Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit breaker
system. I would like to add another circuit for some additional florescent
lights in my basement. I have several open slots for new breaker's in the
panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit breaker and install into an
open slot then run a new line to the lights ? or do I need a professional to
install new circuit's.

Thanks
Dick

Should be no problem with DIY.

Just remember to run the lines before hooking into the panel
G

--
PDQ

--
"Platebanger" wrote in message news:Ay4mf.6163$Yh2.2686@trndny01...
| Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit breaker
| system. I would like to add another circuit for some additional florescent
| lights in my basement. I have several open slots for new breaker's in the
| panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit breaker and install into an
| open slot then run a new line to the lights ? or do I need a professional to
| install new circuit's.
|
| Thanks
| Dick
|
|

How would you like your rhetorical question answered? You could do either!!!




"Platebanger" wrote in message
news:Ay4mf.6163$Yh2.2686@trndny01...
Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit breaker
system. I would like to add another circuit for some additional florescent
lights in my basement. I have several open slots for new breaker's in the
panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit breaker and install into an
open slot then run a new line to the lights ? or do I need a professional
to install new circuit's.

Thanks
Dick

Have you ever done any electrical wiring before? Do you mind working around
electricity? Does the possibility of starting a fire or killing someone
scare you?

I'm thinking that if you have to ask this question, then you should be
calling in a professional to do the work.


"Platebanger" wrote in message
news:Ay4mf.6163$Yh2.2686@trndny01...
Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit breaker
system. I would like to add another circuit for some additional florescent
lights in my basement. I have several open slots for new breaker's in the
panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit breaker and install into an
open slot then run a new line to the lights ? or do I need a professional
to
install new circuit's.

Thanks
Dick

Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit
breaker system. I would like to add another circuit for some
additional florescent lights in my basement. I have several open slots
for new breaker's in the panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit
breaker and install into an open slot then run a new line to the
lights ? or do I need a professional to install new circuit's.
Thanks Dick

If you have to ask, then yes you need a professional.

"Platebanger" wrote in message
news:Ay4mf.6163$Yh2.2686@trndny01...
Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit breaker
system. I would like to add another circuit for some additional florescent
lights in my basement. I have several open slots for new breaker's in the
panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit breaker and install into an
open slot then run a new line to the lights ? or do I need a professional
to install new circuit's.

Geez I hope you are trolling!

"Bert Byfield" wrote in message
6...
Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit
breaker system. I would like to add another circuit for some
additional florescent lights in my basement. I have several open slots
for new breaker's in the panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit
breaker and install into an open slot then run a new line to the
lights ? or do I need a professional to install new circuit's.
Thanks Dick

If you have to ask, then yes you need a professional.


Just do it. I know what you mean.

However, that large switch at the top, it's the "Main Disconnect". I am
going to suggest that you throw that in whatever the "off" position is
before you bring your cable down to the new breaker.

Believe me, I learned that the hard way!

(And no, it didn't feel any different coming down the main as it does at any
other time. Although, I'm pretty sure I was getting 240 volts, not 120!)

"ng_reader" wrote in message
...

"Bert Byfield" wrote in message
6...
Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit
breaker system. I would like to add another circuit for some
additional florescent lights in my basement. I have several open slots
for new breaker's in the panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit
breaker and install into an open slot then run a new line to the
lights ? or do I need a professional to install new circuit's.
Thanks Dick

If you have to ask, then yes you need a professional.


Just do it. I know what you mean.

However, that large switch at the top, it's the "Main Disconnect". I am
going to suggest that you throw that in whatever the "off" position is
before you bring your cable down to the new breaker.

Believe me, I learned that the hard way!

(And no, it didn't feel any different coming down the main as it does at
any other time. Although, I'm pretty sure I was getting 240 volts, not
120!)
And exactly how could you get 240?

If you do attempt this for safety wear sneakers, leather gloves, and eye
protection. The last is important because if you short something it may
throw molten metal at you.


"Platebanger" wrote in message
news:Ay4mf.6163$Yh2.2686@trndny01...
Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit breaker
system. I would like to add another circuit for some additional florescent
lights in my basement. I have several open slots for new breaker's in the
panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit breaker and install into an
open slot then run a new line to the lights ? or do I need a professional
to install new circuit's.

Thanks
Dick

"Toller" wrote in message
...

"ng_reader" wrote in message
...

"Bert Byfield" wrote in message
6...
Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit
breaker system. I would like to add another circuit for some
additional florescent lights in my basement. I have several open slots
for new breaker's in the panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit
breaker and install into an open slot then run a new line to the
lights ? or do I need a professional to install new circuit's.
Thanks Dick

If you have to ask, then yes you need a professional.


Just do it. I know what you mean.

However, that large switch at the top, it's the "Main Disconnect". I am
going to suggest that you throw that in whatever the "off" position is
before you bring your cable down to the new breaker.

Believe me, I learned that the hard way!

(And no, it didn't feel any different coming down the main as it does at
any other time. Although, I'm pretty sure I was getting 240 volts, not
120!)
And exactly how could you get 240?
By touching both sides of the mains, of course.

"Jeff" wrote in message
news
If you do attempt this for safety wear sneakers, leather gloves, and eye
protection. The last is important because if you short something it may
throw molten metal at you.


"Platebanger" wrote in message
news:Ay4mf.6163$Yh2.2686@trndny01...
Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit
breaker system. I would like to add another circuit for some additional
florescent lights in my basement. I have several open slots for new
breaker's in the panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit breaker
and install into an open slot then run a new line to the lights ? or do I
need a professional to install new circuit's.

Thanks
Dick

And those two big cables that attach to lugs at the top of the breaker
panel? Stay away from 'em. They could give you a bad day, even with the
main breaker off. If you have a disconnect outside the house, turning it
off would reduce your chances of having a very bad outcome.

"Platebanger" wrote in message
news:Ay4mf.6163$Yh2.2686@trndny01...
Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit breaker
system. I would like to add another circuit for some additional florescent
lights in my basement. I have several open slots for new breaker's in the
panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit breaker and install into an
open slot then run a new line to the lights ? or do I need a professional
to
install new circuit's.

Thanks
Dick


John Grabowski wrote:
Have you ever done any electrical wiring before? Do you mind working around
electricity? Does the possibility of starting a fire or killing someone
scare you?


What ??
Like are we talking rocket science here?

A little education via the public library and half a brain in the head
should be all that's needed for something like that.

-Felder

"Unrevealed Source" wrote in message
news
"Toller" wrote in message
...

"ng_reader" wrote in message
...

"Bert Byfield" wrote in message
6...
Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit
breaker system. I would like to add another circuit for some
additional florescent lights in my basement. I have several open slots
for new breaker's in the panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit
breaker and install into an open slot then run a new line to the
lights ? or do I need a professional to install new circuit's.
Thanks Dick

If you have to ask, then yes you need a professional.


Just do it. I know what you mean.

However, that large switch at the top, it's the "Main Disconnect". I am
going to suggest that you throw that in whatever the "off" position is
before you bring your cable down to the new breaker.

Believe me, I learned that the hard way!

(And no, it didn't feel any different coming down the main as it does at
any other time. Although, I'm pretty sure I was getting 240 volts, not
120!)
And exactly how could you get 240?
By touching both sides of the mains, of course.
Well yeh, but it would be hard to do that except on purpose.

Jeff wrote:
If you do attempt this for safety wear sneakers, leather gloves, and eye
protection. The last is important because if you short something it may
throw molten metal at you.

Yes, the dangerous part about electricity is that at line voltage levels
you can't see, hear or smell it. And if you chance to feel it, it may
just bite you or make you jump enough to bash yourself on something sharp.

Then again, I still remember the words of a middle aged Brit prof back
in my college daze circa 1954 who tought a course I was taking called
"Rotating Machinery" (All about electric motors, generators and stuff
like that.) We were working with three phase 440 volt equipment when he
told us, "You smen will never be good electrical engineers until you
learn to 'take' a shock!" G

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia

(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)

"Truth exists; only falsehood has to be invented."

In article ,
Jeff Wisnia wrote:

Yes, the dangerous part about electricity is that at line voltage levels
you can't see, hear or smell it. And if you chance to feel it, it may
just bite you or make you jump enough to bash yourself on something sharp.

I've been surprised to discover how innocuous 120V is -- just an
unpleasant tingling, aside from the initial contact which is moot anyway
if a screwdriver does the job. What is disturbing is the thought that
you are flirting with death despite the unremarkable sensation.

Then again, I still remember the words of a middle aged Brit prof back
in my college daze circa 1954 who tought a course I was taking called
"Rotating Machinery" (All about electric motors, generators and stuff
like that.) We were working with three phase 440 volt equipment when he
told us, "You smen will never be good electrical engineers until you
learn to 'take' a shock!" G

Jeff

That scares up the question: How many shocks have you electrician (and
EE) types encountered in your careers? And how many arm-to-arm (i.e.
across the heart) shocks, which seem inevitable given the ease of using
some conducting metallic box with the non-working arm to give support?

I found this link.
Installing A Circuit Breaker

Thanks all
Dick





"Platebanger" wrote in message
news:Ay4mf.6163$Yh2.2686@trndny01...
Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit breaker
system. I would like to add another circuit for some additional florescent
lights in my basement. I have several open slots for new breaker's in the
panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit breaker and install into an
open slot then run a new line to the lights ? or do I need a professional
to install new circuit's.

Thanks
Dick

"chocolatemalt" wrote in message
...

That scares up the question: How many shocks have you electrician (and
EE) types encountered in your careers? And how many arm-to-arm (i.e.
across the heart) shocks, which seem inevitable given the ease of using
some conducting metallic box with the non-working arm to give support?

I believe I read that it only takes 40 volts to stop the heart.

I was changing an outdoor light bulb about 5 feet off the ground on my
previous house. It was summer and I was barefoot -- yeah should have known
better. Previous owner had confused black and white. He had the switch
break the white lead and had the black wired to the screw thread part of the
light socket. Moisture on the bulb provided a connection from the threads
to me. Afterwards had to redo a bunch of his electrical work. First thing
I learned about wiring was BLACK to BRASS.

At work saw the result of someone accidentally dropping a screw driver
across a 50A circuit -- lots of splattered metal no one hurt. I am sure
lots of folks have other stories. Personally prefer electrical work to
using a chain saw, especially up in a tree.


"chocolatemalt" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Jeff Wisnia wrote:

Yes, the dangerous part about electricity is that at line voltage levels
you can't see, hear or smell it. And if you chance to feel it, it may
just bite you or make you jump enough to bash yourself on something
sharp.

I've been surprised to discover how innocuous 120V is -- just an
unpleasant tingling, aside from the initial contact which is moot anyway
if a screwdriver does the job. What is disturbing is the thought that
you are flirting with death despite the unremarkable sensation.

Then again, I still remember the words of a middle aged Brit prof back
in my college daze circa 1954 who tought a course I was taking called
"Rotating Machinery" (All about electric motors, generators and stuff
like that.) We were working with three phase 440 volt equipment when he
told us, "You smen will never be good electrical engineers until you
learn to 'take' a shock!" G

Jeff

That scares up the question: How many shocks have you electrician (and
EE) types encountered in your careers? And how many arm-to-arm (i.e.
across the heart) shocks, which seem inevitable given the ease of using
some conducting metallic box with the non-working arm to give support?

That depends on your skill level, and where you live. The simple fact th at
you're asking on a world wide news group suggests you don't have the skill.

If it were me, I woulda just run the circuit and not bothered to ask.

My advice: Hire an electrician.

--

Christopher A. Young
Do good work.
It's longer in the short run
but shorter in the long run.
..
..


"Platebanger" wrote in message
news:Ay4mf.6163$Yh2.2686@trndny01...
Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit breaker
system. I would like to add another circuit for some additional florescent
lights in my basement. I have several open slots for new breaker's in the
panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit breaker and install into an
open slot then run a new line to the lights ? or do I need a professional to
install new circuit's.

Thanks
Dick

In article ,
Jeff wrote:

At work saw the result of someone accidentally dropping a screw driver
across a 50A circuit -- lots of splattered metal no one hurt. I am sure
lots of folks have other stories. Personally prefer electrical work to
using a chain saw, especially up in a tree.

Many moons ago while I was an EE student I was in a lab which had 3
phase 440 coming out to a test panel. The panel had U shaped channels
of thick sheet metal that was HOT and the wires we connected to them
were half inch brass rods with an insulated handle and a slot that went
on to the panel terminals. Some of the wires were heavy wire (probably
#8 or 10 ISTR), and some were #16 that were intended to connect to
instruments.

Not the safest arrangement, but part of the course was to teach us
respect for the power. The breakers protecting these panels were large,
probably 50-100 amps.

One day in lab I was setting up the experiment de jure there was a
BRIGHT flash and a LOUD bang from behind me. I turned around and there
was a cloud of smoke rising from a bench and the student clawing for the
breakers (which had not tripped). This guy had clipped a length of the
#16 wire across a 440 live circut. All that was left was the two end
clips.

--
Rich Greenberg Marietta, GA, USA richgr atsign panix.com + 1 770 321 6507
Eastern time. N6LRT I speak for myself & my dogs only. VM'er since CP-67
Canines:Val, Red & Shasta (RIP),Red, husky Owner:Chinook-L
Atlanta Siberian Husky Rescue. www.panix.com/~richgr/ Asst Owner:Sibernet-L

chocolatemalt wrote:
In article ,
Jeff Wisnia wrote:


Yes, the dangerous part about electricity is that at line voltage levels
you can't see, hear or smell it. And if you chance to feel it, it may
just bite you or make you jump enough to bash yourself on something sharp.


I've been surprised to discover how innocuous 120V is -- just an
unpleasant tingling, aside from the initial contact which is moot anyway
if a screwdriver does the job. What is disturbing is the thought that
you are flirting with death despite the unremarkable sensation.


Then again, I still remember the words of a middle aged Brit prof back
in my college daze circa 1954 who tought a course I was taking called
"Rotating Machinery" (All about electric motors, generators and stuff
like that.) We were working with three phase 440 volt equipment when he
told us, "You smen will never be good electrical engineers until you
learn to 'take' a shock!" G

Jeff


That scares up the question: How many shocks have you electrician (and
EE) types encountered in your careers? And how many arm-to-arm (i.e.
across the heart) shocks, which seem inevitable given the ease of using
some conducting metallic box with the non-working arm to give support?

I've tried to follow the "One arm behind my back" adage when working
around dangerous voltages, and I'm still around, so I guess it works. I
don't think I've ever gotten a shock through my chest, but I've had some
pretty good ones through one hand.

The "shock" I've never forgotten was received when I was doing TV repair
as a kid and was schlepping a 19" B&W TV chassis down a flight of stairs
from a customer's second floor apartment. I'd forgotten to discharge the
multi KV high voltage stored in the capacitance of the CRT. Somehow,
part of me got zapped by that voltage and the chassis flew out of my
arms and down the stairs, with the CRT imploding en route. The boss had
to buy the customer a new TV, and after that experience I always treated
CRTs like they were running chainsaws. G

But, I started playing with electricity back in the era when electronics
were all vacuum toob stuff, where ac and dc voltages in the 150 to 1000
volt range abounded. Things got quite a bit "safer" when solid state
circuits took over. Nowadays sticking your fingers into "live" stuff is
more likely to damage the equipment (through static electric discharges)
than hurt you.

Thanks for the mammaries...

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia

(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)

"Truth exists; only falsehood has to be invented."

On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 00:51:44 GMT, "Platebanger"
wrote:

Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit breaker
system. I would like to add another circuit for some additional florescent
lights in my basement. I have several open slots for new breaker's in the
panel. My question is can I buy a new circuit breaker and install into an
open slot then run a new line to the lights ? or do I need a professional to
install new circuit's.



Buy the "wiring 123" book at home depot, read the entire thing,
Check with your local town hall about where, how, and if you should
get a permit, and how much it will cost, and then check back if
you have any more questions.

On Fri, 9 Dec 2005 05:09:19 -0600, "PanHandler"
wrote:


"chocolatemalt" wrote in message
...

That scares up the question: How many shocks have you electrician (and
EE) types encountered in your careers? And how many arm-to-arm (i.e.
across the heart) shocks, which seem inevitable given the ease of using
some conducting metallic box with the non-working arm to give support?

I believe I read that it only takes 40 volts to stop the heart.


It's actually the current that matters. 30mA (.03A) is fatal. Current
is voltage divided by resistance (you might want to try measuring the
resistance of your body sometime. Try it both dry and wet).

I remember measuring 2K ohms across my body (when dry). 120V across
that would produce a current of 60mA. Good thing I've only had that
between fingers of the same hand.
--
16 days until the winter solstice celebration

Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 15:37:23 GMT, "Jeff" wrote:

I was changing an outdoor light bulb about 5 feet off the ground on my
previous house. It was summer and I was barefoot -- yeah should have known
better. Previous owner had confused black and white. He had the switch
break the white lead and had the black wired to the screw thread part of the
light socket. Moisture on the bulb provided a connection from the threads
to me. Afterwards had to redo a bunch of his electrical work. First thing
I learned about wiring was BLACK to BRASS.


I found an outlet miswired that way when I moved into this house.
Maybe someone thought it didn't matter. That outlet was next to a
bathroom sink, and I was replacing it with a GFCI anyway.

At work saw the result of someone accidentally dropping a screw driver
across a 50A circuit -- lots of splattered metal no one hurt. I am sure
lots of folks have other stories. Personally prefer electrical work to
using a chain saw, especially up in a tree.


"chocolatemalt" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Jeff Wisnia wrote:

Yes, the dangerous part about electricity is that at line voltage levels
you can't see, hear or smell it. And if you chance to feel it, it may
just bite you or make you jump enough to bash yourself on something
sharp.

I've been surprised to discover how innocuous 120V is -- just an
unpleasant tingling, aside from the initial contact which is moot anyway
if a screwdriver does the job. What is disturbing is the thought that
you are flirting with death despite the unremarkable sensation.

Then again, I still remember the words of a middle aged Brit prof back
in my college daze circa 1954 who tought a course I was taking called
"Rotating Machinery" (All about electric motors, generators and stuff
like that.) We were working with three phase 440 volt equipment when he
told us, "You smen will never be good electrical engineers until you
learn to 'take' a shock!" G

Jeff

That scares up the question: How many shocks have you electrician (and
EE) types encountered in your careers? And how many arm-to-arm (i.e.
across the heart) shocks, which seem inevitable given the ease of using
some conducting metallic box with the non-working arm to give support?

--
16 days until the winter solstice celebration

Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

snip story

Years ago in an EE lab my lab partner was working on the 120 VAC power
section of our project. All of a sudden, I hear BANG, my partner jumps
out of his seat, and the entire bench goes dead. Turned out the guy
had INTENTIONALLY placed a penny between the bare 120V leads. The
current had blown two divots in the penny before tripping the breaker.
"I thought it would just warm up the penny a little." he murmured.

Come to think of it, I didn't see him around the EE department much
after that.

"Toller" wrote in message
...

"Unrevealed Source" wrote in message
news
"Toller" wrote in message
...

"ng_reader" wrote in message
...

"Bert Byfield" wrote in message
6...
Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit
breaker system. I would like to add another circuit for some
additional florescent lights in my basement. I have several open
slots
for new breaker's in the panel. My question is can I buy a new
circuit
breaker and install into an open slot then run a new line to the
lights ? or do I need a professional to install new circuit's.
Thanks Dick

If you have to ask, then yes you need a professional.


Just do it. I know what you mean.

However, that large switch at the top, it's the "Main Disconnect". I
am going to suggest that you throw that in whatever the "off" position
is before you bring your cable down to the new breaker.

Believe me, I learned that the hard way!

(And no, it didn't feel any different coming down the main as it does
at any other time. Although, I'm pretty sure I was getting 240 volts,
not 120!)
And exactly how could you get 240?
By touching both sides of the mains, of course.
Well yeh, but it would be hard to do that except on purpose.

More likely touched one buss bar and the grounded cabnet but there are
plenty of spots whrere both busses are only an inch apart or less.

"PipeDown" wrote in message
nk.net...

"Toller" wrote in message
...

"Unrevealed Source" wrote in message
news
"Toller" wrote in message
...

"ng_reader" wrote in message
...

"Bert Byfield" wrote in message
6...
Hi Folks, I've upgraded my electrical service to a 200 amp circuit
breaker system. I would like to add another circuit for some
additional florescent lights in my basement. I have several open
slots
for new breaker's in the panel. My question is can I buy a new
circuit
breaker and install into an open slot then run a new line to the
lights ? or do I need a professional to install new circuit's.
Thanks Dick

If you have to ask, then yes you need a professional.


Just do it. I know what you mean.

However, that large switch at the top, it's the "Main Disconnect". I
am going to suggest that you throw that in whatever the "off" position
is before you bring your cable down to the new breaker.

Believe me, I learned that the hard way!

(And no, it didn't feel any different coming down the main as it does
at any other time. Although, I'm pretty sure I was getting 240 volts,
not 120!)
And exactly how could you get 240?
By touching both sides of the mains, of course.
Well yeh, but it would be hard to do that except on purpose.

More likely touched one buss bar and the grounded cabnet but there are
plenty of spots whrere both busses are only an inch apart or less.



Actually poster #1 was right. I only touched one side, so maybe that's why
it didn't feel any different. Does it, btw?

Jeff Wisnia wrote:
Jeff wrote:

If you do attempt this for safety wear sneakers, leather gloves, and
eye protection. The last is important because if you short something
it may throw molten metal at you.


Yes, the dangerous part about electricity is that at line voltage levels
you can't see, hear or smell it. And if you chance to feel it, it may
just bite you or make you jump enough to bash yourself on something sharp.

Then again, I still remember the words of a middle aged Brit prof back
in my college daze circa 1954 who tought a course I was taking called
"Rotating Machinery" (All about electric motors, generators and stuff
like that.) We were working with three phase 440 volt equipment when he
told us, "You smen will never be good electrical engineers until you
learn to 'take' a shock!" G

Jeff

Hi,
Hmmm, don't know about 440V but I use to check 120V with my two right
hand fingers. I don't do it any more.
Tony