How To Wire a House Main Electrical Panel Load Center & Layout Tips Full Step By Step Process 200Amp
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
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Cut Off Panel Video: • What Is a Cut Off Pane...
Bonding Screw Video: • What Is a Neutral Bond...
Ground Bar Installation Video: • How To Install a Groun...
In this video I explain exactly how I wired this panel and do my best to share all of the important information that you would need to wire a new main panel or load center.
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Blessings,
Ben
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Love watching you work You are an absolute genius. God bless you
I almost killed my self
@@themoddingmuffin148 really?
That is hands down, the most organized service/sub panel that I have ever seen and I've inspected hundreds through the years. I find myself faced with upgrading my son's out of date electrical panel and decided to refresh by watching UA-cam vids. Your methods and explanations are top-notch. People find it odd that most inspectors are not electricians, we are just code enforcement and actually doing the work may seem straight forward, but you've done a great service here and I appreciate it.
All inspections should start with that. "Hi, I'm not an electrician, I am code enforcement. "
Hey do you have ark-fault breakers?
I too have inspected may panels and have only seen two, other electricians, do work like this. However; this is the best! Wow!
He would have failed inspection for bundling.
Hi Fred, although different subjects, I loved this video almost as much as I like your fantastically educational videos. Kudos and many thanks to both of you.
I’m convinced all electrical videos have 6 types of commenters.
1. The “you did x, y and z wrong”
These guys are “master electricians” that for some reason found themselves watching a video on a subject matter they claim they are already experts on. The mistake they often point out is not a code violation yet they are convinced it will turn your house into charcoal.
2. The “safety police”.
These guys are the guys that complain about not seeing enough safety related things in your videos. Examples include, “always wear your eye pro”, “I didn’t see you check that circuit was really de- energized”, “take off that ring”, “omg that screwdriver is not completely insulated”.
3. The “licensed electricians only”
This guy, honest to goodness, believes that there is not one homeowner in the world smarter enough to do his job. He thinks that he’s been touched by the hand of God and thus is able to learn on a level the DIYer just never could. He may find no fault whatsoever in the instruction but still hates the video. He feels as though electrical knowledge should be a black art.
4. The “reiterating a point already made”
These guys point out something you already said in the video that somehow they didn’t hear at all. You might say “check your local codes” and they would say, “local code can be different!” You might say “call the power company to disconnect your meter” and they would say, “only the power company should disconnect the meter!”
5. The “foreigner”
These guys are my favorite. Somehow they have found themselves watching a video of an American wiring something and now see fit to comment how “this would never pass code in their country”. They think that all America houses are just a ticking fire bomb. They also somehow forget that America literally invented the idea of household wiring. Americans were likely dancing under an Edison bulb while these this commenter’s great grandfather was milking a goat by candlelight but NOW they think their country is just ahead of the curve on this electrical stuff.
It’s worth mentioning that any of these comment styles can combine for a hybrid of sorts.
And there is one more type, guys like me that appreciate that hard work that went into the video, that will bolster it with further research and that are inspired to do a better job on their next project. Thanks for the video friend!
Then there's the guy like me. The stickler for when you are turning a phrase. You used the term "ahead of the curb". This is not the correct phrase. The phrase you meant to use is "ahead of the curve" as in the "learning curve". When you are describing a person's position in the store of knowledge in their head about a particular topic.
Patrick Perry good catch on that typo
you are soooo correct here ..
To be fair you have a shitty way of doing electrical work compared to Danish standards 😂
@@Grisehoved great ..show us some Danish magnificence ..pretty easy right??? go to your Danish electric panel ..take a picture..post to a free site..give us a link ......or are you talking out of your Danish ass ???
A panel like this needs some nice lighting inside and a clear acrylic cover. It's a shame not to display this work of art.
Brings a tear to the eye....
Art work, absolutely!
Well done conduit is another form of art.
You are very meticulous, an impressive job.
One tiny suggestion for your consideration: when putting a pair of romex in the same connector, I like to have the rearward one protrude beyond the frontward one by 1/4" or so - this lets me easily see which romex a wire comes from if I'm tracing wire paths.
@nofertrunions I love that suggestion! Super simple but I've only done a few panels over 2.5 years so I haven't thought about it yet. Thanks man!
Holy smokes! I thought I did beautiful work. Hands down this is absolutely an electricians porn! Amazing my man! I am taking notes.
Thank you Sam
Surge breaker ( 3 4 sum pump
( 5. 6. Farnace
( 7 8 upstairs. Bath
( 9. 10 main. Bath level
( 11. 12. Upstair laundry
( 13. 19 basementlaundry
( 15. 16. Attic kid B/R
( 17 18 master B/R & hall
. ..
Thank you Sam.
(19. 20. Liviing. Dining /room
Dryer upstairs (
I was an electrician my first 12 of 20 years in the military. We always made things nice, easy and neat for the next electrician. It’s always nice going into a non rat nest. Unfortunately most companies only care about getting to the next job and speed. Great video!
I love that. I'm the same way!
@@lloyd899 it’s a good way to be!!
I start classes next month. That's how I'm going to do. Thank's bro.
@@lloyd899 you’re welcome. Best wishes to you in your career.
Thanks appreciate that! God bless!
10 hour job with the cameras rolling. My experience is cameras double the time required to do a task. Nice work. New subscriber here.
Over 30 years since I did my first and I learned a lot! Now in my fifties I think I am turning OCD and I love the tips you gave. Love to see a young chap so clean and professional. Thank you!
Having OCD makes the Best Electricians. You know we gonna run everything labeled and organized above and beyond
really ever try to trace a wire that has zip ties on it, bundling is for clowns, plus it makes heat
This is the level of neatness I want to be at as an apprentice. Frickin beautiful panel.
As a 30 year GC this is clearly the best looking panel I’ve seen .... You must have had an awesome teacher ....keep up the good work !!
Yes beautiful electrical work. I worked under the old Bell telephone co. And we followed the BSP (bell system practices).
really ever try to trace a wire that has zip ties on it, bundling is for clowns, plus it makes heat
I learned wire work in machine tools. This service center is nothing special. It is done the correct way and nicely labeled. It is done the way I expect it to be done. If you have a contractor doing rats nests, simply fire the guy and get another sparkie. If he can’t do his gutter work neatly, I can imagine the other issues you can’t see!
When doing main panels I like putting all of the high amp 2 poles on the top and going down in order of amperage, 50, 30, 20 and so on. Just seems neater to me seeing all the breakers cascade down like that.
Great install and very clean, you really should be proud of this, seen units installed by "qualified" electricians that don't look nearly this good.
What about keeping the bus bars balanced ?? Thanks for passing knowledge forward.
Siemens panels prohibit breakers higher than 25A next to the main breaker
@@lassaut6794 Interesting, I wonder why. Perhaps to reduce potential heating issues?
Here's we'd generally want to put the heaviest loads, the stove, the dryers and water heaters, closest to the utility incomers and the lightest, eg lighting circuits, furthest away to minimise the current travelling the length of the bus bars.
Nobody cares what you do.
This is beautiful work and very well explained, especially for a methodical and analytical person like myself! :) Definitely obtained a "subscribe" from me!
good job guy. I'm a certified master electrician and can appreciate your attention to detail
also really nice to see I'm not the only one that enjoys the gift of being able to work . we are supposed to work with our hands God bless
lol
@@BearStar1 yeah ? !
@@BearStar1 you are wrong!!!! He says TECHNICALLY it is a sub panel since he has a shut off panel next to METER that is GROUNDED and that ground is ran to the new main box thus you remove green grounding screw and if not for the panel outside, wire your GROUND TO NEUTRAL BAR WITH GREEN SCREW IN PLACE!!!! So take grounding screw out of PANEL BOX!!! I guess you missed the first 5 minutes of explanation!!!! Then you forgot to read the heading "How To Wire a House Main Electrical Panel Load Center & Layout Tips Full Step By Step Process 200Amp"!!!! Suggest you watch this other video to help you understand more fully on ground screws!!! What Is a Neutral Bonding Screw in a Main or Sub Panel Load Center & Should It Be Used or Removed?
Plot twist: You're a resi-electrician and u aint certified to do shit but wire up bedrooms all day XD
Joe Finley sorry bothering you guy. I have a question. If I connect the ground and neutral at the disconnect panel. That’s mean the main panel becomes a subpanel and I must connect separated the ground and the neutral ?
Epic video, just awesome. I'm making a 5 part video series on how I installed a back up generator for my house but not with this level of detail. I put a lot of work into it too but not to this level as I do not want the liability of someone doing it wrong. Thanks for posting, I learned a lot, even after doing my sub-panel and generator with my electrician, I still learned a ton from this video, well done!
Yeah! 1 MILLION VIEWS! Thanks you guys! 100k subs is right around the corner!
A++ work! A true craftsman! My only suggestion is eye protection.
Big Surprise at 6:22. !!!
If you get paid by the hour yeah
I gotta ask, why zip ties? I would think it could cause those in the center of the bundle to get warmer, rather than having air gaps. Also, as a 2yr resi, if i have to go in on a remodel, and somehow have to move the wires, now I have to cut the zip ties, and that doesn't seem safe to have to use my side cutters to cut anything in a panel. Sure i would shut off the breakers or even the main disconnect, but it just seems risky and time consuming. What about the velcro straps, would those work? I think that would be much safer.
As an electrician for 37 years I thought you did a jam up job👍🏻
It doesn't look bad at all. My only concern was the termination compound (I didn't see any used) as well as the torque specs. I wonder how long it took?
I just love the pride that certain craftsman put into their product. I don’t care if it took you 10 hours, I think it was worth it too.
That was more than 10 hrs
Me too!!!
Wait until there's an extra grand on your bill, then you will probably be bitching.
@@CC-jv3wm LOL so true
Neatness doesn't have to take long once you get the hang of it. I could tie in a panel fairly neat in 1 hour
Wedding ring comes off every day before going to work as an electrician. When you get home, your wife will gladly put it back on the finger you still have.
I never wear my wedding ring at work. God forbid anything happened to it, and for fucks sake it's a conductor. I am not putting my hands in a panel with metal on them.
@@johnbroski1993 I never wore mine at all, I didn't need a reminder, and hate jewelry. 😉
I only wear silicone rings. The wedding band sits in my dresser.
@@Joemakatozi1776 Yup. 1 close call after 10 years is enough.
@@Joemakatozi1776 took the words out of my mouth unless there is a personal attachment or heirloom. I personally thought it was the best scenario. Beautiful work and detailed informative tips and applications on the panel. Great job!!!
Impeccable wiring in that panel! For those here looking to learn and save money on their own project, those AFCI breakers are a huge unnecessary expense for 99.99% of people. Save your money, just buy the traditional style breaker.
But will a none AFCI breaker pass code in 2020?
@@Anton-le7gd If you would rather not pay the extra 1000% for the AFCI breakers, you can discuss this with the inspector.
About sixty percent of electrical fires resulting in loss claims are caused by confirmed arc faults. The NEC is clear regarding AFCI breakers in section 210.
@@devmeistersuperprecision4155 Utah has rejected the NEC’s stance on AFCI breakers and are not required here. Thankfully.
I really appreciate the cleanliness of this panel, I just have one statement/suggestion. As someone who does ALOT of residential remodels, the zip ties are sometimes a pain if you ever need to take anything apart or remove/change anything inside the panel. I used to use them as well when I mostly did new construction rough-ins, but now I do a lot more remodels and I’m in a lot of situations where I have to add wires and sometimes remove wires and the zip ties can be a nuisance. Not saying you should or shouldn’t use them though, just adding my two cents. I think even if you did it all the same and just didn’t zip tie everything, it would still look just as clean. And yes, you can always just cut them off, but obviously that adds a risk of someone knicking a wire. Anyway, looks very good though, I really appreciate the cleanliness! I’d much rather come across something like this than some of the nightmares I find when I pull the cover off a panel in a remodel lol.
Removable zip ties would be the best of both worlds 👍
I'm a telephone tech secret to using zip ties is not to pull them tight this way your can easily remove them
Your patience is astounding. That panel looks great. Great job.
Really great workmanship and also great planning. I've been doing this 40+ yrs but still like to see a good workman and a job that looks like a machine did it. Your new nickname is "the machine".
I'll second that
Great job good explaining everything. I like the way you detailed all your circuits and categorize them I don't think I could have done a better job myself. I don't like those arc fault Breakers cuz they tend to trip when motors are plugged up to them
I’ve done a few myself, advanced DIYer, and I thought I did clean work...and I pride myself in doing cleaner work than most licensed electricians, but then I saw your work and said to myself, now there is a clean install, you did an excellent job!
Thanks! I probably went overboard on this one. I really enjoy the final product though!
I'm faced with replacing a 35 year old service panel. I've been trying to decide if I want to DIY, hire it out or a combination thereof. Your video was extremely helpful.
You're very good at anticipating what people may be wondering about as they watch and listen to your instructions. I've noticed that in a couple of your other videos also.
Really good video, with great sound editing and visuals. The techniques are really good, and the tips on running the cables that extra length are appreciated. All of the tips were great, and how you've set your panel up so neatly has me excited. I'm in an electrician course, and we're going in to wire a house the college is building. If I end up on the team that does the panel wiring, I will be sure to do a lot of the things you did here, because you really did a great job of making it look clean.
Great Video, keep up the good work.
Super neat looking panel. Very impressive. I'm installing the exact same panel along with a meter socket and service entry cable this weekend.
Would you be able to tell me what that smaller sized allen nut to the left of the neutral is for.
I’ve got a question: How much wire did this job require? Feet, yards or meters...
Very professionally executed electrical install and, the video was top notch too!
Thanks a million for your contribution!
Subscribed👍
This was an outstanding video... Thank you for sharing!!!
Frankly it irks me to see a rats nest inside of an AC service panel, There is no excuse... I rewired or re-did my old one in my home in Chicago, it was wretched... everything was in conduit, so it limited some of what I wanted to accomplish [note: I am not an electrician] but have a background in electrical engineering, and wanted to clean up my grounds and balance the panel better, for my use. I wanted to get certain appliances / motors on the opposite leg of my (low level) audio devices. I am an audio buff (an audiophile) with significant investment in electronics, care is needed in wiring the power to my systems... having a few really big amplifiers... one that needed a 60 amp service, to not sag the AC line and I wanted dedicated lines for my low level / front end source components. *it is a long story...
I design and build power amplifiers (mostly) building power supplies are my specialty... I go to great effort to have clean chassis with tidy wiring harnesses, in which isolating the various stages are critical, keeping AC power separated and away from AC music pathways and paying particular attention to the (power and signal) grounding.
This AC panel looks like my power amps, power supplies, custom made audio gear. It was a joy to watch you lay it out and apply the many sound ideas, as stated. I have not opened the AC panel on my 'new' retirement farm home, the standards for homes built in the country are seemingly lax. I am clearly up for a pretty steep challenge... a portion as to why I follow you and these great videos... Thank you!
The city of Chicago's electrical code requires all wire runs, even inside walls, to be contained in conduit. Chicago is certainly the only place in at least the USA, if not the whole world, that requires this. Most Chicagoans in the know believe that this provision was included in the code to guarantee more work to IBEW union electricians by making it nearly impossible for a homeowner to do DIY work.
I have nothing but good to say about what I saw in this video. Your attention to detail and apparent knowledge of Code relevant to this installation was very impressive, especially for a young Electrician. Your video was excellent, as were your detailed and clear explanations. I have 32 years in the trade and after my first couple of years, it has been almost exclusively commercial and industrial. I am admittedly not up to speed on residential Code or even some of the equipment in use currently, so I learned something with the "plug on neutral" panel and even with the arc-fault breakers - thank you. I have developed a reputation for doing extremely clean work and also for producing a clean job, even as supervision. Attention to detail is one of the most lacking traits I see in the trade and I have a real problem with that. Honestly, I think many in the electrical industry should probably go do something else less critical. You, on the other hand, have at least some of the rare traits to become truly top-notch in this industry. Super-clean panel; probably as clean as my own. If you knew me, you'd know what a compliment that is haha. I'd be very interested to know where you are receiving your training. VERY IMPRESSIVE...BRAVO!!!
As a fellow electrician, I enjoyed watching your video and appreciate your attention to detail. The plug on neutral panels are making it a bit easier and less cluttered than the pigtails. Stay safe out there!
Bought an older home and gutted all the wiring, old old aluminum and a small panel. Upgraded to 200amp
And is a fairly small home so just went 12-2 and 12-3 with lights and plugs. I’m not an electrician but wanted to take on the challenge.
So doing homework on building out the panel I enjoyed the tips and the neatness, along with 5 star comments. I think I will watch your video and reference it as I do mine.
Lol your 10hrs I’m guessing this will be a weekend project for me.
I’ve already passed rough inspection
(First visit from inspector) he preferred panel to have been built but would be inspecting it next visit.
Great video and hopefully mine will be close as neat as your turned out.
So great! Would love to see a picture of your finished product! You can email me at bensahlstrom@gmail.com if you feel like sending one. Keep up the good work!
Benjamin Sahlstrom Legend has it the guy burned the neighborhood down
No sir, passed all inspection on first go. Inspector mentioned looked better than some professionals. Granted it was a simple wiring job and I spent more time and added few more circuits not to over load anything. Did put in a generator inlet
With the panel safety device.
And appreciate if you respected someone one for researching and trying to do a correct and neat job.
Some Electrical guys really put them selves up on a pedestal, legend has it a lot of them fall off. Have a good evening.
( asshole)
No Name Well, creds for doing it yourself! Yes I agree! Workmanship is only as good as the effort that is made to keep organized and do clean work! good night jerk
Such a good clean install. It looks great. I'm having to put on extenders on all the wires of my upgrade because all the wires are too short for my new long box. One comment to anyone watching don't wear your metal ring around electricity. This guy knows he's good because the power is off but it happens more often than not you think you are safe and you loose a finger. Low voltage might not pass through the skin but it will a ring and the high amperage will take the finger right off.
Wow, One of the best ever!! No stone is left unturned. Thanks a Million.
I'm Amazed. Nothing compared to how we do this here in Germany.
I would love to see how you guys do it over there! Interesting that it is so different.
Ben, you have my compliments on the workmanship, and it's uncommon to see a panel install that meets my expectations this thouroughly. Leaving slack in the wires to allow for future rearranging is the ticket.
I think the only two differences between what the two of us would have done here are no cable ties and I prefer the cable be labeled inside the panel (e.g. well pump, boiler, living rm, kitchen, bedroom, etc) so that you can see what's there without depending on the directory.
Ben, sometimes you learn this one the hard way as I did many years ago: Be sure the areas behind the holes for the panel cover screws are clear of all wires, particularly the hots. The screws can dig into a wire causing a short and you won't know this until the circuit is energized. Otherwise, Great Job!! I really enjoyed your video!
Square D panels have blunt / flat screw ends
The level of pride in your work is amazing. All panels should look like that neat.
Hi Benjamin,
Excellent job on the panel you are the man when it comes to primo panel organization. Couple of points it would have been nice if you covered:
Size wire for your main breaker, feeder wire?
How did you decide to have 3 circuits in your kitchen?
Where in NEC do they talk about cut off panels being the main and everything else being sub panels?
Recommendation for MN homes like yours.
I've built three homes in MN and one thing I always did was to add several circuits for backup baseboard or wall mount electrical heat, each with its own thermostat. Always one in the basement utility room where most of the plumbing is, and usually at least one in the area of the kitchen and bathrooms.
Yes, I have returned from winter vacations or weekend trips more than once, to find the furnace off and the backup heat keeping the house plumbing from freezing. Usually it's a failed igniter or sensor in the furnace.
I did this after seeing the results of two friends homes fill with water when their pipes burst.
Looks like you have plenty of room in the panel.
Great tip, I'll have to remember that one
Great point. Also, install a ball valve shutoff in if it doesn't exist. It's a good idea to turn off the water heater and shut off the supply to the rest of the house. In the unlikely situation where the supply to the house bursts or the water heater leaks, at least the damage is limited to the basement
That panel is a work of art.
That panel is a work of art! Very courteous for anyone who has to work on that panel in the future. I'm almost envious lol... the previous HO where I live got ripped off by whoever he hired. Looked more like the "rat's nest" you showed us early on except possibly even worse. A total rewire is financially out of the question for a while (even DIY'ing it would cost over $3k the way I want it done) but in the meantime it's made adding any circuits a nightmare.
As someone who inspects panels daily, your comment about the tag being perfect since nobody will see it gave me a good laugh. Its so true and I can say I absolutely love when I pull a deadfront and its done so cleanly. Nice work 👍
Nice work my dad used to be a electrician I'm 36 now he's in heaven now but did really good work
Guess what, I've been doing this 50 years and I still don't know it all, there is always more to learn.
Without a doubt. You should always be available to learn something new. We’re all human.
I love what you do, I worked with an electrician guy that took his time doing a great job like you . Now I’m installing my first self panel in my sister garage that it’s gonna become a two storage building that why I’m installing a 100 amp breaker from my main panel and I been learning a lot from you thanks for teaching the young and old generation 😊👌
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Really appreciate all of your comments and the discussion here! Let me know what thoughts you have! If you use one of the above links it will also help support the channel at NO cost to you. I wouldn't be able to do this without you guys.
Blessings,
Ben
@@bobbg9041 Thanks!
Learn more before ya kill someone.
@@robertpmoody2540 What did I do in this video that you would consider to be dangerous?
not a dang thing wrong! moogy dik is definitely a wana be craftsman that cant get along with anyone so society rejects him and did i mention u intimidate him!!! did u not have ur rubber underwear on while u stood in a sandbox? oh...and listening to a safety instructional cd??? oh...lastly, people like u take his work but blames the economy!
@@BenjaminSahlstrom Awesome job, very safe, thank you!
You sir, are a legend! Your enthusiasm and professionalism are inspiring. Thanks a million for your amazing channel.
Can you do the same with a panel that is surface mount outdoor? I would like to see how all the wires are used with conduits into the panel. Thanks.
I was an electrician for 10 years ago. I got injured not from electric but from a car accident since then I cant work anymore.so now all I do is just love watching the electrician brothers whose taking the time and pride in their work . I myself do the same thing its feels good knowing the next person will soon come through your work and said nothing but wow who ever did this panel should be proud of it . So keep up your good work and share your knowledge so everyone will learned the good work u do
Probably the greatest video on UA-cam in regards to wiring a panel. Thank you for the hard work and adding so much detail!! Seriously thank you bud!
Great job Sparky! It’s refreshing to see a competent Electrician who takes pride in his work. Although no one will most likely ever see the inside of the panel box and the over current device installations, the Electrician knows that he did the job to the best of his abilities, taking the time to make it presentable!
Did you forget about the 2-pole over current lock-outs?
Not no one. Some of us will definitely see the panel, and will appreciate the hell out of it. Contractors have to get into the panel all the time.
This is the neatest wire job I've ever seen. Wonderful!
Every box should be like that. its called pride in ones work. If the person doesn't care enough about what they do to do it well and show that they are proud of their work then why would I trust them? Before returbing to college I used to refurbish industrial equipment, mainly massive parts washers and industrial pressure washers and trailer rig setups used to clean the ends of drilling pipe and clean the oil platform rigs during drilling and generally used all throughout the drilling process and people were always shocked at how good it all looked and worked when I was done. Sure I could charge more when putting them up for sale thus larger commission on my end but mainly its my pride in my own work and trust me customers come back when they see you have pride in your work. You show them you are worthy of trust. That you dont cut corners and rush shit.
Wow - good job Ben. It is obvious that you put a lot of effort and thought into wiring this panel. It is good to see a neat, organized panel.
Schedule is the word you’re looking for not legend. Nice job with wire management. My only critique as an electrician would be far you to balance your load better. Also not hating but real world electrician this should only be a 3 hour max job .
What do you charge to wire a 200 amp subpanel, 40 position ?
Oh lord, another “load balancer” comment
Thank you for making this video! I am an apprentice electrician, but I do industrial maintenance. I found your video very interesting and insightful. I will be implementing some of your tips and processes in the work that I do. It is amazing how many different avenues one can go as an electrician, loving the trade more and more every day :)
Do you live in Oklahoma by chance? Looking to hire someone for a side job to help me do my panel.
Beautiful work. I'm pretty certain this is not your first go around! Everyone with OCD must be very happy with this clean install! Gonna be a real shame to have a cover on this panel
I am a Russian electrician in the US, and I approve of this video. Awesome work, comrade -- great execution, super neat, nothing to add.
Thank you! I would love to see how you guys do your electrical work in Russia some time. You should post a video about it! Blessings from the USA!
but.. don't you feel there isn't enough kalashnikov action in this video..
@@hvacstudent967 Understood, comrade. Let me know if this one works: ua-cam.com/video/hfpfSLdu6qo/v-deo.html
@@Gruntled2001 You sir are a gentleman and a scholar, but as they say in russia... in old country car drive you...
Honestly I see why Russians are always angry it's fuking cold there, their vehicles are gawd awful ugly, I'd imagine they have no music and their accents are funny. I'd be pissed too. Honestly feel bad for them and I simpathize.
How to wire a 200 amp main panel
Step 1. Call a licensed electrician like me and don't burn your f-ing house down.
Step 2. Write very large check
You should not be on here telling people how to do this. Only a VERY few homeowners could get this all correct, safe, and up to code even with this video. Most will not be able to tell the difference between the different wire sizes, and might EASILY get a wire on a breaker that is too big, and have a potential fire hazard. If someone sees this video and burns their house down, you just might get sued. Its one thing as a homeowner to put up a light or ceiling fan, or maybe replace a receptacle. But no homeowner should attempt this under any circumstances. The risk for one tiny mistake could be death for you and your family.
I loved how you asked for that thumbs up, it felt genuine and humble. Before even watching the video I decided in that moment to just go ahead and do it. Thanks for not being like everyone else on youtube and just telling your audience to do it.
Loved the video, gained a lot! Beautiful beautiful job.
DON'T FORGET YOU HAVE TO BALANCE THE LOAD IN THE PANEL.
NOT REALLY
Finally !!! As someone who began a career right out of high school in the low voltage industry, and years later becoming an owner/operator of a Custom Mobile Electronics Installation company, and a Residential Systems Integration company (95% low voltage centric), *_rarely_* do I see electrical panel installations completed at this level. It's encouraging to see someone in the high voltage trade that plans, documents, and performs a quality installation as the norm. All finished electrical panels should look like yours. Providing well documented, high quality installations has been the core principle in my endeavors from day 1, and has become our *_"signature,"_* per se, while paying untold dividends. Please promote these high level installation practices and attention to detail to customers, your peers and any apprentices you may have. Hopefully, the quality in workmanship, installations and finished product will improve, industry wide. Much continued success...!
Well documented? It’s a panel, calm down
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. It is nice to see someone that takes pride in their work without being told to do so. I am always writing a correction that requires all circuits to be identified and labeled. Besides the #6 copper to the two ground rods over 6 ft apart, our county in L.A., CA. also requires a #4 copper from the panel continuously to the cold water within 5ft entrance to the front of the building for a 200 amp service and for a 100 amp service #8 copper.
Another correction I am usually writing is when two circuits are sharing a neutral they shall be on a single pull double throw circuit breakers.
Also #14 AWG shall only be on a 15 amp circuit breaker and #12 AWG may be on a 15 or 20 amp breaker, normally would be on a 20 amp breaker.
Also another correction I write up is mis-match circuit breakers ( square D is only allowed in a square D panel ) or ( Siemens panel is allowed to have Murray or Siemens, but the NEC 2020 is only allowing Siemens breakers now ) or ( General Electric panel is only allowed General Electric breakers ) and ( Eaton panels you need to read the label inside the panel ) Each panel shall have a label from the manufacturer that states what is or is not allowed, if that label is removed then the panel will need to be replaced. Do not remove the manufacturer label.
I just want to say that was a nice job. I’ve been at it for 23 yrs. myself. I’ve struggled over the years on whether to loop down and come back up to the CB or just go straight to it. I’ve done both. I like the look of going straight to the CB and I’ve RARELY regretted it. In the extremely rare event that you wish you could move the wire to a CB further down, you can always nut are butt-splice a wire to lengthen it. But like you said ,a very personal choice and I never criticize personal choices. I actually like your reason for doing it which is why I still sometimes do it.
I also really appreciated your point about not bending the wires too tight before you enter a CB. I had an idiot working for me once and I could not get him to stop doing it. He actually used a needle nose and put the tightest right angle on the wire. I couldn’t get any support from any other manager to get him to stop. You are absolutely correct and again, I appreciate you pointing that in your video; very important.
Anyway, again, nice job.
You set this video out when it was the 2018 that's 4 years ago. I would like to see where you are today??? actually, Where would you be at with the next 10 years from Today..June 5,2020...SAME WAY, OR SAME WAY DIFFERENT TODAY OR 10 YEARS FROM TODAY....
One of the best electrical videos I've seen lately. Very informative. Very neat job!
Dude you are awesome. I am getting ready to do one for a family member, and will use your tips. Thank you for the detailed information.
Awesome! Good luck!
No permit or license good luck
@@GlitchedPepsi most jurisdictions allow a homeowner to perform their own wiring with a permit. I've helped multiple people here in Washington.
Badass as hell, continue with more videos please. I’m a 2nd year getting through school, need the knowledge thank you 🙏🏻 clean work by the way, the right way to do it
BEN I HAVE NOT SEEN A BETTER LOOKING JOB < IT TURNED OUT BEAUTIFUL > GOOD JOB THANK YOU I NEEDED THE UPDATE < GOD BLESS FROM DENNIS IN VANCOUVER WASHINGTON USA
VERY NEAT and PROPERLY DONE. A job to be proud of. Kudos - John 14:6
Nice clean job. I have been a Electrical contractor since Nov 1984. 37 years. An electrician for 45 years. I'm currently 63 years old.Still licensed but semi retired. After seeing your work I would hire you in a heartbeat. Great job, your a well respected craftsman in this old timers opinion.
Hello Sea Breeze!i really need an answer to this:i am a tenant having lots of issues in the property,i got a leak under my bathtub due to a damaged kitchen waste pipe.when all this started,i noticed that my fuse box started to trip,until i got no lighting in the property.an electecian came around told me that the issue might be a light bulb faulty...he came 3 times,still no lighting back,keep on replacing some part of the fuse box,keep on checking lights and switches in room close to the kitchen he even changed the smoke alarm(was perfectly working)..after day1 checks,diagnostic was a rewiring is needed because there were no more connection ,power to the fuse box..when asked about which lights was faulty,no idea...day 2 they rewired a part of the flat close to the box,the hallway,i thought i will be over,no!need more rewiring to do..they plan to come back,cos they suspect that the faulty light is the one in the bathroom.they want to rewire in the bathroom using trunking..the leak issue is not sorted yet and i asked them if it was wiser to wait until this issue was fixed first(apparently a 2 days job)they told after or before wasnot an issue...the bathroom is very small with a poor ventilation(only a small window),room subject to mould:is it safe to rewire in a bathroom??i am rather nervous about that so far..they keep on pressurizing me to get the green light from my landlord for the job....please ,please let me know your opinion,in easy term,as i am just a single mum who need lighting after 7 days now.Many many thanks for your advices!😉👍🏽😇
Man..dang..that CU looks nice and tidy Ben compliments indeed bro. Tho.. It marvels me how the US panels are so diff fom uk panels... eg. uk it is standard practise to not have conductors exposed at any point so we would put sheathing(green and yellow/earth) over those earthing conductors (at EVERY point of termination or) especially at what you are calling "to ground wires" to earth busbar in panel/Consumer unit..also, for the sake of identifying circuits (ring main) say during a period inspection the way you guys lay out your conductors is alittle confusing/random...and also that "2or more earthing conductors in one point"????..can u garantee a secure termination of all (say 3or more) single core conductors in one hole at busbar....??
I guess if I was doing an electrical stint over afew months in the US I would get it eventually...hmm
you would get it. just like you got it when you started. ya we were able to put upto 3 neutral of the same size under 1 lug just a little while ago. now you can only do that with grounds and of course they have to be 3 of the same size. I live in W.A. state we have kinda strict codes
When I saw the bare copper I had the same feeling like "are you crazy???" Or "are trying to kill someone??" Btw I'm a British non sparky
Beautiful wire work
As product support for that panel and breakers, I must say you sir are very good pointing out what must and must not be done.
You must have spent dozens of hours filming and editing this. Thank you. I'll be watching this more than once as well as your other videos.
Very nice job
I knew how to do this but I was just curious about your methods and practices.
Wow! That's got to be the nicest wiring layout of a service panel I've ever seen!
Thanks for setting a great example. Wish more people would make even marginal attempts at your workmanship.
I honestly believe the reason for people making rats nest is not a matter of preference, but rather they just don't give a shit. -- and plain ignorance/stupidity.
I think this kind organized methodology should be instinctual.
The only issue i have is the labels will fade, I have used sharpie before and for whatever reason the way you have used them will fade, in the future i would recommend a heat shrink label machine. this is a tool you would only use as a professional because it does cost some money, another option would be self laminating labels or self laminating laser printed labels,
All that aside, i love the panel. good work. :)
Thanks for the tip!
Inside the panel cover there is a circuit label he can fill in, no fading.
@@bebo5558 excellent point :) i am used to working in telecommunications and labels might be all there is after the work is done, :) very different from electrical work.
@@bebo5558 Exposed to the ozone they will fade over time. It's going to take 10 plus years, a printed label will last 35 plus. The pre printed sheets work great.
@@otm646 I try to label every panel I install, there's not too much ozone in house hold basements and 60/70% of the time the panel covers are closed, not much fading.
The ground wire should be provided in the feeder group from the main panel. Neutral, phase one, phase two, and the GROUND. The ground from the ground rods stays with main disconnect not sub panel. We do three full service changes a day in NY. Licensed Master.
Wouldn't the earth ground (bare) need to be connected at the disconnect and not at this panel?
Maybe you want to remove your ring when working around live electricity.
There is always THAT guy ....
He isn’t working live and if he was he would need at least a 20 cal suit.
He wasn’t working around live electricity
I bet those hours fly by too when doing that. I can appreciate a good panel and that looks amazing
In reference to sparkplug1018 comment, I agree with him. I was told that it's nice to have the bigger loads closest to main disconnect end of the panel, in your case the top of the panel, to make the travel as short as possible. I was also told that it can help reduce light flickering by following this method. Not sure if that is true or not. The work you did is exceptional and very neat! Nice work. Thanks for posting. Safety first!
Is it OK to place two wire going to different receipticals in a single CGIF Breaker?
If the breaker is rated to have two wires under each terminal connection then technically it *might* be fine. I would recommend however that you splice the wires together in a junction box outside of the panel as this is much cleaner and is a best practice. I actually talked about this in the video I just put up. Check it out here: ua-cam.com/video/u2HOC-iH53g/v-deo.html
Atleast here in Texas, ground Rods only need to be 6ft apart not 10. 🤔
Definitely helped. I’m a first year apprentice, I’m 27 went to college got my bachelors but wasn’t happy and made thus career change. Couldn’t be happier. I wired my first sub panel yesterday, it was for condensers and I mounted disconnects at each unit. Looked great, my foreman was super impressed. But just showed me how to make things a little bit neater. And this video really helped me.
As I was instructed many years ago by my master electrician mentor.
You can do it two ways.
Dazzle them with brillance,
Or baffle them with Bull S***,
And if you make it look like you proud of your work, then they will be proud of your work.
The OCD in me so greatly appreciates the attention to detail in this panel. Thank you sir and well done :)
Always check your local codes. Multiple cables under a single staple, is a violation in these parts. Although not against code, using wire ties within a panel is generally seen as bad practice by more experienced electricians as it makes servicing the panel cumbersome. You should be able to run your conductors layered and cleanly without wire ties.
Good job though!
Nope, nowhere in the US is it a code violation to have multiple cables under a single staple.
@@electricaf365 I'm Canadian, and although most of our code (CEC = equivalent or greater than NEC) is harmonious with the American NEC, Multiple cables under a single staple is a no go... So again, check your local electrical safety code; Federal, Provincial, and even your local utility requirements for metering and service conductors.
@@electricaf365 If I go to US and do a residential service installation to CEC standards, it will pass inspection. Can't say the same the other way around.
@@TheLexx79 who gives a shit what you Canucks do up there. You guys are just American wannabees
@@electricaf365 With higher electrical standards
GREAT video Ben! The only thing I might suggest (in case you haven't covered it in ANOTHER one of your fine videos : ) is that when we go to switch all the breakers on - one by one of course if it's a whole panel install - is that we look AWAY from the panel as we move each breaker to the ON position JUST as a precaution IN CASE there is an ARC from any given breaker which can literally BLIND us if we are looking straight at it. Yes, I know it IS unlikely that that will happen IF all is done properly and all the equipment is functioning correctly but better safe than sorry! Keep up the great work and videos! Thank you! (from a subscriber : )
Also stand off to the side and use the door as a shield. Even more so powering up 3 phase motor starters in the MCC room.
100% worth it, take pride in your work no mater what it is.
Robbi Robson Yes, even cleaning toilets! That was my job for 7 months at one point, and I determined to be the best, most thorough toilet cleaner possible! Whatever you do, you can take pride in doing good honest hard work and the quality of your workmanship. 👍🏻
In all my years of residential, commercial and heavy industrial wiring, I have always taken the time to make my panels look like art work, simply due to I love my craft. Good job on taking the time to make you panel look great as well. No matter what anybody will ever tell you, example, "it takes too long" or "it doesn't matter", etc... screw them!!!! The amount of time it takes to make a panel look well organized and clean, vs, the amount of time when you come back many years later, heck, a few months later, for the next upgrades or expansion via the customers request, you will then save so much time.... And yes, you will be back to these locations, that is, if you do a fine job. Take pictures of everything you wire, at the start, during, and of course, when finished, spend a few hours snapping photos and videos. You insurance company will love you for it!!!... Upon a side note.. put some high voltage shrink tubing on your screw drivers, even though you have the main locked out, the magnetic nutdriver tip screw drivers, love to pull you to locations that you do not desire to go ((ZAP))... or, invest into high end quality electrical grade tools, as those often times will already be rubber laminated on the drive shank of each screw driver... Thank you for taking the time to appreciate your craft, and a job well done, it looks really good!!!
I had a friend who was an OCD electrician. His work looked like this but every wire was labeled, lamented page for a reference and every breaker labeled on inside of door. No guessing which breaker went where...It was pure artwork as this is...keep it up.
WOW Nice wire management !!! ♥
I'm from Germany and I always love to see how electrical is done in other countries. I'm not an electrician myself, but at 0:44 there's a closeup of some ultrafine stranded conductors screwed into a terminal block as-is. Now I don't actually know if this is required by code here, but electricians here generally always put end ferrules on stranded conductors. I'm not one to tell you how it should or shouldn't be done, but I find it interesting just how different the mentality towards this is in different parts of the world. In Germany, even if it passed the inspection, it would be frowned upon because it's considered a hazard to not use end ferrules.
very very clean and professional ;-) good job man and thanks for sharing this
Seeing this makes me wonder if a “master electrician” really installed the panels in my building or if it was a bum from outside the liquor store... awesome video and great work!!!
There is no reason to be this meticulous. If the other guys did not look like this it is because they are living in the real world
@@cablepufferton2604 really? Because the panels at my job are neatly laid out like that.
@@miket5506 from your comment I inferred something different. Neat is good but this is unnecessary, and time consuming. If someone does not spend the time to reach this level of neatness it does not at all mean they do not know what they are doing, or that they are a 'bum'
@@cablepufferton2604 if you ever saw the panels in my building you’d understand where I’m coming from lol. I’m not saying that not reaching this level of neatness makes someone a bum. I’m saying that the guys who wired my building did the work of a bum. Big difference.
@@miket5506 well that is what you said 'Seeing this makes me wonder if a “master electrician” really installed the panels in my building or if it was a bum' which would imply that the thought had not crossed your mind until seeing this. If that was accidental I understand what you are saying. The issue here is that he is doing this in a very specific environment with no time constraints. Taking all that time he needs to bend each wire perfectly is just for show and superfluous. It is good to have it clean for an inspector but eh not this much... At the end of the day the wires need to go into the right holes and they need to be out of danger of being damaged. Neatness is good but they are wires not circuits traces on a CB. If I took the dead front off of a panel and it looked like this it would not make my job any easier than if it it was just relatively neat. I would likely just remark that the guy that wired it was obsessive and had all the time in the world
Great job, I appreciate things done this neatly. Even if no one else ever sees it. I like doing my own electrical but I’m not licensed so when upgrading my service a few months ago I hired it out. It works but it’s not pretty. I’ll be redoing it one of these days to my standard and you have given me some good reminders. Awesome work !!👍
Load balancing the panel is important to ensure each phase is drawing an equal load under normal operation. This is especially important if you plan on using an interlock and a generator for loss of power, you would want to consider balancing those circuits you would be using during a power outage and having high load circuits like a refrigerator and your boiler on different phases.
A refrigerator pulls about 6-7 amps
@@electricaf365 Right so your 6A refrigerator, may be using 720W (when cooling)... A typical generator is rated for 5500W of that 5500W only half is available to each phase that leaves you with $2000 Watts left on that phase until you trip your breaker, an average TV draws 60W all the time. Also consider the surge of an electric motor when it is started that can trip breakers and burn out motors if the panel is not properly balanced or the generator is undersized. Some generators are smart will conserve fuel, if it is not drawing equal current on both phases it run to adapt to the higher load wasting fuel.
@@ericfraser7543 you called a refrigerator a high load circuit.
@@electricaf365 Anything with a motor in it has induction and is a high load circuit they will have a power surge when they turn on, it is assumed you are not going to run nonessential appliances like electric range or dryer during a power outage. Sump pumps, sewage pumps, boilers, circulator pumps, refrigerators, freezers are typically essential appliances during a power outage and need to be phase balanced in your panel if possible.
@@electricaf365 Phase balancing, another reason the USA split phase power grid is inferior to Europe's single phase 230 grid. Imagine all the copper this country would save if houses were wired 230V vs 120V.