About Bob Thompson Expertise Answers to most electrical questions or problems. Answers will be code related and not necessarily correct in your jurisdiction. Master Electrician, former business owner, member of several professional organizations. I also have a little plumbing and mechanical knowledge, but I may be of little help in this area.
Experience Master Electrician, previous business owner, over 30 years experience, certified electrical, plumbing and mechanical inspector.
Question Hi Bob - Thanks for taking my question. I have done some wiring but never installed a new circuit breaker, which I want to do soon. Is all that's necessary to make this safe, is to turn the main power switch off. Seems like this should be okay, but I don't want to assume anything. I have too much respect for electricity. (Would this be like throwing an individual breaker before working on an isolated electrical problem?)
Also is there a preferred way to install basement wall outlets as far as running wiring in the walls is concerned? Should all wiring be run thru studs 12" above floor level? My basement is framed with no drywall yet. I should be able to run a dedicated circuit directly from the breaker box, right to the outlet height and through adjacent studs.
Hope my questions are clear.
Mike
Answer If you turn off the main breaker, everything will be 'dead' in the panel EXCEPT the wires coming from the meter to the main breaker. Don't touch these.
Your receptacle wiring should run above or below the height you intend to mount the plugs, usually 12 inches to center, or bottom. The wire would have to be on top (or bottom) in order to loop into each box, so you can staple it within 12 inches of the box, for support, and Code.
About Electrical Wiring in the Home
This site answers questions related to home electrical wiring, home wiring, general electrical help,and other electrical questions related to aleternating current (AC). You can find help on the National Electical Code, home electrical issues, wiring electrical outlets, installing lighting, electrical grounding, and general electrical help for do-it-yourself projects not require an electrician. If you do not see your home electrical wiring question answered in this area then please ask your electrical wiring question here
