio]

Love your work,my son had a short in the outlet,seen you online help me fix his electric problem thank you every much I learned alot

[@andrealcindor5366]

Your explanation is to the point.

[@darrickhorsley7365]

New to your channel and electric but to further more or should I say to help me and your other newbies followers it would be nice to see the entirety of installation not just a segment. Thanks uh oh so much I understand your teachings very well 👍🏿

[@brianhoangafser7328]

your instructional clip is ver clear, simple and free of any annoying accompanying audio that others embedded in theirs. i wish you would differentiate the connection between a convention circuit and arc /gfci one. tks

[@Imtpijan11]

I've put in a couple, and worked in existing pannels and but still found this very interesting . Great job.

[@CoolSteve77]

Benjamin, I have no idea how I originally come across your channel, but I did (I subscribed while back). I would just like to say that you are a very knowledgable young man. You do a great job explaining everything. Thank you for your great videos!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Thanks for the encouragement! I really appreciate it.

[@CoolSteve77]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom you are very welcome. Keep on learning and pass your knowledge on to the rest of us!

[@byways7528]

Outstanding. Clear, well-spoken and thorough. Thank you!

[@lucasled5049]

Such a masterful teacher. You are a very talented young man. Thank you for your time.

[@michaelprudhomme9795]

Very informative and meticulous work. I enjoyed every minute.

[@davemannell]

This really helped me on putting a new breaker in, thank you. I am saving this video for future reference.

[@adanenriquez6867]

Q

[@ChadAmI80]

Great info on number of neutrals allow under one terminal screw and the number of grounds allowed. I never knew it was allowed in code to double or even quadruple up the grounds.

[@Hoonterbiden]

Wow what a thorough guy , very good thorough video i like the way he gives the little tips and tricks he likes to use to get things to be nice and easy and takes his time and feels unrushed ! Great great video

[@AlmostItalianBrothers]

Thank you so much for making this!

[@johnpitts2738]

Wow, one of the most helpful videos on this subject I've ever seen. I learned so much from this video. Thanks Benjamin!

[@jamesjackson3925]

I'm installing a ranch panel for the first time, and looking to install two 20amp circuits to get inspected. I feel much more confident with your video, thank you.

[@brianbean19]

Thanks a lot man, I subscribed as soon as you mentioned it. Really appreciate the clear and concise instructions, advice and precautions that should be taken. Following code takes it to the next level

[@bobthealien702]

Just came across this channel, I’ve been trying to learn about electrical work and this channel has made it much easier. Thank you Ben. Keep up the videos!

[@jeremie2599]

Thank you Benjame we always proud of you sir because you explain better

[@laurahigle4962]

Dude - great video to help me through adding 5 circuits - 2 of which were 20 amp GFCI! Able to complete without a hitch. Thank you!!! Really good video.

[@raywhitfield]

Thank you. This is the most complete demonstration with explanation that I've seen!

[@cidllcpro4417]

I've watched a lot of other clips on this, but you have way to make things sound simple, clear and interesting enough to follow all the way through the video. that probably has to do with a good PR skill.

[@richardmunn8903]

Thanks Ben, I learned a lot. With my situation I need to have an electrician check out the fact that we live in an external edition to the main house (Grandma, Grandpa apartment) and I added a shop to the mix and need to add a dedicated breaker and circuit to the shop. Whomever did the electrical back in 1990's must have been drunk the whole time. It is a real mess. Even the circuit box in our place is an old one. Great video.

[@onemomsdrm]

You are a really good teacher!! I've learned so much from your channel! Love how you write on everything! I'm getting ready to redo the wiring in my old house... I'm definitely taking your lead on the labeling! Chasing down different circuits has been fun (not)! Like why do my kitchen lights flicker when my washer runs? pretty much redoing every upgrade... cuz it's not right. Thanks for all your videos! The hands-on makes sense of all that I've read.

[@BenjimenAnderson]

Thanks for sharing this information! I will need to change out a bad breaker for my heat pump.

[@grilsmasher]

Thank you so much for this video! I love how absolutely thorough you are

[@chadmiller8301]

BRAVO-Always speaking on subject with great information. It’s hard for me to watch long videos because they don’t stay on point. Another video I watched the guy was mentioning him being sick and extra details I didn’t care for. Thank you for staying on task in well taught, informative video. Thumbs up

[@gregandcindygingerich9615]

Many thanks. With your clear instruction I was able to install the needed breakers to supply electricity to my newly constructed pantry & back porch. I have liked and subscribed.

[@zTribalstylerz]

You're videos are great! I need to just sit down and watch a bunch but often when I am searching for an electrical question you have a video on it! Thanks man. great info.

[@seanrichards]

I'm not an electrician but your video was well done. Easy to understand brother! Thank you so much

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

You are a great instructor. I applaud your straightforward explanation, using correct terminology, and especially your explanation of key safety points. You covered all the major steps, and did so in a way that would be helpful to a broad audience (from DIYers to GCs). Are you sure you haven’t been doing this for 20 years?

[@gregrichard9192]

Master craftsman Ben Always a pleasure watching your videos, keep up the good work

[@seniorcomputer3292]

Master Plumber license.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Hopefully Master Electrician someday. Until then I'll just be a dumb plumber I guess!

[@davidredpath4781]

Great video, Ben! Keep up the great work!

[@thomaskelly3617]

Very easy to understand and video taped perfectly. Thank you.

[@jacoblincoln324]

Love your channel. You’re awesome. Thank you for doing what you do

[@classic287]

Excellent video. I like your tools too. The jacket labels are nice as well....

[@sergeantbilko7070]

I had to pause the video halfway through just to say your knowledge, explanation and tips are perfectly done. I just wanted to get that point across!!

[@j1bone]

This very well done. It's concise, straight forward and easy to understand.

[@TheApinator]

Just an observation. Always hold onto the romex that you are removing the sheathing off of in the panel. The exposed copper ground can accidentally make contact with the bussing. Seen it happen to many new electricians. Better safe than sorry. Good work.

[@TheApinator]

@MichaelKingsfordGray I’d rather be called a coward than get hurt lol.

[@gerardl2395]

This is the guy you want showing up at your home when you call for an electrician Great job. Great video

[@andrewallen8764]

I agree witht the previous comment.. Youre an excellent teacher. Whoever raised you done a fine job ..Thank You Sir

[@dva1946-WpAppsForThat]

Thanks for your video. It was very detailed and provided info I would not realized required for breakers (etc).

[@FernandoSantos-ct3wk]

You are a great electrician, amazing you sharing your knowledge.

[@adamn1390]

Great video! I love the straight forward explainations with little code tid bits as you go, awesome. Subscribed.

[@desireeespinosa3954]

I am extremely impressed with you young man! 🤩

[@faronsquare4911]

Awesome content! You're a very good teacher 👍👍 I look forward to learning more. Thank you.

[@biglouis4201]

You couldn't have been any clearer. This was a very helpful video. Thanks.

[@rayanebel2133]

Thank you for sharing with us,definitely a subscriber and I'm going to help share your videos, I'm upgrading my house with my wife and this is going to be next.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Awesome! Thank you! Good luck on your projects!

[@complexsimple7273]

Great video and your explanations along the way are helpful. In order to make cleaning up easier, I would have put the knockout and breaker slot you opened up in my pocket and avoided having to pick them up later.

[@KevinE787]

Very thorough and nice, clear delivery

[@jeremyscott6920]

Great job on your presentation. It is very easy to follow. Thank you.

[@jondeaux336]

Wow, thanks for the detail. You have great processes for this.

[@michaelhall274]

Outstanding video! I feel confident that I could follow this video and easily complete this task. thanks!

[@TheHavocdog]

I enjoyed your video as it looked professional and technically correct. One thing that I do with the drip loop may help you make it neater yet. When i make the bend in the wire to make the drip loop, I roll the wire around a 1/2 inch wooden dowel. In doing so, it makes the bend in the loop much smaller and tighter, but also prevents conductor ftom being excessively strained by the bending action.

[@rugfixr]

Great tips everywhere. Like so many tips! Thank you

[@leesahcage3297]

Excellent video. Great informative how-to for beginners, this was extremely useful and helpful.

[@victorlee7638]

Good habit to label circuit. It’s a must for high voltage operation. Safety first and avoid redundant work in the future.

[@mrnetwurm]

Always a great tutorial.

[@bullittgt8]

Love the videos, I'm learning a lot. 👍

[@shadypt100]

New subscriber, all ready knew how to put a breaker in, but did pickup a few tips. You are such a good teacher figure I will learn more for sure so I subscribed...

[@cybaggs]

Very informative and clear presentation. Thank you

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rayeguia2973]

About to do my first install, this helped a lot man thanks 🙏

[@dustmaker1000]

Nicely done, I learned a few things with your clear explanations

[@katoria69]

Very detailed on your explanation. Great video

[@edwinheredia4305]

Very well explained appreciating my brother for sharing your knowledge

[@billparker4470]

Great video thanks for explaining everything in a logical manner.

[@spiritualstonewhispercalli9525]

I thought you were very informative and very thorough and straight to the point

[@paulie0706]

Nice video. I'm going to start finishing my basement soon and will need to add some breakers. I can do the basement finishing, but haven't done too much electrical. Didn't realize how easy it is to add a breaker! Also made sure to skim the comments, no "real electricians" complaining that you didn't do it right, so I appreciate you doing what you do! :)