why would you need to replace a circuit breaker? 99% of the time it's something wrong with the circuit, not the breaker. But have it and cross your fingers you don't burn down the house.
@DominickDiy Wow, this is strange. Many of your videos work fine and many from other users on this site work fine but this one does not. Thanks for checking anyway.
@CAnnRz When the audio starts with the man speaking, it is only coming through the left speaker on my end. You may have an issue with your left speaker.
@MrStanley1109 The best plan of attack would be to remove the meter off of the house. But you will need to call your electric company for that in most cases. DO NOT TRY IT ANY OTHER WAY..
I have a question. The light and recipticals in my living room and my bedroom when out at the same time. Do you think is the wires or just the switches?? PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
120 will hold you 220 will throw you! trust me I know, when I was 3 I decided to test this theory with a letter opener or a metal object of the likeness at a laundermat in a dryer socket, Needless to say i flew back about 10 feet!
Hey Dominick thanks so much for the video! I just changed mine out today. Can't tell you what a great feeling it was to see those lights come back on that were on that circuit. So from Denton, Texas a big thank ya neighbor from someone who gets to keep about 120.00 in his pocket today. Square D circuit breaker was 45.00. Can't beat that!
I had a bad breaker and my maintenance guy has changed it for me. It is an older townhome, and he said I should change the older breaker as well (although it is not broken). Should a breaker be changed if it is old, but not broken?
@Generation3electric I'm no pro but I would guess that the tip could fall off the end of the screw driver and land between a hot conductor and ground, that would not be good.
Turn off that main breaker and for some older equipment it will not turn back on. At that point you'll need to call a licensed and insured professional electrical contractor. Wiring is not a hobby.
great informative video! Its amazing how you just freely navigate thru that panel with no fear! considering its still on because there watching tv. I wish I knew enough about this stuff to do the same.
You have the leads that are coming in from the circuit breaker, and they are gonna be live no matter what - UNLESS you invest 50.00 or so to request the electric company to pull the meter so you can do the work FAR MORE SAFELY. If you pull the meter out yourself (simple just twist and pull unless it's locked because you make a habit of doing this), then just be ready to call them up and explain how your kid pulled the tag off or something.
IN THE BEGINNING OF THE VIDEO YOU SAID THE WIRES GOIN TO THE BREAKERS ARE THE ONES YOU HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR ...YOU SHOULDA TOLD THE YOU CAN GET HIT ON THE NUETRAL IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES
Great video! I want to put outlets in my basement. This is a new home with unfinished basement. Would I buy a new breaker to add outlets or is it standard a new home already has additional breakers? I have not taken the panel cover off to check if that is the case that there are additional breakers.
@utubmania2009 NEVER replace a breaker with one that has a higher amperage rating. The breaker is matched to the gauge of wire for the circuit. A breaker with a higher amp rating means they won't trip off when they're supposed to and possibly resulting in an electrical fire.
@JackOfAllTirades@utubmania2009 So that mean if I want to replace the breaker with 15 amp to 30 amp, I should have replace the wire that make to withstand 30 amp gauge as well as the outlet? Thanks
Great video. One thing missing would be different types of breakers? ... Mine just look completely different (in size) than those in the video and I don't know what marking/labeling to look for when I go shopping for a new one.
Dominick: Thank you! You gave the the info and confidence to save all our food -- a breaker brokre and I was able to move the refrig to the breaker next to it to save everything. Question: When I replace the bad breaker, can I just pull it out of the middle or do I need to pull the ones next to it out until it is on the end? I hope you understand what I mean. thanks again!
@peakay2002 Don't want to waste that food. Sure I understand. Yea you would just remove the one bad breaker and replace with the same type / amperage.
@DominickDiy Great - thanks. By the way, I am dealing with a really old Zinsco panel and breakers are pretty much only available used. If I were to update the panel, what would you recommend for one that is really 'standard' or common and will be easy to get replacement breakers for int he future? also, do you consider that a DIY project? thanks!
@peakay2002 Sure thing. Well GE is good and easy to get as well as Murry. There are all levels of the DIY'er.... But for the most part no way. You really need to know a lot of little things. One false move and , well you may not be around for Christmas. As well most of the time you will be upgrading your service wire as well. It's just the thing you would want to get involved in.
yeah, I get it....my late husband was an electrician/general contractor...half my problem is how he over did all the electrical in our home ....God love histwo/ three way/switches with dimmers and every 2 feet electrical outlet, and enough "eyeball" lights to make our home look like a "moon" launch pad, soul! LOL
thank you - have been fighting to get someone to help my crippled widow rump with my bad breaker.....I now intend to do this myself!!! I have a GFI that "pops" all the time....is that also replaceable???
@nixnixnixable Th GFI is yes. But I wouldn't replace the breaker because the GFI trips. Two very different things. See my how to replace a GFI outlet video
@nixnixnixable nuisance trips on a GFI can be caused by a bad GFI, in more cases though I've seen it caused by a GFI being mis-wired, or something else mis-wired. GFI's detect current leaks to ground and will trip on very small leaks to ground. Could be a bad appliance even causing it!
@Rayvenred Sparking is super bad. Turn main breaker off, remove and replace breaker. Make sure connection to the buzz bar is clean. Make sure wire to breaker is good and clean.
Great explanation. Simple, to the point and most importantly clear. I had to replace some duplex's last night and briefly thought I would have to do this today. Thank you.
This was really helpful. My power trips when I have personal heater turned on in multiple bed rooms. Can I add breaker with higher amps? Will that resolve the issue?
@flure1234 Heavy electricity consumers in North America (clothes dryers, electric ovens, air conditioning units etc) use the split phase I described earlier, which gives 240 volts phase-to-phase, instead of the usual 120volts which is used for lighting and light loads (televisions, computers, toasters etc). The higher voltage is beneficial for heavy loads, but most heavy household loads still don't need 3 phase. The thing that would make the best use out of 3-phase would be central A/C.
@flure1234 We (I'm Canadian but our system is essentially the same as Americans) don't use 3 phase in residential settings just because it's cheaper not to. We use what's called split phase, which gives us 120v phase-to-neutral and 240v phase-to-phase. In most areas, 3 phase is distributed everywhere, but we don't wire it all the way to the house.
This video really helpped me out in understanding every part of breaker panel. After watching this I was able to go in my own breaker box at home and know what every wire was for. I am an electrical student at coyne college in chicago.
Oh my gosh I LOVE YOU! I was really struggling to understand electrical systems and you just broke it all down SO WELL! I seriously appreciate this video!
I had a busted breaker and I was about to call an electrician because I have never messed around with electricity, I was able to replace the breaker myself thanks to this video. Breaker was only a couple of bucks instead of the $150 I might have spent wit an electrician!!! Thanks
Thanks buddy. You are always so detailed... I have used several of your videos to take care of odd jobs around the house and learn new fun things too. Always a pleasure. Please keep it up!!!
nice video, I have a question, im wiring two circuits, one for my 20 amp service for the air compressor, welder and so on that uses more than 15 amps, and i am using a 12gauge wire. Now since i didn't buy another roll of 15amp wire, will a 12 gauge wire hooked to a 15 amp breaker be fine? or would there be issues, i don't see any other than its just a thicker wire, but im only running the wire to the 14 gauge wire in the garage and the outlets are 15 amp for the 15 amp breaker.
The wire will be dead only until you either turn its breaker off(which is highly recommended) or you could use an insulated screwdriver and open the lug holding the wire creating an air gap and as you pull the wire out it will not have a voltage.
How does the 220 breaker get power from both buss bars ? The breaker doesn't appear to be long enough to straddle both bus bars. Are the bus bars staggered in some way to make this possible ? Thanks for your help.
I know for demonstrative purposes, you didn't turn off the main power.
when, you turn the breaker back on (the thing you just replaced) do you have to turn the main back on after to see if there's a short somewhere else in the house?
Do you have to turn the main on for the breaker switch to heat up and turn off?
On mine (and all that I've seen, in Texas) there is a main breaker outside under the meter. You should always turn that one off if you have it. That way, everything in the inside breaker box is completely "dead". Nothing to accidently touch and get shocked. Also I would respectfully disagree with the claim that touching one of the mains = "not so bad". Even though its only 120 volts, the amper potential is quite large and it would hurt, a lot! :*(
@fonkdawg Many people a year die from just 120 volts. Ever hear about the guy that died while trimming his his trees with a electrical trimmer while touching a metal fence. Very true and sad. Electric is just no joke. Be careful.
Thanks for this great video. Just replaced a CB for our Dryer. Dryer turned on and rotated but no heat. At first we thought our dryer bit-the-dust. I noticed the receptacle was only reading 110V. When I removed the very old 30 Amp Double CB I noticed one side that connects to the Bus was black and quite corroded. That must have been the side that was failing. The repair cost us $8.25 plus tax.
This was a very good systematic overview. Thank you for explaining the buzz-bar and what the ground was. Also reminding us to be aware of loose connections and wiring. Have a great day. Thanks again.
@retepvosnul The measure of being civilized OR actually living in a civilized country is now based on the circuit breaker panel of your home? (ha ha ha) Thanks for the good chuckle.
@retepvosnul Looks just like a brand new GE panel. And it is wired VERY neatly--more attention to detail than you normally see in a residential panel. The electrician who wired this took some time and did a very neat and tidy job. I respect that as an electrician--I take pride in my work and the panel make-up is kind of like a signature--you can tell a lot about an electrician by how his panel looks when he's done. Mine are always this tidy.
@russdonruss Of course It is new, if it were both ancient technology and a reused one I'd fire the electrician. with "old fashioned" I meant the type, material and implementation is old.
Also electrical engineering is anything but rocketscience. If a electrician would make a mess out of such a basic and vital peace of gear, i'd also fire him.
Hey Dominic, thanks for your DIY video. I got a question. My old 20A breaker needed to be replaced. It only had one red power line screwed in , and snapped into a buss tab. Problem, with the new replacement breaker is it has the extra "white piggy wire" for AFCI. I know it hooks into the panel neutral, but I also need a ground wire into the AFCI breaker. The original breaker didn't have a ground wire. Just power line. Do I just tap into another ground line? thanks
Thanks for the step-by-step instructions. I'm selling my condominium and just received the "fix-it list" from the buyer, who wanted a circuit breaker realigned. Your guidance helped me do it without calling an electrician--it simply needed removal and re-installation, not replacement. Thanks.
Great video. My mother was complaining that I didn't turn off the main breaker. I told her that for extreme safety measures that one should turn off the main breaker. Like you showed one can change the breaker with out shutting off the main breaker.
@DominickDiy I agree that the main breaker should be turned off. Unfortunately some circuits in my house can't be turned off or loose power. So changing a circuit breaker with the main breaker still on is really the only option. I am glad that changing a breaker can be done safely with the main still on if all precautions are taken.
Very informative. Thanks for putting this up. My question is... can I change a 20 amp breaker to a 30 amp breaker. I just found out alot of things are going to this breaker and I need to add even more. So can I just convert it to a 30 amp to be safe? Or what's the best thing to do?
Thank you.. NO YOU CAN NOT.. On a 20 amp you would use a 12 gauge wire and 30 amp would need 10 wire. the best thing to do would be split the circuit to lighten the load. Splitting you would add another 20 amp breaker. But it goes deeper then that. If you would like more detail please go to my site to where I can better answer your question...
I've done this b4, but it was a few yrs ago, so I couldn't remember the details. I just ran to the box and turned the blown fuse back to the "off" position (I had previously flipped it back and forth a couple of times to see if it was just tripped, not blown) so I don't die in my sleep. It's too late to go get another fuse tonight, but I'll put it in tomorrow. Anyway, thanks for posting this vid!
appreciate the video, probably the best one on youtube. i have a rental house and im new to electrical diy, but your video gave me confidence to work on the circuit breaker, instead of spending big bucks on a electrician, please make more videos,btw nice camera angles, and clear explanations. thx
I changed one 7 yrs ago and my boss jumped my sh** for not tellin' him how it's done. They were gonna have the apprentice do it just to punish me, but now it's done. Especially cool that you reemphasized the Safety Tips in the end.
-Steve/Stationary Building Engineer/SanFran/CA/USA
Helpful thanks
seocom 13 hours ago
@seocom Thank you. Glad I could help.
DominickDiy 6 hours ago
why would you need to replace a circuit breaker? 99% of the time it's something wrong with the circuit, not the breaker. But have it and cross your fingers you don't burn down the house.
electricalron 3 days ago
Thank you so very much.
DominickDiy 1 week ago
Brilliant video. thank you, you provided not only enough information but made sure we understood the safety percautions.
xideathzapix 1 week ago
thank you so much. you just helped over a hundred thousand people.. including me!
scootfd3s 3 weeks ago
@scootfd3s You welcome very much.
DominickDiy 3 weeks ago
Nice vid, have to try it tomorrow after I buy a replacement. Hopefully it's as easy as you make it look.
njoker555 1 month ago
@njoker555 Yeah it is. Just be careful.
DominickDiy 1 month ago
@njoker555 For the older model homes...say pre-1980. Is the concept all the same for the breakers?
cjbidwell 1 week ago
@cjbidwell can't say sorry :( My house was built post-2000 and the one I lived in before that was built in the early 90s.
njoker555 1 week ago
Thank you. Very helpful to me, a lefthander who is a complete boob when it comes to this stuff, but I tound things to help me replace my breakers.
strangeteacher 1 month ago
@mrstanley. you call the power company, followed by a licsensed electrician.
benlover6669 1 month ago
Great video Dominick; this helped me better understand how to replace a breaker. Thanks!
OneMixDJ 1 month ago
Any one have trouble with the audio in this video? Sound is muffled out, I could not make any of it out. Bummer cuz its a great topic.
CAnnRz 1 month ago
@CAnnRz It has to be you. Sounds good to me.
DominickDiy 1 month ago
@DominickDiy Wow, this is strange. Many of your videos work fine and many from other users on this site work fine but this one does not. Thanks for checking anyway.
CAnnRz 1 month ago
@CAnnRz When the audio starts with the man speaking, it is only coming through the left speaker on my end. You may have an issue with your left speaker.
mikemagee77 1 month ago
@CAnnRz yeah i only have sound on one speaker.
TheBrokemechanic 2 weeks ago
Ok Thanks!
MrStanley1109 2 months ago
how do you change out the main breaker if the power lines is all ways on?
MrStanley1109 2 months ago
@MrStanley1109 The best plan of attack would be to remove the meter off of the house. But you will need to call your electric company for that in most cases. DO NOT TRY IT ANY OTHER WAY..
DominickDiy 2 months ago
I have a question. The light and recipticals in my living room and my bedroom when out at the same time. Do you think is the wires or just the switches?? PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
ramone773 2 months ago
Thanks!!!
SoSeventies 3 months ago
120 will hold you 220 will throw you! trust me I know, when I was 3 I decided to test this theory with a letter opener or a metal object of the likeness at a laundermat in a dryer socket, Needless to say i flew back about 10 feet!
ccc822007 4 months ago
great explanation very much appreciated
intercourseflavor 5 months ago
Hey Dominick thanks so much for the video! I just changed mine out today. Can't tell you what a great feeling it was to see those lights come back on that were on that circuit. So from Denton, Texas a big thank ya neighbor from someone who gets to keep about 120.00 in his pocket today. Square D circuit breaker was 45.00. Can't beat that!
motc777 5 months ago
Cool! My next task! Thanks
Hellton1989 5 months ago
The wire on that two pole 50Amp looks #8, and #8 is only good for 40Amp.
Breaker is not protecting the wire, in case of an overload it could become an hazard.
luisdenunes 6 months ago
wouldn't it be better to cut the main by the meter (and do the work during the day so you can see)? then nothing would be live, correct?
followyourbliss101 6 months ago
I had a bad breaker and my maintenance guy has changed it for me. It is an older townhome, and he said I should change the older breaker as well (although it is not broken). Should a breaker be changed if it is old, but not broken?
siuabc 6 months ago
Thanks Dom, you answered many questions I've always had about circuit panels.
Blueenote 7 months ago
Thanks... had a question and you answered it.
dmbparker 7 months ago
how about the ratings? the number 10000 on Hager brand breaker for example?
izaatmusic 8 months ago
please don't use a multi-tip screw driver in a panel.
110380michael 8 months ago 2
@110380michael saw this as well. didnt even think it was going to make it to the head. cringe. good video
visegrip 6 months ago
@110380michael
Why?
pmuskee 5 months ago
@110380michael Why??
Generation3electric 5 months ago
@Generation3electric I'm no pro but I would guess that the tip could fall off the end of the screw driver and land between a hot conductor and ground, that would not be good.
blownonfuel 4 months ago
@blownonfuel I guess you are right. I have never had anything close to that happen to me.
Generation3electric 4 months ago
thanks dom. that was very helpful. I'm hooking up a circuit for a new diswasher. Can I just run BX cable up to it from the box?
GoutAttack 8 months ago
Turn off that main breaker and for some older equipment it will not turn back on. At that point you'll need to call a licensed and insured professional electrical contractor. Wiring is not a hobby.
ClassicElectricNJ 8 months ago
Thank-You , I feel a lot more confident about working inside the breaker box....
70Shocktower 8 months ago
great informative video! Its amazing how you just freely navigate thru that panel with no fear! considering its still on because there watching tv. I wish I knew enough about this stuff to do the same.
greenjeens 8 months ago
You have the leads that are coming in from the circuit breaker, and they are gonna be live no matter what - UNLESS you invest 50.00 or so to request the electric company to pull the meter so you can do the work FAR MORE SAFELY. If you pull the meter out yourself (simple just twist and pull unless it's locked because you make a habit of doing this), then just be ready to call them up and explain how your kid pulled the tag off or something.
steelhorizon 9 months ago
what no test lamps? hope theres no capacitance in those circuits...lol
6488ott 10 months ago
Great video. The ending makes me wonder why the hell they don't make panel covers out of plastic? It would be cheaper and safer.
foreign96man 10 months ago
Awesome video.
lwpowers 10 months ago
hey my man. Thanks a lot. I just changed a breaker for the first time ever.
dylangraves 10 months ago
IN THE BEGINNING OF THE VIDEO YOU SAID THE WIRES GOIN TO THE BREAKERS ARE THE ONES YOU HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR ...YOU SHOULDA TOLD THE YOU CAN GET HIT ON THE NUETRAL IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES
dustaduglazz1 10 months ago
@dustaduglazz1 Good Point
DominickDiy 10 months ago
@dustaduglazz1 Yes you can.
DominickDiy 10 months ago
@DominickDiy yeah you can. its not likely but it is possibly if your losing a ground the neutral will be energized
TeNaCiOuSLeGeNd 2 months ago
@TeNaCiOuSLeGeNd That's for sure.
DominickDiy 2 months ago
@dustaduglazz1
yes, on the return you can..
mtanyc 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Thanks very much Dom you explain and teach everything ...
henrypoul 11 months ago
thanks man i've been looking 4 this vid about a week lol :) 4 real
apanterado 11 months ago
thank's great video
emilio3064 11 months ago
this question cleared a lot of stuff up for me! thanks
jackmosley06 11 months ago
The contacts of the electrical fuses in your system are very fragile!!!! Especialy for 120Volts.
And how many volts are betwen L1-L2?
telosfd 1 year ago
The contacts of electrical fuses in your system are very fragile!!!!
And how many volts are betwen L1-L2?
telosfd 1 year ago
HUh??
Starfy6701 1 year ago
Are you from Brooklyn?
NASIMNASIM 1 year ago
@NASIMNASIM No.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
Thanks very much Dom...Great video!!
NASIMNASIM 1 year ago
@NASIMNASIM Thank you so much.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
you explain very well...good work
thebookofcreation 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
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harsamohomad 1 year ago
Great video! I want to put outlets in my basement. This is a new home with unfinished basement. Would I buy a new breaker to add outlets or is it standard a new home already has additional breakers? I have not taken the panel cover off to check if that is the case that there are additional breakers.
owenaddams 1 year ago
Good video. Straight and to the point.
christaiki 1 year ago
How to increase ampere from 15 to 30 ? Is that just replace the breaker or something more involve?
utubmania2009 1 year ago
@utubmania2009 NEVER replace a breaker with one that has a higher amperage rating. The breaker is matched to the gauge of wire for the circuit. A breaker with a higher amp rating means they won't trip off when they're supposed to and possibly resulting in an electrical fire.
JackOfAllTirades 1 year ago
@JackOfAllTirades @utubmania2009 So that mean if I want to replace the breaker with 15 amp to 30 amp, I should have replace the wire that make to withstand 30 amp gauge as well as the outlet? Thanks
utubmania2009 1 year ago
Great video. One thing missing would be different types of breakers? ... Mine just look completely different (in size) than those in the video and I don't know what marking/labeling to look for when I go shopping for a new one.
ak99372 1 year ago
Whoa! There's no stupid youtube adds in this video! How did you do that?!
12creations 1 year ago
Nevermind....... there the damn thing is :( Starting to really hate youtube.
12creations 1 year ago
Dominick: Thank you! You gave the the info and confidence to save all our food -- a breaker brokre and I was able to move the refrig to the breaker next to it to save everything. Question: When I replace the bad breaker, can I just pull it out of the middle or do I need to pull the ones next to it out until it is on the end? I hope you understand what I mean. thanks again!
peakay2002 1 year ago
@peakay2002 Don't want to waste that food. Sure I understand. Yea you would just remove the one bad breaker and replace with the same type / amperage.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
@DominickDiy Great - thanks. By the way, I am dealing with a really old Zinsco panel and breakers are pretty much only available used. If I were to update the panel, what would you recommend for one that is really 'standard' or common and will be easy to get replacement breakers for int he future? also, do you consider that a DIY project? thanks!
peakay2002 1 year ago
@peakay2002 Sure thing. Well GE is good and easy to get as well as Murry. There are all levels of the DIY'er.... But for the most part no way. You really need to know a lot of little things. One false move and , well you may not be around for Christmas. As well most of the time you will be upgrading your service wire as well. It's just the thing you would want to get involved in.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
yeah, I get it....my late husband was an electrician/general contractor...half my problem is how he over did all the electrical in our home ....God love histwo/ three way/switches with dimmers and every 2 feet electrical outlet, and enough "eyeball" lights to make our home look like a "moon" launch pad, soul! LOL
nixnixnixable 1 year ago
thank you - have been fighting to get someone to help my crippled widow rump with my bad breaker.....I now intend to do this myself!!! I have a GFI that "pops" all the time....is that also replaceable???
nixnixnixable 1 year ago
@nixnixnixable Th GFI is yes. But I wouldn't replace the breaker because the GFI trips. Two very different things. See my how to replace a GFI outlet video
DominickDiy 1 year ago
@nixnixnixable nuisance trips on a GFI can be caused by a bad GFI, in more cases though I've seen it caused by a GFI being mis-wired, or something else mis-wired. GFI's detect current leaks to ground and will trip on very small leaks to ground. Could be a bad appliance even causing it!
gnukix 1 year ago
@nixnixnixable Nice informational video.
Keep it up for us do it yourselfers.
lorenzol707 1 year ago
@lorenzol707 Making new videos all the time. As well as writing new articles. check out my site for the articles.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
what if your a circuit breaker is sparking? Do you think it's the breaker or something less?
Rayvenred 1 year ago
@Rayvenred Sparking is super bad. Turn main breaker off, remove and replace breaker. Make sure connection to the buzz bar is clean. Make sure wire to breaker is good and clean.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
Wanna know how I was shocked?
I licked my laptop charger. (I know, I'm retarded)
bloxxer33 1 year ago
Great explanation. Simple, to the point and most importantly clear. I had to replace some duplex's last night and briefly thought I would have to do this today. Thank you.
babydock214 1 year ago
@babydock214 Good deal. Glad I could help out
DominickDiy 1 year ago
This was really helpful. My power trips when I have personal heater turned on in multiple bed rooms. Can I add breaker with higher amps? Will that resolve the issue?
sujaldalia 1 year ago
THAT MUSIC IS TOO LOUD
That's cool how you can grab the hot wires and they don't bother you.
johnlvs2run 1 year ago
@johnlvs2run Oh no, if they were live it would. Yea I don't use the music anymore.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
Wow, you are a good teacher. Very informative and step-by-step.
kungfudoggie 1 year ago
@kungfudoggie Thank you very much.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
Why do amerikans not use three-phase alternating current ??
flure1234 1 year ago
@flure1234 We do, just not in a resident applications.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
@DominickDiy oh we in Austria and Germany use it in every House for things like boilers and other bigger electricity consumers
flure1234 1 year ago
@flure1234 Heavy electricity consumers in North America (clothes dryers, electric ovens, air conditioning units etc) use the split phase I described earlier, which gives 240 volts phase-to-phase, instead of the usual 120volts which is used for lighting and light loads (televisions, computers, toasters etc). The higher voltage is beneficial for heavy loads, but most heavy household loads still don't need 3 phase. The thing that would make the best use out of 3-phase would be central A/C.
captain150 1 year ago
@captain150 Very true.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
@flure1234 We (I'm Canadian but our system is essentially the same as Americans) don't use 3 phase in residential settings just because it's cheaper not to. We use what's called split phase, which gives us 120v phase-to-neutral and 240v phase-to-phase. In most areas, 3 phase is distributed everywhere, but we don't wire it all the way to the house.
captain150 1 year ago
This video really helpped me out in understanding every part of breaker panel. After watching this I was able to go in my own breaker box at home and know what every wire was for. I am an electrical student at coyne college in chicago.
FAZE1UNO 1 year ago
@FAZE1UNO Very cool. Glad I could help out.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
aaa cant hear your voice
knothingfab 1 year ago
These things will always scare the crap out of me. No matter how many times I touch it with a meter I'm always nervous.
deweys 1 year ago
very very usefull video,
KillTheMessenger239 1 year ago
lol @ him @ 2:16 the main breaker is still in the on position.
GMELECTRONICS365 1 year ago
@GMELECTRONICS365
at the 4:04 mark he concedes that point
MrWishbone21 1 year ago
@MrWishbone21 i know i made the comment while watching the video.
GMELECTRONICS365 1 year ago
Thanks a Lot. Good information on Electricity.
SuperKwame1 1 year ago
thank you so much, I followed you exactly, and it worked !
dojomania 1 year ago
Oh my gosh I LOVE YOU! I was really struggling to understand electrical systems and you just broke it all down SO WELL! I seriously appreciate this video!
gardogg65 1 year ago
that was really great ! thanks !
purplefan26 1 year ago
Thank you for your time. Good job.
steelcantuna 1 year ago
Thanks for your time. Good job. :)
steelcantuna 1 year ago
Your video is really helpful..thanks a million as I have to install a dedicated 20Amp line for an external outlet to run a 110V welding unit.
piwanabongo 1 year ago
Get a electrician in!
thelolmachine27 1 year ago
you the man thanxs alot!
micnastymma 1 year ago
Great explanation. Thx!
imunclesam76 1 year ago
I had a busted breaker and I was about to call an electrician because I have never messed around with electricity, I was able to replace the breaker myself thanks to this video. Breaker was only a couple of bucks instead of the $150 I might have spent wit an electrician!!! Thanks
vdcg2003 1 year ago 7
Thanks buddy. You are always so detailed... I have used several of your videos to take care of odd jobs around the house and learn new fun things too. Always a pleasure. Please keep it up!!!
bitemyram 1 year ago
thank you , you are a gentleman and a scholar!
bluesparrowfish 1 year ago
nice video, I have a question, im wiring two circuits, one for my 20 amp service for the air compressor, welder and so on that uses more than 15 amps, and i am using a 12gauge wire. Now since i didn't buy another roll of 15amp wire, will a 12 gauge wire hooked to a 15 amp breaker be fine? or would there be issues, i don't see any other than its just a thicker wire, but im only running the wire to the 14 gauge wire in the garage and the outlets are 15 amp for the 15 amp breaker.
motorhead45102 1 year ago
@motorhead45102 yes u can use the 12 gauge wire on a 15 amp breaker, u just dont want to do the reverse.
niper99 1 year ago
Dominic: You explained this perfectly thank you. I was afraid to do it myslef.
You made it look easy.
Ro
rosewood513 1 year ago
very nice, well explained.
The447658 1 year ago
Thanks so much for the video! One question...why is the wire that you pull from the breaker dead if the main power is on?
carterblom 1 year ago
@carterblom
The wire will be dead only until you either turn its breaker off(which is highly recommended) or you could use an insulated screwdriver and open the lug holding the wire creating an air gap and as you pull the wire out it will not have a voltage.
jbeast89 1 year ago
Thank you, saved me big bucks!!!!!!
whocaresanywaydoU 1 year ago
awesome video!
DylanOleMiss 1 year ago
My breaker box doesn't have a main switch to turn all of them off. What can I do? Or what should I do
Malcolmsgretsch 1 year ago
@Malcolmsgretsch call an electrician..or buy some hot gloves
pclle 1 year ago
your video is appreciated!! great! thanks a lot!
raulyany 1 year ago 10
@raulyany Sure thing, I love to help out.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
@Nezello Yup sure did.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
Great video!
etheoharis 1 year ago
@etheoharis Thank you so much.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
How does the 220 breaker get power from both buss bars ? The breaker doesn't appear to be long enough to straddle both bus bars. Are the bus bars staggered in some way to make this possible ? Thanks for your help.
lisnagavor 1 year ago
@lisnagavor Yes they are staggered. I just added all this to my site because you asked me.. go to my site and look for electrical on the menu
DominickDiy 1 year ago
I know for demonstrative purposes, you didn't turn off the main power.
when, you turn the breaker back on (the thing you just replaced) do you have to turn the main back on after to see if there's a short somewhere else in the house?
Do you have to turn the main on for the breaker switch to heat up and turn off?
BraydenScienceFair09 1 year ago
@BraydenScienceFair09 No not at all. If you didn't turn it off you don't need to touch it. The main breaker that is.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
On mine (and all that I've seen, in Texas) there is a main breaker outside under the meter. You should always turn that one off if you have it. That way, everything in the inside breaker box is completely "dead". Nothing to accidently touch and get shocked. Also I would respectfully disagree with the claim that touching one of the mains = "not so bad". Even though its only 120 volts, the amper potential is quite large and it would hurt, a lot! :*(
fonkdawg 1 year ago
@fonkdawg Many people a year die from just 120 volts. Ever hear about the guy that died while trimming his his trees with a electrical trimmer while touching a metal fence. Very true and sad. Electric is just no joke. Be careful.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
Dom - Great job - Thanks!
NYPDmos 1 year ago
Thanks for this great video. Just replaced a CB for our Dryer. Dryer turned on and rotated but no heat. At first we thought our dryer bit-the-dust. I noticed the receptacle was only reading 110V. When I removed the very old 30 Amp Double CB I noticed one side that connects to the Bus was black and quite corroded. That must have been the side that was failing. The repair cost us $8.25 plus tax.
ZeroCrossings777 1 year ago
@ZeroCrossings777 ok send me the rest, LOL.. Glad I could help out.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
great video...thanks..............
MisterKnowitall1 1 year ago
Thanks for the well-explained video. Very informative.
tommyaustin12 1 year ago
@tommyaustin12 Thank you very much.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
This was a very good systematic overview. Thank you for explaining the buzz-bar and what the ground was. Also reminding us to be aware of loose connections and wiring. Have a great day. Thanks again.
Frobella 1 year ago
Thank you very much..
DominickDiy 1 year ago
@Frobella Hey, now! Let's get our terms correct. It's a bus bar. Now, play safe. Captain Dictionary
Brandtalones 1 year ago
@Brandtalones Thanks for the correction! *giggle*
Frobella 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@Brandtalones Thanks for the correction! *giggle*
Frobella 1 year ago
What an ancient setup. Looks more like it belongs on a WWI submarine.
retepvosnul 1 year ago
oh boy. That panel is no more then three years old and very much up to local electrical code.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
@DominickDiy It may not be old at your
local place of work, but in the civilised world
these types of systems are antiques.
More like something Nicola Tesla would have used
then modern 1st world countries lets say.
retepvosnul 1 year ago
Comment removed
Frobella 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@retepvosnul The measure of being civilized OR actually living in a civilized country is now based on the circuit breaker panel of your home? (ha ha ha) Thanks for the good chuckle.
Frobella 1 year ago
@retepvosnul Looks just like a brand new GE panel. And it is wired VERY neatly--more attention to detail than you normally see in a residential panel. The electrician who wired this took some time and did a very neat and tidy job. I respect that as an electrician--I take pride in my work and the panel make-up is kind of like a signature--you can tell a lot about an electrician by how his panel looks when he's done. Mine are always this tidy.
russdonruss 1 year ago
@russdonruss Of course It is new, if it were both ancient technology and a reused one I'd fire the electrician. with "old fashioned" I meant the type, material and implementation is old.
Also electrical engineering is anything but rocketscience. If a electrician would make a mess out of such a basic and vital peace of gear, i'd also fire him.
retepvosnul 1 year ago
Hey Dominic, thanks for your DIY video. I got a question. My old 20A breaker needed to be replaced. It only had one red power line screwed in , and snapped into a buss tab. Problem, with the new replacement breaker is it has the extra "white piggy wire" for AFCI. I know it hooks into the panel neutral, but I also need a ground wire into the AFCI breaker. The original breaker didn't have a ground wire. Just power line. Do I just tap into another ground line? thanks
trexinvert 1 year ago
Thanks for that informative and accurate and safe video on how to change a circuit breaker. I think I can do it now.
-Duane
duanewong 1 year ago
i don´t speak english, but you really showme how do the change of breaker, thanks
MrOmargon 1 year ago
Hi Dominick,
Thanks for the step-by-step instructions. I'm selling my condominium and just received the "fix-it list" from the buyer, who wanted a circuit breaker realigned. Your guidance helped me do it without calling an electrician--it simply needed removal and re-installation, not replacement. Thanks.
-Angelae
pastlifewife4 1 year ago
Awesome love it when I helped someone.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
Great video. My mother was complaining that I didn't turn off the main breaker. I told her that for extreme safety measures that one should turn off the main breaker. Like you showed one can change the breaker with out shutting off the main breaker.
GoMetricToday 1 year ago
thank you. I mean you should turn the main off. But I don't. LOL.. shock shock ... Thanks again.
DominickDiy 1 year ago
@DominickDiy I agree that the main breaker should be turned off. Unfortunately some circuits in my house can't be turned off or loose power. So changing a circuit breaker with the main breaker still on is really the only option. I am glad that changing a breaker can be done safely with the main still on if all precautions are taken.
GoMetricToday 1 year ago
Very informative. Thanks for putting this up. My question is... can I change a 20 amp breaker to a 30 amp breaker. I just found out alot of things are going to this breaker and I need to add even more. So can I just convert it to a 30 amp to be safe? Or what's the best thing to do?
Morbidminister 1 year ago
Thank you.. NO YOU CAN NOT.. On a 20 amp you would use a 12 gauge wire and 30 amp would need 10 wire. the best thing to do would be split the circuit to lighten the load. Splitting you would add another 20 amp breaker. But it goes deeper then that. If you would like more detail please go to my site to where I can better answer your question...
DominickDiy 1 year ago
I've done this b4, but it was a few yrs ago, so I couldn't remember the details. I just ran to the box and turned the blown fuse back to the "off" position (I had previously flipped it back and forth a couple of times to see if it was just tripped, not blown) so I don't die in my sleep. It's too late to go get another fuse tonight, but I'll put it in tomorrow. Anyway, thanks for posting this vid!
As33forme 2 years ago
Sure thing. Glad I could help
DominickDiy 1 year ago
appreciate the video, probably the best one on youtube. i have a rental house and im new to electrical diy, but your video gave me confidence to work on the circuit breaker, instead of spending big bucks on a electrician, please make more videos,btw nice camera angles, and clear explanations. thx
rolemodelelite 2 years ago
@rolemodelelite You might want to spend a couple extra dollars on an electrician, it's better to spend an extra $200 than have a fire, or worse....
georgeisupset 1 year ago
Awesome.. Thank you very much. I try to make one once a week
DominickDiy 1 year ago
very nice
Antiinequity 2 years ago
Cool, man. Thanks.
I changed one 7 yrs ago and my boss jumped my sh** for not tellin' him how it's done. They were gonna have the apprentice do it just to punish me, but now it's done. Especially cool that you reemphasized the Safety Tips in the end.
-Steve/Stationary Building Engineer/SanFran/CA/USA
FriscoDuck415 2 years ago
Thank you for the safety points,,most people tend to become too relax and end up hurting thenselves...Again thanks!
MrGuillo5 2 years ago