How to Install a 220 Circuit for a Heat Pump

Install the receptacle. For finished-wall or floor-mounted receptacles, follow the manufacturer's instructions about how to affix the receptacle to the wall or floor. In an unfinished wall that's susceptible to moisture (such as a basement), attach the receptacle to a metal conduit, feed the wire through the conduit and affix the conduit to the wall. A conduit is only needed where the wire contacts the cement.

Run electrical cable from the receptacle to the circuit breaker box. If the wire must pass behind walls or above the ceiling, use electrician's fish tape to thread the wire. Run the fish tape along the circuit path until it reaches the breaker box. Attach the wire to the end of the tape and pull it back toward you. Leave about 8 inches of wire exposed at each end. Cable in an unfinished basement can be strung along ceiling joists until it reaches the metal conduit.

Attach the ends of the wire to the receptacle's terminals.

Turn off the power to the service panel.

Pop the covers off the slots for the new breaker with a screwdriver.

Connect the white (neutral) wire to the service panel's neutral bus bar.

Connect the black and red wires from the circuit to the breaker. Snap the breaker into place in the empty space in the panel.