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Yes, you can. However, you need to be very careful. Breaker boxes are often filled with a mess of wires and using metal tools in a live breaker box should only be done by people who know what NOT to touch.
The easiest way to approach putting in the breaker is:
1. trim the wire to comfortable length with a little extra to spare in case things need to be moved around at a future date.
2. strip the edges of the black and white wire... quarter inch is good for the white, then install that in the neutral bar. slightly longer than quarter inch but less than 1/2" is good for the black wire, the goal is to not see bare copper beyond the edge of the breaker!
3. insert the wire into the breaker (which you have not installed yet!) and tighten ... make it secure!
4. make sure the breaker is off. install the leading edge of it (the inside end, basically) and then snap the back end into place.
5. turn on breaker. (if it pops instantly, you have a problem in the circuit. do not continue to flip the switch hoping it will eventually work, go find the problem instead.)
PRECAUTIONS - when installing the breaker, wear rubber soled shoes, do not lean against anything, make sure you are only touching the plastic parts of the breaker, take care not to slip off the breaker when snapping it into place, keep metal tools out of the box except when necessary to turn screws and then be extremely careful what you touch with them.
When in ANY doubt, call a pro. A breaker box can burn you, blind you, zap you, or throw you around. I knew a guy who got blasted through a wall just while trying to inspect a corroded breaker box, so take all warnings very seriously!
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Maxine
CoachNo, you should never attempt to install a breaker into an energized breaker box. Working on an energized electrical panel is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. Always turn off the power and follow proper safety procedures before working on an electrical panel. It is best to hire a licensed electrician for this type of work.
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Does DTE Energy install breaker boxes?
Yes, DTE Energy can install and upgrade breaker boxes for residential and commercial customers. It is recommended to contact them directly to inquire about their specific services and processes for breaker box installations.
How do you replace a 15 amp breaker in the circuit box?
To replace a 15 amp breaker, first shut off the main power to the circuit box. Then, remove the cover of the circuit box and unscrew the old breaker. Disconnect the wires attached to the old breaker, connect them to the new 15 amp breaker, and securely screw it in place. Finally, turn the main power back on to restore electricity.
My seimans elect panel box let me put in tandem breakers?
I wnt to install a tandem breaker but my panel box won't let me. Why?
How do i install a new circuit in a breaker box?
Need more information. If you are still interested open a discussion page.
Can you install a 2 20 breaker into a breaker box that has space but all other breakers add up to more amps than the 200 amp main breaker?
No, you cannot install a 2x20 amp breaker if the total amperage of all the breakers exceeds the main breaker rating, as this would overload the system. The total amperage of the breakers should not exceed the main breaker rating to ensure safe operation of the electrical system.
