How to Rewire a 100 Amp Circuit Breaker Panel

Upgrading an electrical panel in your home is an important project that requires care and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how I rewired my 100 amp circuit breaker panel.

Safety Precautions

Electricity can be dangerous, so make sure to take proper safety precautions when working with electrical wiring. Here are some key safety tips:

• Turn off the main circuit breaker before starting any work on the panel to cut power to the entire house.
• Verify power is off by turning on a light or testing outlets with a multimeter.
• Wear insulated gloves and shoes to avoid shocks.
• Use insulated tools like screwdrivers to prevent shorts.
• Cover exposed wires with wire nuts or electrical tape to avoid accidental contact.
• Work with a partner so someone can call for help if needed.
• Get a permit from the city inspector before starting the rewiring.

Following basic electrical safety rules will help prevent shocks, fires, or other accidents when rewiring a circuit breaker panel.

Gather the Right Materials

Before starting the rewiring project, I made sure to have all the necessary materials on hand:

• New circuit breaker panel - I opted for a 100 amp panel with enough breaker slots for my needs.
• Breakers - Match the voltage and amperage rating of the old breakers.
• Electrical wire - Use the correct gauge wire for the amperage level.
• Wire connectors and electrical tape - For splicing and insulating wires.
• Cable staples - To secure the wires neatly.
• Voltmeter - To test that power is off before working.
• Wire strippers and screwdrivers - For connecting wires to breakers and terminals.

Having the right supplies makes the rewiring process much simpler. I laid out all the materials in an organized way before starting.

Removing the Old Panel

With the power shut off at the main breaker, I was ready to remove the outdated 100 amp panel:

• I unscrewed the cover plate from the old panel box to access the wiring inside.
• Using a voltmeter, I double checked that power was off before touching any wires.
• I labeled each wire with masking tape to identify the circuits.
• I unscrewed the wires from the old breakers and disconnected them from the terminals.
• I unmounted the panel from the wall by removing the screws and brackets.

Carefully labeling the existing wires makes reconnecting them to the new panel much easier. The old panel can now be set aside.

Installing the New Panel

After prepping the new 100 amp panel and mounting location, I was ready to install it:

• I screwed the new panel securely to the wall studs using the included hardware.
• I fed the service entrance wires from the electrical meter into the new panel.
• Following the wiring diagram, I reconnected all the labeled circuits to the appropriately sized breakers.
• I neatly organized the wires and secured them with cable staples.
• I double checked all connections and tightened all screws securely.
• I replaced the cover plate.

Taking it slow and methodically reconnecting each wire reduces the chance of errors.

Restoring the Power and Testing

The last steps were to turn the power back on and test my work:

• I switched the main breaker to the ON position to restore electricity to the house.
• I turned on lights and appliances to verify all circuits were working properly after the rewire.
• For safety, I checked for warm wires or breakers to catch any loose connections.
• I installed the new panel cover and labeled the breakers clearly.

With the new 100 amp panel fully installed and tested, my home's electrical system is now up to code. Periodically checking wires and connections in the panel will ensure long-term safety and performance.

Thoroughly planning the steps, using caution when working with wiring, and meticulously labeling each connection made rewiring my circuit breaker panel a success. Let me know if you have any other questions!