Can I add a breaker without turning off the power to the panal?

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drunknhero

Member
Hey there, I don't have a main shut off and the only way I can shut off my power is by scheduling it with the electrical company. So I want to know if I can add a breaker without turning off the power to the panal. Would shutting off all breakers make it safe to do? Will i get shocked adding the nuetral and ground wires to there bus bars?
 
maxwelljr

maxwelljr

Active Member
I am not an electrician, however I worked as an apprentice for a while.. You are saying there is no main breaker on the panel? It should have one..
 
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fdd2blk

Well-Known Member
one side of your box will be hot unless they shut it off on the street.

you can snap a new breaker in there without shutting down. don't touch ANYTHING shiny. :wink:
 
IAm5toned

IAm5toned

Well-Known Member
theres a shut off on there somewhere... it may even be one of the breakers in the panel, it maybe outside on the meterbox ;)

but snapping one in is a cinch, just be careful not to let your fingers slip of the breaker, and be sure its seated firmly on the bus rail when your done.
it makes it alot easier too if you land the wire on the breaker before you snap it in...
 
maxwelljr

maxwelljr

Active Member
Yes, I believe Iam5toned was referring to attaching the wires to the breaker itself before putting it in, and then attach the neutral or ground.. not sure if you are putting in a 220 or a 110.
 
IAm5toned

IAm5toned

Well-Known Member
the ground wont shock you.
the only way the neutral will shock you is if the power is on to the circuit your working on..
so hook up the ground first, then the neutral. once those two are landed put the hot wire on the breaker and snap it in.
turn it on.
enjoy
 
AquafinaOrbit

AquafinaOrbit

Well-Known Member
You can work on a panel hot, and is often required because some business/homes just can't afford to lose power while you work on them. That being said, it's dangerous and you should be sure not to touch anything with your hand, it also helps to wrap your screw driver shaft in electrical tape. I find it hard to believe the panel has no main shutoff though as the NEC started in 1897
 
FlynLow

FlynLow

Active Member
judging by the thread creators name......im gunna have to say refrain from your alcoholic tendencies for this job!

& no being a hero!
 
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fdd2blk

Well-Known Member
i see no empty slot in that panel. =-/

you aren't just changing the breaker to a larger amperage are you?
 
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razoredge

Well-Known Member
if your scared go to church haha.. kidding, get a double pull breaker, you can use a double pole with two 20 amps on it to help safe on space, make sure your wire gauge is correct size for what your doing, I like to use nothing smaller then 12-2.

shut the breaker off that you want to replace, then unscrew the wires going to that breaker and make sure you use a good screw driver, then install the new breaker in that same location and run your wires to the new breaker and then you know what to do from there
 
Masswhole

Masswhole

Well-Known Member
drunknhero said:
Hey there, I don't have a main shut off and the only way I can shut off my power is by scheduling it with the electrical company. So I want to know if I can add a breaker without turning off the power to the panal. Would shutting off all breakers make it safe to do? Will i get shocked adding the nuetral and ground wires to there bus bars?
Click to expand...

If you need to ask, hire an electrician.
 
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