How to Assemble a 50 Amp Electrical Panel

Screw the panel upright onto the studs behind the wall according to the height allowed by your local building code. Create openings along each side, and on top of the panel by punching the knockouts with needle-nose pliers.

Plug the main circuit breaker into its corresponding slot, following the panel manufacturer's directions. Plug the auxiliary circuit breakers into their respective slots. Circuit breakers typically plug into place by hooking the slot at its base onto metal tabs along the the side of the panel board frame, then pushing the breaker until it is properly seated. Flip all circuit breaker switches to their "Off" position.

Screw the conduit running from the electric meter onto the knockout at the top-center of the panel, using a screwdriver or a wrench. Plug a cable clamp onto each knockout, and screw the clamp in place, using its lock nut. Slip the three main cables running from the electric meter through the conduit, then pull the cables from inside the panel.

Remove an inch of insulation from the end of each cable with a utility knife. Plug each black cable (hot) in any order into each terminal lug in the main circuit breaker. Plug the neutral cable (black with white markings) into the neutral buss bar. Route the grounding wire from the ground rods to the grounding bar, then screw the wire to the bar. Tighten each lug, and screw firmly.

Tighten all cable clamps around the panel. Contact your municipal electrical inspector and request the inspector visit and inspect the newly installed panel.