Adding an Electrical Circuit: Everything You Need to Know

Adding an electrical circuit is a task any homeowner should know how to do. With the right supplies and knowledge, you can easily install your own circuit and provide yourself with an additional outlet or device. It’s a relatively straightforward process that requires careful planning for safety and accuracy. Here’s all the information needed to make sure your new circuit is up and running in no time.

Assess Your Electrical Panel

Before beginning any electrical work, it’s important to assess the capacity of your electrical panel. Ensure you have enough room for an additional circuit and check the breaker size. To be on the safe side, many people choose to use an electrical consultant to help them evaluate their panel. While it’s not essential, it’s certainly a wise choice.

Gather Supplies

Now it’s time to purchase the necessary supplies to get started with your new circuit. The basics include a breaker, wire connectors, wire strippers, and wiring. Depending on the type of circuit, additional equipment may be necessary. For example, if you’re adding a GFCI outlet, you’ll need a GFCI outlet tester. Additionally, make sure you have the appropriate tools on hand, such as a screwdriver, hammer, and nails.

Label Wires

It pays to be organized when installing a new circuit. Take the time to label the wires and keep track of which wire goes where. This step will be especially helpful if the circuit requires multiple wires going in different directions. To avoid confusion and risk of fire, make sure each wire is properly identified and labeled.

Wire and Connect

Once all the wires are labeled, it’s time to wire and connect the circuit. Refer to the instructions provided with the wiring kit and ensure all connections are tight. Double check each wire and connection before moving on to the next. Once all connections are secure, begin wiring up the breaker and place the cover plate over the outlet.

Test Circuit

No matter how confident you are in your work, it pays to double check for safety. After everything is wired and connected, plug an appliance into the new circuit and turn it on. Also, make sure the lights on the GFCI outlet are functioning correctly. If all test runs pass, you can move on to the final step.

Turn On the Breaker

The last step of the process is one of the most important: turning on the breaker. Before flipping the switch, double-check every connection and ensure everything is as tight as possible. Carefully flip the breaker on and enjoy your brand new circuit.

Conclusion

Adding an electrical circuit to your home is a great way to increase convenience and utility. With the right supplies and knowledge, you can make the entire process run smoothly and quickly. By following these steps and testing your results, you can easily add a new circuit to your home and enjoy the benefits for years to come.

How To Add A New Breaker Your Panel