A breaker box is an electrical safety device that protects the home from every cause and damage of electricity. It can interrupt high voltage and prevent uneven shocks. Electricity passes through the breaker before reaching any device in your home.
You need to be careful while running the wire from the meter to the breaker box for the right and safe performance.
But first of all, you need to know how to run the wire from the meter to the breaker box. It is not a complex task but needs to be done with great care. Stay with me and follow our step by step guide to know the details.
Things you will Need to Run Wire from Meter to Breaker Box:
Before starting your project, you should gather all the necessary tools and materials. Indeed following things, you will need to run a wire from the meter breaker box.
- Screwdriver- A screwdriver will be used to open the faceplate or cover your breaker box.
- Wire cable- Wire cable indeed is a significant thing for this project.
- Hammer or rubber mallet- You will need to use a rubber mallet handle because a metal handle hammer could be risky for you.
- A voltmeter is a testing device; you will need to use a voltmeter to test the voltage rating.
- Breaker box- A breaker box or a circuit breaker is necessary; you can buy it from any electrical or hardware store.
- Electrical wire- Arrange a high-quality electrical wire according to the required length. Never go with low quality because there will be a risk of short circuits, power loss, and damage.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Run Wire From Meter to Breaker Box
It is a fact that it is a risky project. Before starting your work, you should ensure that you have all the tools for safety precautions. Here are a few steps to guide you in running the wire from the meter to the breaker box with care.
Step 1- Switch off your Power Switch:
After assembling the necessary tools and equipment, you should switch off your main power switch. Ensure that the supply line is disconnected. The major switch supplies electricity to the whole house. If you switch off it, you will be free from any trouble or electrical damage while working.
Step 2- Check the Voltage:
Unscrew the breaker box cover by using a screwdriver and pulling it. After that, check the voltage power with the help of a voltmeter. The voltmeter has two probes. Connect the first one with screws and the second one with the ground bar.
Step 2- Connect the Ground Wire:
Here it is good if you had some extra care to protect from an unwanted instance with the main power. Connect the ground wire from the meter and connect it with the breaker box and ground bar. The breaker should have external ground support to avoid electrical damage.
Then unscrew the ground bus of both components and attach the end strip of your copper ground. After that, tighten it with the help of a screwdriver. If no external ground support exists, you will have to use a wooden handle hammer to install one outside the house. But it would be best if you use a rubber mallet to install it.
Step 3- Connect the Neutral Wire:
A neutral wire lets excess current into the system and pushes it back to the circuit. However, the neutral wire is not required, but it may be done to improve the efficiency of your circuit.
Generally, neutral wires are safe, but you should deal with care because sometimes neutral wires can carry electricity. You have to follow the same steps to connect the ground wire to the neutral wires. Neutral wires are mostly insulated with white or gray covers.
Step 4- Connect the Hot Wire:
Before connecting the hot wire, you have to identify it. There are two hot wires, one ground wire, and the neutral wire. Hotwires will carry the electricity and power from the source to the designated destination.
It would be best to connect hotwire to the designated terminals from the meter to the breaker. Then unscrew the nuts of the breaker hotwire terminal and insert the positive hotwire. Ensure that it is attached tightly to the nut. After that, connect the negative hot wire to the terminal by following the same procedure.
Step 5- Set Breaker Box:
The final step is to run wire from the meter to the breaker box. After connecting all the wires, you should set the breaker box properly. It would be best to cover your breaker box and meter with the faceplates. And then screw all the nuts and bolt tightly.
Before switching on the power switch, make sure that it is successfully installed or not. If everything is done correctly, then switch on the electricity.
Can the Aluminum Wire be Used from the Meter to the Breaker Box?
Yes, aluminum wire can run wire from meter to breaker box. It is certainly approved for the use of NEC. But the final words are always left to your local building officials. In my opinion, aluminum wire is the best choice for you. It is a lot lighter and less expensive wire compared to copper.
How Much Should be Breaker Box far From the Meter?
It is good to maintain the proper distance between the breaker box and the meter to ensure better performance. There is no limit on the distance, but experts recommend that 15 15-meter distance or below is good.
Conclusion
Running wire from the meter to the breaker box is a risky task. But if you try to do it properly with safety precautions, it is straightforward. Anyone with little knowledge of electric devices could perform it. We have also guided you with a straightforward but detailed step-by-step guide.
But make sure that running the wire from the meter to the breaker box does not violate the above instructions. Hiring a professional electrician is better if you do not know much or have low confidence in your electrical skills.
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