I am looking to replace my breaker box. I want to know what is the best one for me to purchase?

Question

My house is 55 years old. The breaker box is probably just as old. I am having problems with my dryer and now my breaker box will not even let me turn on the breaker switch for my dryer; therefore, i am looking to purchase a new breaker box. Unfortunately i know nothing about what brand name i need and how many volts and amp i need so any advice on this subject matter would be helpful!

Answer 1

From the wording in your question, I would suppose that this is not a task you should take on yourself.

I prefer Square D boxes. I hate GE boxes and I dont like the "homeline" type that is common in the big box stores as well as real Square D.

Remember when you buy, you still have to buy all of your circuit breakers.

Make a list of the existing circuits that you have, their amperage, 110/220 etc.

You want your new box to have room for future expansion. You will be connecting existing circuits right back to breakers of the same rating as in the old panel. Provided they were dont correctly in the first place.

Probably the minimum you would want is a 200 amp panel, they are available with a variety of number of circuits.

If you are going up in amperage on your Main breaker, be certain that the entrance cable coming in from the meter can handle the max current of your new panel.

Probably at the meter, you will have to pull the meter head to kill the feed coming in. This should be done by a real licensed electrician. If you dont know what you are doing here, you will end up as a pile of charcoal next to your meter.

I have done these, because my friend who is a real electrician showed me how. But this should probably not be done by the do it your selfer.

With the box installed and connected to the entrance cable by a professional, then the main in the box can be turned off and most DIY types can reconnect their circuits. Not much savings here if you have ever seen a competent electrician do this, as they are very fast.

When removing your individual circuits, use Brady wire marks or tape and mark what they are and what amperage breaker they go to.

For what it's worth, but you should still probably hire this out.

Answer 2

This is not a DIY project.
Changing the panel most likely involves unprotected
line voltage unless there's a disconnect ahead of
your existing panel. Call a pro.
If you're in the U.S. 'Murray`from Square D is a
good premium brand for residential panels.
You might not need a new panel.
If you're having problems with the dryer, only that
breaker is at fault. (You describe a failed breaker.)
Make sure that the wiring is up to the requirements
of the dryer. (It must be younger than 55).
It might need a 20 A. breaker and be on a 15A. now.
Don't change the breaker without being sure that
the wire is adequate.

Answer 3

I imagine that your town requires a permit to put in a new breaker box. Since you obviouslt don't know what you're dealing with here, I suggest you contact a few electrical contractors and get bids. Pick the best price and make sure he/she helps you submit the required paperwork to the town. Be careful about the house wiring, since it may not be able to handle the higher current of your dryer.

Answer 4

You'll need a "Licensed " electrician to install it, and probably a city permit. There's not much difference between brands. The electrician will install the one he gets the best price break on, so he can pass the savings on to you.

Answer 5

The electrician you hire to install it will recommend a good replacement and will be able to buy it cheaper than you can. Call 2 for free estimates of the cost.

Answer 6

Don't try this yourself. It involves disconnecting the main power source to the house. Only a qualified electrician should do this.