How to Install an Additional Siemens Circuit Breaker

Your home's electrical system is protected by a series of electrical breakers. They are considered the brains of the system because they turn off the power when excessive current is detected. This prevents electrical shorts and fires by shutting down the system before damage can occur. You can add an additional Siemens circuit breaker to your electrical panel if it has an empty slot. This increases the number of circuits in the panel and can provide electricity for outlets, lights, cooking appliances, spas, water heaters and hot water heaters.

Non-contact voltage detector
Screwdriver
Wire strippers

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the power to the entire electrical panel by turning off the main breaker. Confirm the power is off by touching a non-contact voltage detector to several wire's insulation. Double-check the power is off by making sure no devices in the home have power.
- 2
  Remove the cover from the electrical panel by loosening the four screws that secure it.
- 3
  Turn the breaker to the off position. Insert the breaker into the center of the panel by tilting it slightly. Press down on the outside of the breaker to snap it into place.
- 4
  Strip 3/8 inches of insulation off the black, white and green conductors in the electrical wire with wire strippers.
- 5
  Insert the black wire into the breaker's terminal and tighten it down.
- 6
  Loosen an empty terminal on the neutral bus bar (white wires). Insert the white wire into this terminal and tighten it down.
- 7
  Loosen an empty terminal on the ground bus bar (green or bare wires). Insert the green or bare wire into this terminal and tighten it down.
- 8
  Install the cover back on the electrical panel by fastening it with the removed screws. Turn the power back on to the home.

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