Stop first if
- Someone plans to force in a twin breaker or alter the panel.Stop. Leave the panel as it is and have a licensed electrician review it.
- A new or reused run reads low on an insulation test.Do not energize it. Hold until a licensed electrician resolves the reading.
- The work needs the panel cover off.Keep the cover on and wait for a licensed electrician.
01
Ask on the call
6Homeowner? These are the questions a good technician will ask you. Having the answers ready makes the first visit count.
- What are you adding, and what does its nameplate say?
- What does the panel label show, if you can read it with the door open?
- Are there open spaces, or breakers of a different brand?
- Is this a house, or a unit in a larger building?
- Will it run for long sessions, such as overnight charging?
- Did an inspector leave notes you can send us?
02
Bring
6- Clamp meter
- Load calculation worksheet
- Insulation-resistance tester
- Tape measure
- Flashlight
- Phone for photos
03
Check on site
6- With the cover on, read the panel label for catalog number, tandem positions and circuit limit.
- Count tandem breakers and note other-brand breakers. Fitting physically does not mean listed for that panel.
- A licensed electrician runs a load calculation. A subpanel or larger panel may follow from it.
- For an EV charger, compare configured output with breaker rating and every conductor segment. Treat it as a continuous load.
- Find the lowest terminal temperature rating. It limits the conductor.
- At the service, read the equipment fault-current rating, and keep loads off any line-side tap.
04
Keep on the record
5- Photo of panel label and diagram
- Count of spaces and tandems
- Load calculation and new load details
- Insulation test results for new or reused wire
- Inspector notes and any local ruling on breaker acceptance
General guidance for a qualified person, not a finding about any home. The person on site decides.