How To Wire A Main Electrical Panel - Start To Finish! NEATLY And VERY DETAILED

In this video I show you how to wire a main electrical panel from start to finish. I show you how to wire a panel box neatly and very detailed to give a good looking wiring job. The main panel I installed here is a Square D Homeline 200 Amp 40-Space 80-Circuit Indoor Main Breaker Plug-On Neutral Load Center with Cover. Be sure to check out my electrical playlist. I has videos of all my electrical work such as How To Wire A Breaker Box. I placed timestamps below to help you navigate this video. Here is the link to "How To Wire A Sub Panel" • How To Wire A Sub Pane... which is the follow up video to this video. Hope you enjoy this video!
When wiring a panel box it is very important to work with a licensed electrician for any of your electrical needs. Electricity can be very dangerous. This video is for entertainment purposes ONLY!
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Timestamps
Intro: 00:00
Panel Box Description 00:21
Panel Box Unboxing 00:40
How To Install The Panel Box In A Stud Space 02:00
How To Install SEU Cable Into A Panel Box 04:16
How To Install Ground Rods 10:41
How To Install Ground Wire For A Panel Box 12:09
Preparing For Home Runs 16:06
How To Secure Home Runs With Romex Connectors 18:41
How To Strip Wire For A Panel Box 21:04
How To Wire A Double Pole Breaker 23:19
How To Keep Track Of Circuits 27:22
How To Wire An Arc Fault Breaker 27:55
How To Identify AFCI and GFCI Breakers 32:38
How To Install Lug Covers 32:58
How To Keep The Panel Box Neat 33:19
My Workflow While Wiring A Panel Box 33:40
Dryer Breaker VS Hot Water Tank Breaker 36:00
How To Install A 100 AMP Breaker For A Sub Panel 36:37
How To Install A Panel Box Cover 41:06
Disclaimer: This video is all based on my personal opinion and is for entertainment purposes ONLY. I am not a financial advisor, CPA, attorney, tax advisor, electrician, plumber, housing contractor, designer, or any type of profession to give advice. I am just a consumer sharing my experiences and research. If you do need knowledge for those types of things, I will advise you to seek help for those professionals.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Team! There is a lot of information in this video so I created timestamps below👇 to help you better navigate the video. Enjoy! Panel Box Description 00:21 Panel Box Unboxing 00:40 How To Install The Panel Box In A Stud Space 02:00 How To Install SEU Cable Into A Panel Box 04:16 How To Install Ground Rods 10:41 How To Install Ground Wire For A Panel Box 12:09 Preparing For Home Runs 16:06 How To Secure Home Runs With Romex Connectors 18:41 How To Strip Wire For A Panel Box 21:04 How To Wire A Double Pole Breaker 23:19 How To Keep Track Of Circuits 27:22 How To Wire An Arc Fault Breaker 27:55 How To Identify AFCI and GFCI Breakers 32:38 How To Install Lug Covers 32:58 How To Keep The Panel Box Neat 33:19 My Workflow While Wiring A Panel Box 33:40 Dryer Breaker VS Hot Water Tank Breaker 36:00 How To Install A 100 AMP Breaker For A Sub Panel 36:37 How To Install A Panel Box Cover 41:06

[@johnfil1732]

1

[@justme4172]

When will you finish the wiring after the drywall video from a week or two ago?

[@MexhomieXlll]

@@zhester86 na

[@bjjthaiboxing]

I recommend you invest a decent pair of cable cutters. They strongly resemble bolt cutters, but I don't recommend using them that way! At any rate, you can cut cable faster, easier and safer with big cable, cutters. I almost forgot to mention I am a huge fan Ridgid cordless tools. Their LSA makes it more than worth while... (Lifetime Service Agreement)

[@DeewayneMUSIC121]

💯👊

[@oscarjonesxxx2893]

I am not a professional but have done complete wiring for homes for myself and friends, I recommend that you run at least two extra sets of wires from the attic into the box. You may never need one or two but if you do, the wires are already in the attic. Minimal cost - great utility.

[@patriotreno6279]

A chase pipe is better. Inspector will fail if unconnected wires in panel

[@michaelmiller1904]

Good job sir

[@dathip]

yep, need heat homerun and a jumper from a single gang on floor to the light box in the attic

[@randyaivaz3356]

@@patriotreno6279 , Never heard that Before, Just Cap Off, Conduit to Attic is better than a couple Romexes. Larger Conduit us Better

[@samuelprudhomme3726]

this

[@jamesschultz8184]

Thanks to you, I just passed my electrical inspection on the first round! Your videos are amazing and I can only imagine how many people you've helped diy with them.

[@TimboStang71]

I'm a 20+ year electrician and you did very well brother!!! Great job

[@apackwestbound5946]

Thank you for encouraging the author. Some licensed professionals are not supportive of instructional videos like this because they would rather people pay the licensed professional than learn to do it themselves. Personally I can see both sides of it. If you do the work yourself then you control the time and quality of the job (to the limits of your competency) and also the overall costs. If you hire a "professional" then you depend on someone else who may, or may not, provide a higher quality instillation.

[@SumpNuther]

So frustrating not to see the final product with filler plates, UGH

[@jaytravel-12]

I have a question so I have a 30amp for my hot water heater when the old heater was token out it was leaking at the heat elements and water was every where then it made a pop electrical spark so should i change my breaker for new one .?

[@TimboStang71]

@jaytravel-12 lot of questions to be answered, where did it "pop or make electrical spark"? Did you have simple swap of old to new heater? Was your electric for "old heater" fine (no sparks or pop) before new heater was installed?

[@jaytravel-12]

@@TimboStang71 o ok so it popped I believe where the heating elements were I just Hurd it when I went to turn back on power to old one water heater... New one has not been installed yet .... I did however checked the wires for the water heater in the wall. With a multimeter and it read 240... So it's live am just not sure about the 30 amp breaker... I think it was due to the leaking water.. I'm just not sure if I hook up the new one will it do it again.. that's why I was wondering should I change the amp breaker... hopefully I cleared it up for you

[@georgemcconnell5405]

Great tutorial. It's funny, saying "this is for entertainment purposes only" is an understatement based on the ammount of knowledge dropped in this video. Thankyou for the thorough tutorial. Many people get lost in the details or gloss over specifics, I feel like this video was well thought out and gives enough information without getting bogged down in details.

[@patram4880]

As a electrician myself you’re doing a good job you’re pretty smart man

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Pat! This is a very flattering comment and I appreciate that. Thank you for watching! I work on my days off from my regular job building houses for myself. Stay tuned for more!

[@jimfrankovich2339]

Josh I subscribed to you because I'm rebuilding our house after a tornado hit us. I've worked construction all my life but never did any electrical work. I got quotes for doing my house electrical and it was so high. So I decided to do it myself. I live in the country with no real regulations. You are becoming my teacher, so you know. So far I'm happy with what I've been able to do. Thanks.

[@speedball23]

check into when wiring your own home do those regulations apply

[@lucious890]

How much does it cost to wire a abrn of 750 square foot

[@Luchy137]

Wow thanks I feel like an electrician now you deserve the best

[@ironsam66]

Josh, I just erected a 30’ x 50’ metal building which will become my dream woodworking shop when done. I have been watching your videos to learn and or brush up on some of the upcoming constructive elements of which I will tackling myself. This video definitely helped me become more confident that I can accomplish this myself. Thank you for all your given time… BLS from Illinois…….

[@danielbuckner2167]

That's a pretty decent video. I ran it at one point five speed for efficiency. The only things I would change are; 1) I like leaving space in the panel for future expansion and that almost always happens from the top so because you mounted your box in the configuration with themain breaker at the bottom I would have started running my Interrupters from there and going up leaving all the space above open for future expansion. 2) for novices I tell them to only strip the jacket on one wire at a time that way they cannot get confused on what is what if something happens and they have to get pulled away from the job. Those little jacket pieces can be pulled off accidentally because they already have a slit in them. 3) since we are talking about the jacket and the Slit to remove it I would advise using a razor blade with a hook razor in it like is used in Roofing. This is for the same reason it is used there because the tip curls back and makes it much more difficult to overcut what you were trying to cut so you can simply pierce the jacket and run it down without worrying about cutting across the inside insulation on the wire. 4) in the video it seems obvious that you are starting from the back of the panel and working forward but I don't think I heard you mention it, that is something I would definitely advise people to do because it can get very difficult jumping around and trying to squeeze things in behind later. 5) when starting your grounding rods instead of being on a letter you can use a T post driver until they get low enough to swing a sledge much easier. If I had a dollar for everytime I saw an electrician miss the ride and the sledgehammer weight overshoot and pull them off the ladder I'd be retired now. 6) I also like to put a small double Bend in my shortest home runs inside the panel box. This allows for reconfiguration at a later date in case something else has to be added and you need to move things around to balance the two legs appropriately. Ok, thats it. Definitely worth mentioning that its nice to see part of your being organized is trash management! 👍

[@matthewbradrick3785]

damn those are some good tips thank you

[@danielbuckner2167]

@@matthewbradrick3785 👍 sry for the typos

[@richardleesparks6694]

Yeah, I second this. Thanks for posting these tips. I know it’s a year later, but still relevant.

[@SlimSavageBlanco]

He isn't cutting the jacket all the way through. The way he's doing it is much better than your advice. Sorry. Btw, I've been an electrician for 30 years. He has a lot of strange ways of doing stuff but nothing looks catastrophic.

[@danielbuckner2167]

@@SlimSavageBlanco Agreed, nothing catastrophic. It sounds like you misread, give it another shot.

[@drs4649]

As a 75 year old DYI home “electrician”, this is the best video I’ve seen so far!! Sharp, concise, very informative! Well Done!! Thanks!

[@anasyabdallah6967]

Out of respect I am watching this.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate your support David! Thank you!

[@khardy0905]

Thank you! Very helpful...so if I use these videos to help me wire my house, I'll be A OK, right😀

[@michaelrennie5985]

@@khardy0905 not in Nova Scotia , canada you will fail .

[@georgesouthern7061]

The most comprehensive and best how to do it video I have ever seen! I learned exactly what I needed to know. Thank you!

[@jbnotbot4654]

Great video for a newbie who hasn’t ever worked with electrical wiring. You explain how to do it and give an explanation of why you do it that way. I really appreciate you.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for watching!

[@SirajulIslam-vo8lb]

English writing and spoking my problem

[@melbuilt]

Agreed. Excellent video for newbies.

[@semco72057]

I want to thank you for showing us all the steps needed to install the wall panel and to run the wiring from the panel to other parts of the house. I took care of installing the panel in my first house myself and ran the wire from my meter into the house. On the second house I hired some electricians to do the work for me and they all turned out perfectly for me. Since I am not a professional I wanted the work done right and you have given us plenty of valuable information and I appreciates it.

[@michaelcombs2045]

I'm very good at wiring new elec outlets, switches, fans, etc. Did not think I could change out my 150 Amp box for a new 200 Amp box, with a sub pnl 80 ft away for RV plug. You explained it so well, I'm sure I can do the swap-out now. My local electrician wanted $7500 to job! You probably saved me $6000!! Thanks so much, Mike

[@jackarmstrong8991]

You’re a gem, really appreciate the work you put into these videos and how helpful they are!!!

[@anthonyhetsberger4884]

As an aspiring Electrician/ Technician who just finished school and ready for the corporate world and contracts, I really learned a lot, and for a non Electrician you did an excellent Job organizing the stuff the cables👍

[@Finane1]

Getting ready to rewire a house that was built in the 50's with 100 amp service. Upgrading to 200 Amp. Wish me luck and I will watch this video several times. Thanks and i do watch a lot of your videos. very helpful.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Good luck on your project. Sounds like you’re getting a lot of information before you get started. Like I mentioned before, if you ever need help he sure to consult an electrician.Thanks for watching!

[@Silojohnson]

I did the same as well. I’m glad I went with 200amp.

[@narmale]

watch out for switched neutrals... damn bastards back then

[@CuriousMindFuck]

Hire a licensed electrician...

[@EXPLOBRO3]

@@CuriousMindFuck Lol the house fire will be a way better lesson

[@chuckwest4395]

Reminds me of my electrical technician class and very, very informative. I missed alot of in class hands on learning due to the start of covid. Thank you for sharing!

[@shannonjustice7395]

Well, I USED to think that I could wire up my new shed/workshop by myself, but now I ain’t so sure, lol. Prolly gonna have to watch this video 9 more times. Very informative and thanks so much for the headache that filming and editing this must have been. I really appreciate it!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome!

[@fishingirl6050]

You're the best! To the point, no messing around especially in the intro. Wish everyone could be like you on these dyi.. looks beautiful!

[@tylerdrew5313]

For the 2 pole 30 amp breaker wired with 10/2 Romex: the white wire needs to be re-identified as black or another color using tape. The National Electrical code only recognizes white wires as neutrals, so in this case where you have it landed on a breaker, you need to tape it a different color other than white.

[@tylerdrew5313]

@@shawnshurtz9147 Sometimes you don’t need a third conductor. For example a hot water heater typically doesn’t use a neutral.

[@issacazari5547]

What about the grounding and bonding the panel

[@michellelawrence1775]

@@tylerdrew5313 I was wondering about that. Thanks for clarifying.

[@davidw7643]

Where's your torque screwdriver?

[@arnoldtarbooz1420]

make sense, but I don't believe you, because I don't want to - I am an American, thats why -

[@stephencordova9882]

Started watching out of general curiosity to learn. You ended up addressing an upcoming job I've been pondering. Upgrading the power supply in my detached garage. Awesome videos!

[@ronanthem]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! This may be a worthwhile tip for sinking a ground rod. Get a jug or bucket of water. Pour water at the spot where you want to sink to rod. Stab the rod into the spot and then back it out. Continue pulling and pushing the rod in/out of the ground. Pour more water as needed. This will get about 4-5 feet of rod in the ground with out ever swinging a hammer. My builder showed me that trick and it saved me a lot of effort.

[@MkNEAC]

I’ll tell you what from a plumbers views. Your works is one of cleanest I’ve seen since started the trade and vice versa. You take pride of your work. It feels great when the contractor ask for your crew.

[@Jeff-xy7fv]

6:41 - To twist all the strands of aluminum wire together in SEU cable, try this: Open the chuck of your 1/2" drill all the way and place all the strands into the chuck. Keep your hand on the chuck and slowly run the drill in the forward direction. The chuck will tighten around the strands, twisting them into a single conductor ready to cut and land onto the neutral lug.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Jeff! Excellent advice! I will be sure to do that method on the next job. I appreciate you watching!

[@leeabin1280]

Doesn’t that ground go to the meter can? I have never seen a ground go to the main breaker panel here in Florida. We use number 4 copper.

[@leeabin1280]

We even leave a ground bridge for the cable provider to ground their equipment.

[@tysonkauth7232]

Also, when terminating your feed wires, I'd leave some slack in the wire. Push each down into the corner of the box, and bend them back to the lugs. If you ever have to replace a panel, or do a panel upgrade, having an extra 8-12 inches of wire can make all the difference in that job.

[@oldtimefarmboy617]

@@leeabin1280 Even with the outside ground wire going to the meter box first there will need to be another wire from there to the breaker box. All devices and device holders with metal surfaces inside the building must be connected to an Earth ground. Generally a meter box gets its ground through the tension wire that holds the other wires up between the meter box and the transformer. That wire and the transformer then connect to a wire that runs down the side of the pole to a metal plate mounted on the bottom of the pole to ground them.

[@arthurgutierrez191]

Thank you bud. For making these videos. The way you show how to install and how you clearly explain what to do. Step by step it’s really helpful. Thank you good job my friend. God bless

[@michaelstuart154]

Needed a clear walk through on ground rods and wiring copper to panel and your video was perfect!

[@anthonyvitale6683]

You don’t know how lucky I am to find your page. By far the best diy I’ve come across with how informative you are on every project. The previous owner ran electric to the shed and installed an old fashioned twisty knob circuit breaker that I can now switch out for a circuit breaker box.

[@TheRealAmythyst]

Yeah just going to read the comments because they'll send you back into the rabbit hole of what the f. And don't want time stamps what the hell they're talking about everybody's giving their own advice and not in tandem with the video that they just previously watched or are watching and it's just like yo are you why are you critiquing a situation that looks very neat and if it pass code to him obviously he doing something right. And what gets me all the people that are mostly making these comments... Are purposely speaking from a place of an elitist condescending platform.. Majority of the people that would be watching him are people who need electric help people who can't find an electrician that's affordable people are going through hard times people who really need help and the people who are jumping in our people that will not help their neighbors They want to be paid more than what their neighbors actually make to actually do something for them and they get up on these platforms and they critique with the video and why did you say that? Yeah because I was so amazed at how need his work was I just subscribed and I felt empowered and I should have never came to the comment section like he told us too but I'm going to go by what I seen I'm going to check out my local code because I want my she shed and I'm going to do my own she shed. Good luck on your work

[@josephjenkinsswasv2559]

Nice work. I have been in the trades for over 30 years and this is super clean work. You may not be as fast as some I know. But inspectors look at that and know the time was taken to be efficient. I’d hire you in a second after seeing your work.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you Joseph! I take pride in my work. I appreciate you watching!

[@makesaveinccomm]

Hi guy some one please tell me the different between home depot 2 gauge thhn copper wire and Lowes wire. They both made by southwire but why does lowe list it can only carry max 110 amp while home depot listed on their site 125 amp max. If I don't remember wrong, I think in store even said 130 amp. I plan to run 25-28 feet inside conduit over head inside garrage ceiling. 125 circuit breaker box. Thanks

[@User-nn5wu]

He is teaching and no need to be fast for this video

[@Eugene_Connor]

@Slim_Savage. What’s that supposed to mean?

[@alfredomedina5835]

How can you tell that he's not fast as some others guys that you know? Don't you realize that he is teaching us and working on the panel at the same time?

[@tszymk77]

I really like how you methodically show every detail no matter how obvious or not.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I try not you leave important information out. Thanks for commenting!

[@institches2750]

Same! Some things are obvious to an expert or experienced pro, but as an amateur it's not always clear what's important and what's idiosyncrasy of the installer.

[@jcalambert10]

Licensed electrician or not, this was very informative to watch. Glad to see the process from beginning to end. Great way to gain perspective on what is involved in these.

[@jesusmylife6766]

You're in one word awesome! I love the way you make things happen in a simple way. You're gifted for that. Thank you!

[@prestonmiller9552]

I've installed a couple main panels but I have to say this was very informative, especially for someone with no previous experience. It's always easier to work on anything electrical that is not hot. It's safer and a lot less nerve wracking. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I agree. I always kick the main breaker off while I’m working in a main electrical panel. Way safer! Thanks for watching Preston!

[@arthas640]

@@TheExcellentLaborer i generally recommend that to anyone who isnt an electrician, and we generally do that if we're doing more than the most simple tasks inside a panel. It's really easy to accidentally shock yourself or energize something. You never know when a wire is damaged or something and moving things can short the circuit out.

[@johanmedina3166]

@@TheExcellentLaborer ())o

[@johanmedina3166]

@@TheExcellentLaborer poo

[@mugssy10mugssy1011]

I have been watching plenty of videos to write my own house in the rough. Ideas, methods, steps, etc. Your videos are thoroughly detailed and have answered the questions I have had. Feel totally confident in putting my own electrical in. I'm an industrial electrician by trade. Never had to wire a house, but now I cant wait to save the cheddar. Thanks man.

[@sosa7475]

This was an unbelievable easy to understand video. Great way to teach, very clear and understandable. Thank you I'll be saving this video to show my kids and friends when explaining how everything is wired in our house.🎉

[@zachutchins4557]

I've been an apprentice for a little over 3 mo ths and I've picked up a few different things I will try when replacing panels that I've learned from your video. Thanks for the knowledge

[@mohammedmakba7267]

Thanks for teaching, for a long time I was waiting for someone to teach me this part of electricity, you explained everything so nicely and easily and in sequence, you need to be a teacher in a technical institution where the people will learn this trade, God bless you, you are my teacher, I am not in any profession now as I am a 75 year old retiree but still want to learn anything and everything for my satisfaction

[@timmeyers5926]

the #2 wire for the 100A breaker is aluminum so it is highly recommended to add anti- corrosive gel to exposed wires to prevent oxidation.

[@bakerelectricextreme7979]

Mandatory!

[@RR31982]

Always

[@remingtonralstin3857]

The aluminum these days don't really need it

[@timmeyers5926]

@@remingtonralstin3857 better safe the sorry.

[@ericwotton2046]

Modern aluminum doesn't need the de-ox per code. I always still do it. Also any outdoor connections copper or aluminum.

[@timothybarr7815]

This was a good refresher I wired up one panel for school. Watching this filled in on the gaps of things i forgot and something things i didn't get to do

[@aaroncutting]

This is great! My house was originally wired with a FPE box - my dad gave me this exact Square D box so I can upgrade to something less ... flammable.

[@thickstickrick578]

Very very informative and certainly pointed out things to take into consideration. Remodeling a bathroom and have an extra 240 not in use, so was going to convert circuit to 120 so I could use as a dedicated 20a circuit for a vent fan/heater combo and when I opened the breaker panel to see what type breaker I’d need, I’ve got a Zinsco….and I’m sure every electrician in here knows what that means for me now…even though the panel and bars look pristine. Not sure if my city allows an unlicensed person to do work, but if they do I’d feel far more comfortable taking it on myself now that you’ve confirmed things I wanted to be 100% sure I understood.

[@brycepetersen9162]

Awesome videos. Thank you for taking the time to be so detailed. This and several other of your videos have allowed me to wire my 200amp shop and pass inspection :)

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Great to hear! I appreciate you watching my channel. Good luck with your project Bryce!

[@makesaveinccomm]

Hi guy some one please tell me the different between home depot 2 gauge thhn copper wire and Lowes wire. They both made by southwire but why does lowe list it can only carry max 110 amp while home depot listed on their site 125 amp max. If I don't remember wrong, I think in store even said 130 amp. I plan to run 25-28 feet inside conduit over head inside garrage ceiling. 125 circuit breaker box. Thanks

[@vinniev451]

Thank you so much, I'm a beginner home inspector. I needed this video. Now I understand the panel box. You are a life savior sir.

[@yerthao67]

Thanks for your step by step instructions. It’s really help for me to learn to install an new main box and the system of wiring electrical components.

[@khardy0905]

Thanks for the awesome videos. Easy to understand. I'm building my home currently and would really like to wire my own home. Very nervous, but I know I can get it done!!

[@hankbonner9718]

Are you still alive?? Lol jk how did it go for you?

[@NymphingManiac]

I have always wondered how this is done. Excellent video that a complete novice can totally understand! I really enjoyed your instruction and appreciate the logic behind how and why the order of each process occurs. Your panel looks SO MUCH neater than some I have seen. And thanks for showing how to organize the wires and other needed items prior to adding the circuit breakers.

[@andreaschristodoulou4274]

OK now you can be an electric sparky woman don't ya ??

[@danmichalko2673]

@@zhester86 what signifigant issues do you see?

[@akizmetkat999]

@@andreaschristodoulou4274 You just had to say it, didn't you? You know, a lot of the race issues this country (US) has had are finally starting to get better. One day I believe there won't be any at all. But its people like you, Andreas, who will never, ever see women as equal. This is all God's fault. If he had just made women the same size as men we would have never had any of this bullshit. But he didn't, did he? Which meant that if Eve ever found herself alone in the jungle and a lion saw her, she was dinner. But Adam had a slightly better chance of survival because he was stronger, he could run faster or climb a tree quicker. Why would a loving God design her to be more vulnerable to being eaten then Adam? Or make her less able to obtain the food she saw hanging there in the tree just out of her reach but not Adam's. So she had to wait for him to come along to help her. In the meantime she starved. This proves that either God doesn't exist or he is the original misogynist. The deck has been stacked against women from Jump Street. Oh I can't wait to meet God...

[@Bludcharg4214]

You ready for a rewire then? you're making up the panel, running a sub feed, wiring each room, lighting and receptacles separated and you're stapling in the attic, You got one week and a helper who shows up stoned everyday, hurry up. Simple stuff aint it MS sparky

[@Emily-lk1mf]

@@Bludcharg4214 a whole week? who even needs the helper except to rattle the fishtape once in a while lol. seems like you pick on random women on yt to cope with being a pretty mediocre electrician. this ms sparky isnt impressed. first day tear out the old and see what can be re-used and make a game plan, 2nd day hammer at it, get the path to the panel established and start running feeds, get as much of the attic work done as possible assuming my panel path is down a chimney chase or whatnot. 3rd day light n' plug it, 4th day run the sub-panel feed (cant imagine why i need a sub-panel but ill play along) and tie in my neutrals and grounds, prep for the service. basic finishing out stuff. 5th day service day and finish tying in the panels prob. and hope the inspector shows up quick so i can knock off and go home early ✌

[@shesamess4071]

Amazing job presentating this! I can't securely say I can install breaker panel/box after watching the entire video that u made not boring but educational as well! Thank you

[@butchtodd6387]

I will have to watch this again if I ever install a breaker box. Very interesting and educational and detailed!! Thanks 😊

[@stephenmetz2044]

One of best guys at explaining things step by step. Instead of like most skipping important steps. Thanks for these videos

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you so much Stephen! I try my best to get the information out there. Stay tuned!

[@Postpar]

I have to say these videos have been very helpful during my classes to become an apprentice electrician. The class I'm taking for it is all online and just self study so being able to see it actually done instead of just reading instructions were very helpful. Seeing how everything fits together in reality instead of a diagram was very helpful.

[@21bkboi]

Do mind me asking whats the online classes website is

[@Postpar]

@@21bkboi ed2go the course is provided though a local community college though I believe many other places use ed2go for this kind of thing.

[@CHIOTIS1821]

@@Postpar How do you like the class? I'd imagine it'd be very difficult to learn a hands-on skill online where you can't actually play with the stuff.

[@user-df2ox3dq4o]

I am so surprised I missed that segment. Perfect. Thank you for your message.

[@asmblur3546]

A couple things aside(like using a "square" bit when you should be using ECX) you did a great job here. I watched the whole thing and you provided just the right amount of information and edited it to where I was never going "get in with it already!". Most of this was stuff I already know but you executed it and explained it so well that I enjoyed watching it and feel compelled to up my game when it comes to clean, secure and code compliant electrical work. Thank you very much!

[@todtalk3912]

Everyone will always try telling ya this. Clearly the square bit works, so who cares ya know.

[@MrInspections]

This video was so excellent as a rudimentary guide to main panels that I liked, subscribed and shared with my entire team of home inspectors. My recommendation would be to consider installing spare breakers in lieu of filler plates at the bottom of the panel. 10 years from now the home inspector will appreciate not having to fumble with the filler plates and/or seeing double taps because a technician installed an invisible fence or some other ancillary device. Keep up the good work. Your time is very valuable and we appreciate you giving your time and knowledge to the universe!

[@michaelperham694]

What's so crazy these days is he inspectors don't even have licenses. Remember there's two kinds of people ones that want to be electricians and ones that are electricians. IBEW

[@thomasjohnston3109]

O

[@michaelperham694]

@@thomasjohnston3109 PLEASE DON'T HOLD BACK TELL US HOW YOU REALLY FEEL ABOUT YOUR LIFE.?

[@1flyjcLIB1drone]

My degree is in electronic engineering (50 years ago) but never worked in that field. As you know, there is a difference but since I'm retired and have the time, I'm thinking of rewiring my house. This video is very detailed and well laid out.

[@tmyls8816]

He told the wrong wire size for the 30amp, it should be #10, not #12 gauge..

[@tiff-brit9471]

I study residential electrician online and have lack of practice. Your videos are very helpful! Much appreciated!

[@kyl75]

Been around it and helped wire a house but it was hard to understand it all the first time. I felt like I wasnt getting it idk why. Your videos are bringing alot of it back and teaching me. Im possibly considering to chase the career! Thanks!

[@qball3834]

Great video! There are a couple of things that you need to change up though for future reference. First, it is required to torque the Main Lugs to the specified in-lbs indicated on the panel. (Yes, I know all screws are supposed to be torqued now but the Main Lugs are especially important.) Secondly, not knowing your AHJ and the fact they probably haven't adopted the 2020 code yet, but you will need to install a service disconnect before your main panel. This is code now and when it is adopted you will put that homeowner behind the curve if they ever need to have the panel upgraded/etc. This also means that the main panel will be a sub panel and the grounds and neutrals will have to be separate and bonded together in the main disconnect.

[@arrowdog8852]

Exactly what I was going to say... it is absolutely crucial to torque those main lugs to the specs listed on the panel. People don't realize how tight those lugs must be at 50 to 80 inch-lbs, or more. I've advocated for a service disconnect before it was adopted in the code; besides providing an emergency shut-off, it also makes it safer to work on the panel in the future and/or add a transfer switch for a generator, etc.

[@kevinjensen7752]

Indeed thanks for your comment there are so many rookie electricians out there and authority having jurisdiction in different parts of the country are obviously different but this is an important fact that a main disconnect at the meter is required in almost every county and city and state I have worked on on the West Coast Becky's they let them get away with almost anything hillbilly's dumb asses

[@chrisyang6791]

Excellent video, like all your others. Your detailed instructions are super helpful in my garage to tiny house project. Thank you very much.

[@librealbeldrio865]

l truly appreciate you,and your time you spend helping us. Thank you very much your reaching.

[@petermugambi9122]

Good job, you have really set up the panel wiring neatly and professionally 👍.

[@MrTyrael159]

Josh, these videos are incredible. I'm amazed by the breadth and depth of knowledge you convey. I've done electrical in the past, but these videos are a good refresher and I've learned a lot of new techniques to keep things clean.

[@kylemiller4999]

You're my new dad thanks ALoT for these vids man your tile shower legit saved our ass and the lady loved the shelves

[@gridironsmom]

Thank you for this. I'm not a professional but it helped me be sure that what I was seeing in my 1990's box needed questioned and confirmed before adding to it.

[@davidfusani6086]

Wonderful clarity, much better explanation than many videos posted by master electricians. I installed my panel ten years ago; the plug in neutrals would have saved me a lot of time. I am a Habitat for Humanity volunteer and work with an electrical engineer on their modular homes. I encourage anyone with skills to help others. tx

[@electricaf365]

Why would an electrical engineer be needed for a modular home?

[@themonkeydrunken]

Electrician here. It's nice to see your neat and tidy workmanship. Great job buddy.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks a lot for this comment. Hope you have a great day!

[@mike-vw1zn]

Josh I’m a building contractor and am building my own home myself , your video is amazing I now feel confident in doing my own electric, nice teaching and thanks, nice, concise, to the point video

[@duanechaney5465]

Thank you for this. I am needing to wire a generator into the panel in my home and this helped me understand more about the panel.

[@baldiepatterson8065]

As an electrician myself your explanation is way up the charts, very good teaching.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate your kind words!

[@ktw7hu]

I'm a union electrician in Los Angeles and for the most part you did a helluva better job than most others I see on here. A couple things that need to be fixed as others have already pointed out but overall not a bad job.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for watching my video!

[@electricaf365]

What needs to be fixed here Mr Union Electrician

[@kr5746]

Thank you for your clarity and specificity! Great work! Blessings always!

[@stephenserna7931]

i'm wiring a small breaker box for my cabin...I'm a rookie and this was very informative and thorough, now I can finish this. Thank you for your efforts, it's much appreciated

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You’re welcome Steven! I’m glad I can help you out. Good luck with your project!

[@mpfla8095]

You do a great job of explaining the numerous steps required to do a proper installation that will pass inspection.. as a side bar on my 240 volt breaker I use a red sharpie to indicate that the white wire is really carrying 120 volt and not neutral Keep up the great videos

[@tims9527]

Excellent video...thanks for the training. I feel comfortable with some electrical but I am breaking ground this coming week for my new house, so I thought a refresher would be good. It was, I learned a few things. 🙂

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Good luck with your project Tim!

[@dustyrusty2572]

i am not an electrician but I always try to learn how things r done especially with this panel. It's the best I have ever seen in such great detail. a simple and meaningful saying" You did good" Thank you.

[@HanifPayandeh]

Fantastic content! You answered all the questions I had when I was searching for a video to watch. Thanks for making this.

[@mikefoster282]

Great video!! Just a note for those in cold climates. A box on an outside wall with no insulation around it will radiate cold into the room and may be subject to condensation during very cold weather. Better to use an inside wall in cold climates.

[@thebackyardweds]

I literally just thought of that as I saw that

[@warrenharrison9490]

Energy codes will dictate that there needs to be insulation of minimum thickness in certain jurisdictions too.

[@hrv4908]

Except if you have no inside wall, like a detached garage.

[@asmblur3546]

Wisconsinite here with a 92 mobile home. Breaker box is on an outside wall with no insulation. It's definitely not warm in the winter time. You've got it backwards regarding condensation. During the winter, there's little humidity in the air. During warmer, not humid times there's a good chance your breaker box will actually be cooler than the air around it since it has all those wires and potentially metal conduit to act as heat sinks. It could be that the heat from the resistance in the circuits is enough to offset this though. Anyway, point is that the breaker box must be cooler than the humid air around it in order for condensation to occur. In cold weather, this should probably only be the case if you have a significant humidifier running because winter air is dry air, even after you heat it up. Side note: at some point someone installed central air to this place. They used the correct type of wire and proper breaker but that's about the extent of what they did right. They decided to run the wire down through the liquid tight conduit that the mains comes in from. Under the home, the conduit goes to an LB type conduit body before continuing on to where it finally goes under the ground over to the meter. The genius who ran that wire loosened the screws on the LB cover plate and ran the wire out through the crack, then just loosely ran it along the ground across the home into the junction box of the central air compressor unit (which is just loosely connected to the home by a couple screws in the siding(just the siding) with no type of clamping used to secure the wiring at all. So they broke the water tight seal of the mains conduit, exposing the inside of the breaker box to the outdoors, sloppily ran the wire along the ground where rodents could(and did) chew on it and failed to secure the electrical that is exposed to the outside in any way. I scrapped the wire, ran conduit from the breaker all the way to the junction box, keeping it strapped tightly to the frame, and securely joined it to the junction box, which I properly mounted on the side is the house. Used a little bit of silicone caulk around the seam of the mains LB after I closed that up, just in case the seal was compromised as a result of compression against the wire. There are a couple other extreme code and safety violations that I've dealt with but those were more of a result of limited electrical code at the time of manufacturing than laziness and stupidity like the AC wiring.

[@makesaveinccomm]

Hi guy some one please tell me the different between home depot 2 gauge thhn copper wire and Lowes wire. They both made by southwire but why does lowe list it can only carry max 110 amp while home depot listed on their site 125 amp max. If I don't remember wrong, I think in store even said 130 amp. I plan to run 25-28 feet inside conduit over head inside garrage ceiling. 125 circuit breaker box. Thanks

[@Jeff-xy7fv]

YAY! Square-D Homeline!! I'm glad you chose the best panel for this video. That's all I ever use when I do service upgrades. Although I did use Siemens twice this year, but that was back in the spring when Homeline panels were hard to find due to shortages.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Jeff! I loved these Square D panels. Easy to install etc. Not a bad price either considering. Sounds like you have a lot of experience and appreciate you watching my channel. Your input can be very useful for the viewers. Thanks again!

[@esmetakhom9259]

Great job Brother, learned so much in a short period of time that school took months to explain.... You seriously elevated my game, thanks...

[@island_ice20]

Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to make these videos. Very informative.

[@dougbernitt5446]

Very informative video! As a master electrician I'm impressed with your knowledge and professionalism! Again I say, GREAT JOB!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you Doug!

[@bakerelectricextreme7979]

Vapor barrier on exterior wall??

[@danielbuckner2167]

@@bakerelectricextreme7979 In southern climates vapor barrier on the inside will cause a rotted moldy house. You are actually better off with none than on the inside. In northern climates it goes on the inside .👍

[@justinmillett101]

I learned how to do electrical from a book. Wired my entire parents house back in the day and everything worked great as I took safety into account at every step. Now being years later and doing it quite a bit and watching this video I think I need to take a day to visit and reorganize the wiring inside the box.

[@8989griff]

Lol this should never be done… especially from a book

[@electricaf365]

@@8989griff why not? A trained monkey can wire a house

[@8989griff]

@@electricaf365 lmao how many calls I’ve gone out to from people thought they could do electrical and totally did it wrong… I hope people keep it up. Makes me more money.

[@calinpupaza]

I feel dangerously confident after watching your video. Thanks!

[@ragtie6177]

This is the best video content on this subject I've ever seen...Period. thank you.

[@AlfordLau]

I can't thank you enough to show the whole process of installing your own electrical panel.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Take care!

[@institches2750]

What a fantastic video! Very clear and easy to follow! The production quality was clean as well. You do a great job explaining in a clear and concise manner, while also including useful tips and addendums. Thank you!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your comment! I’ve been practicing these videos for a couple years and I’m figuring out what works. The best is yet to come!

[@deandremattison9183]

Wow!! You made it look like a peace of cake. I'm from Detroit, and I just purchased a Detroit land bank home that has to be rewired. Thank you. Your video was very helpful

[@michaelruskey2311]

As a Master Elecrician , I would say that you did a very good job. I read the comments as I watched and a couple other electricians chimed in on a couple small things you should do different. So I will mention the only two I noticed. With aluminum you should pencil the wire to strip it not score. You were careful and didn't seem to dig into the wire at all but, just so you know. Also the ground wire should feed through a tiny ground bar for phone/cable/etc prior to going into earth. They have a cover, look fine, and don't cost much. Besides that I would say good work and good video quality.

[@narmale]

pencil?

[@greenroworganics8238]

It’s called a communications grounding block.

[@narmale]

@@greenroworganics8238 yeah and it's dumb... once again proving government oversight doesnt work... they should have been doing that since the 80s... now they arnt needed since fiber and wireless is surging past DSL and cable

[@truthbetold1855]

@@narmale Depends on where you live.

[@narmale]

@@truthbetold1855 -shrug- then why require it everywhere... its a waste of money, like requiring fridges to be on a gfi, everyone changes them out as soon as the inspector leaves

[@Pitchingdad]

Great job on your videos. Hard to find electricians post Covid that don't charge a ransom for basic wiring. This looked above my head, but after watching I know I can do this with a little patience and diligence. Keep up the great work!

[@redpilllense7125]

Just starting an electrician/mechanical apprenticeship through my job and this was very entertaining. Everything was well explained and easy to understand. Thank you, sir, for an OUTSTANDING job!

[@user-dy1bj8jf7r]

BEST INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO I'VE EVER SEEN. Just excellent! You cover everything, you're easy to watch and listen to, great job. I'm going to watch many more.

[@shridigitalllc3791]

Very informative video! As a master electrician I'm impressed with your knowledge and professional !!This video was so excellent Great job well done !!!

[@piggmann1]

Hands down, this is the best video re anything on YT. The attention to every detail and aspect of this vid lent information to the viewer that a seasoned electrician may simply overlook having done it so many times. `Combined with the great narration this vid is the standard by which others should follow. Thanks so much.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that! I’ll keep the videos coming!

[@Hawaiibohntr]

I used a 1 1/2 " Sched 40 pipe 3 feet long and welded a 1/4 inch steel cap on the pipe and made a driver for the ground rods. Saves the arms and safer than standing backwards on the ladder to drive it, and doesn''t bend if you find that one and only basketball size rock in the whole yard. Great video.

[@abuabdurrhman1860]

Great and excellent video for The one Who like and love to work with electrical wiring. You explained to Us how we need to do it and gave us an explanation of why we should do it that way. I really appreciate your work and teaching. thank you so much 100%👍

[@csbeaver]

Nice Video. Additional Tips: 1. Wear safety glasses during the whole job. Need torque wrench for lugs. 2. Put Duct Seal between Feed Cable and Wood in the Hole on the side of the bend then bend and secure then fill in the rest. 3. Leave a service loop in each wire. I know it looks clean cutting the wires exact but if a breaker burns out and scorches the wire you wont have any extra to cut back past the burned jacket. Plus other potential issues or reason that may occur in the future. 4. Make sure Phase color all wires that are not the correct color. IE the white wire on the 2 pole should be marked red somehow or phase taped red.

[@alvarezjmjr]

I was about to say that but it’s a great video overall and he isn’t a licensed electrician

[@tylorban]

Dude you’re awesome! Thanks so much for sharing and for being detailed and organized.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you! I’ll try to keep everything organized in the video so they’re easy to follow along. Be sure to subscribe and thanks for watching!

[@tylorban]

@@TheExcellentLaborer sub’d for sure! Hey btw, any recommendation of drill config to drill through double 2x4s? Trying to drill down through the center of a frame to run Ethernet in an already built home and hole saw and paddle bits have failed to get through the second board. I’m not sure if the battery’s are old and there’s not enough torque or what. What setup would you use?

[@keithallen8458]

Really good to know and I took a electricity class in school and I did mechanics in the military but was always interested in learning this project

[@j.r.9009]

Nice work Josh. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with your viewers. GOD bless!

[@ronmack1767]

Enjoyed the video Josh. Your video is very informative and the timestamps on the different parts of the video are great for recaping. Thanks for taking the time to produce the video and you take care and God bless.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you Ron! I am glad you noticed how much effort I put into creating this video. When subscribers noticed that it definitely makes me feel like I’m doing something right. I appreciate you watching my video. Take care and God bless you too!