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Electrical Wire and Cable


How to Size an Electrical Panel

How to Select the Right Size Electrical Panel: Electric Circuit Requirements and Electrical Circuit Amperage, Common 120volt and 240volt wiring circuits and the circuit breakers with the different types and amperage sizes used for home wiring.


Home Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
without a Ground Wire

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Understanding Electrical Circuit Requirements

[ad#block]Electrical Question: I had the panel on the outside of the house changed from fuses to breakers.

This electrical wiring question came from: Mike, a Homeowner from San Antonio, Texas.
See more about Home Wiring for Texas

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Mike.

How to Select the Right Size Electrical Panel

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced., Not Recommended for Homeowners.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, electric drill, auger bits and extension cord.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install panels and electrical circuit wiring.
Precaution: Working in panels is Dangerous! This is an extensive project that should be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Notice: Installing a panel or circuit wiring should be done with a permit and be inspected.

Electric Circuit Requirements and Electrical Circuit Amperage

More about Panels and Electrical Circuits

Panel Circuit Listing

Electric panel
home-electrical-circuits
House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
Common 120volt and 240volt wiring circuits and the circuit breakers with the different types and amperage sizes used for home wiring.

Circuit Breakers and Fuses
2-pole-circuit-breaker
Electric Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers for home electrical wiring as a circuit protection device.

Circuit Wiring
Circuit Wiring
Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Most common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


More articles about Electrical Wiring, Panel Size and Home Electrical Wiring:
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Circuit Breakers Used for Electrical Wiring The Danger of Installing Larger Light Bulbs Into Fixtures


FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “How to Size an Electrical Panel”
  1. owusu says:

    What will be the correct size of a main switch for the load of 800Amps?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Owusu,
    The size of a main electrical disconnect switch is rated for the both the Voltage and the Amperage, and the amperage size is determined by the electrical load that is known or has been calculated.
    Side Note: Interesting timing of your question from Ghana as I have friends who will be in areas of Ghana, and we may be planning future electrical solar projects there in Ghana which I hope to be a part of.
    I hope this helps you,
    Dave