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Changing a fuse box to a circuit breaker is a process that involves replacing the old fuse box with a new circuit breaker panel. This switch provides several advantages, including increased safety and convenience. To change a fuse box to a circuit breaker, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the main power supply.
2. Remove the cover of the fuse box and disconnect all wires.
3. Remove the fuse box from the wall.
4. Install the new circuit breaker panel in its place.
5. Connect the wires to the appropriate breakers.
6. Double-check all connections and ensure they are secure.
7. Turn on the main power supply and test the circuit breakers.
By following these steps, you can successfully change a fuse box to a circuit breaker and enjoy the benefits of improved electrical protection.
Converting a fuse box to a circuit breaker can be a difficult task for the average DIY enthusiast. This is because the wiring needs to be worked on while the electricity is still on. In other words, there is no way to turn off the power coming into the fuse box unless you request the utility company to disconnect the meter. It is crucial that you have a good understanding of electricity and feel comfortable working with it. It might be a good idea to hire a licensed electrician to assist you.
Step 1
Remove all the fuses from the fuse box. This will disconnect the electricity that powers the circuits in your house.
Step 2
Disconnect all the circuit wires in the fuse box.
Step 3
There should be two live wires and one neutral wire running from the meter into the fuse box. These will be the larger wires, with the neutral wire being either white or bare copper. Start by disconnecting the neutral wire. If it has insulation, wrap electrical tape around the exposed part of the wire. Make three wraps, leaving enough tape at the end to prevent anyone from touching the bare wire.
Step 4
Carefully disconnect one of the live wires, making sure not to touch the bare wire or any metal. Use a screwdriver and pliers with insulated handles.
Step 5
Immediately cover the end of the disconnected wire with tape. Then, disconnect the second live wire and tape its end as well.
Step 6
If the fuse box is located outside the house, there should be a ground wire in the box that connects to a rod driven into the ground. Disconnect this wire.
Step 7
Remove all the cable clamps and conduit connections from the fuse box. Unmount the fuse box from the wall and carefully pull out the wires.
Step 8
Inside Cover of Breaker Box
Remove the inside cover of the breaker box and identify the locations where the wires need to enter. Punch out the appropriate knock-outs. Be cautious not to remove knock-outs where they are not needed.
Step 9
Securely mount the breaker box onto the wall.
Step 10
Thread the disconnected wires into the box and reattach all the cable clamps and conduit connections.
Step 11
Inside the breaker box, there will be one or two neutral/grounding bus bars with a row of connections. Loosen the screw on one of the connectors, insert the ground wire, and tighten the screw.
Step 12
At the top of the breaker box, there will be two large connectors. Carefully remove the tape from one of the black wires and connect it to one of the connectors. Repeat this process with the other black wire and the other large connector. Connect the neutral wire to one of the neutral/ground bus bar connectors.
Step 13
Connect all the white wires from the house circuits to the neutral/ground bus bar.
Step 14
Connect each black wire to a separate breaker and snap the breaker into one of the hot bus bars.
Step 15
To start, activate each breaker individually. In the event that a breaker suddenly disconnects, it indicates the presence of a bare wire making contact with either a metal surface or another bare wire. Another possibility is that a connection has been incorrectly established. In this case, it is advisable to retrace your installation process and attempt to identify the issue. If your efforts prove unsuccessful, it will be necessary to seek the assistance of a professional electrician.
