How to Upgrade the Breaker Box in a Trailer

Removal

• 1

  Turn off the main power to the breaker box. This is typically located in a separate small panel near the breaker box, or may be on the side of the box in some cases. Pull the main power lever to the down position to disconnect and test lights, or other electrical elements, to ensure that no power is flowing.

• 2

  Open the door to the box and remove the screws from the cover panel to expose the wires. Pry out each breaker in succession, starting with the outside end, then pulling out sharply to disconnect the inside end. Loosen the screws at either end of the breaker and remove the wires.

• 3

  Mark the wires with a masking tape label to indicate which breaker the wires were attached to. Remove all circuit breakers one at a time. Set the breakers aside. Remove the screws holding the main power cable to the breaker box.

• 4

  Remove screws from the back or sides of the breaker box. Remove any screws in the trim ring around the face of the box and pry it from the wall with a small, flat pry bar. Pull the box from the wall, pushing all of the wiring out through the openings in the box, which may include conduit fittings.

Installation

• 5

  Feed the wires through the openings in the new box and fit it into the wall. Drive screws through the rear and sides of the box or through the trim ring to anchor it to the box. Follow the recommendations that came with the box installation instructions for more specifics.

• 6

  Attach the main power cable to the connections provided and tighten the screws to anchor them in place. Attach each circuit to a new breaker and fit each into the box, using the labels you placed on the wires previously. Add a description of each circuit to the circuit map on the inside of the box door.

• 7

  Press each breaker into an open bay in the order you want. Replace the cover panel once all breakers are in place and replace the screws. Restore the power and test it to be sure there are no issues.