How do you wire a Square D plug on a neutral breaker?

Overview

Wiring a Square D plug on a neutral breaker requires following some key steps to ensure proper installation and operation. The neutral plug provides a connection point for the neutral wire from a circuit to the neutral bus bar in the electrical panel. Proper wiring prevents hazards and ensures the breaker can safely interrupt power to the circuit when needed. This guide will walk through the complete process in a step-by-step manner.

Things You’ll Need

• Square D neutral plug
• Neutral breaker
• Neutral wire
• Wire strippers
• Screwdriver
• Electrical tape
• Safety glasses

Before beginning, make sure to turn off the main power to the electrical panel. Wearing safety glasses is also recommended to protect your eyes.

Instructions

Step 1: Strip the Neutral Wire

Using the wire strippers, remove approximately 1/2 inch of insulation from the end of the neutral wire that will connect to the neutral plug. Exposing 1/2 inch of bare wire provides enough room to loop the wire around the screw on the neutral plug.

Step 2: Loosen the Screw on the Plug

The neutral plug has a screw on the end that tightens down over the wire to hold it securely in place. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw enough so that the stripped neutral wire can fit under it later on. Do not fully remove the screw, just loosen it.

Step 3: Wrap the Neutral Wire Around the Plug

With the screw loosened, wrap the stripped end of the neutral wire around the screw on the end of the neutral plug. The wire should loop clockwise around the screw with the exposed portion directly beneath the head of the screw.

Step 4: Tighten the Screw

Hold the end of the wire firmly wrapped around the screw and use the screwdriver to tighten down the screw. Tighten securely so the wire is held tightly in place and good contact is made with the plug. Do not over tighten to the point of damaging the wire.

Step 5: Attach the Plug to the Neutral Bus Bar

With the neutral wire attached, insert the plug into an open slot on the neutral bus bar inside the electrical panel. Push the plug in as far as it will go to ensure full insertion.

Step 6: Secure the Plug

There is a secondary screw on the neutral plug that tightens down onto the bus bar to lock the plug firmly in place. Tighten this screw down securely using the screwdriver.

Step 7: Connect the Breaker

With the neutral plug installed, the breaker can now be wired up. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect the hot and neutral wires to the breaker and mount it into the panel.

Step 8: Test for Proper Installation

Once both the plug and breaker are installed, restore power to the panel and use a multimeter or tester to confirm power is running correctly through the breaker. Also visually verify the neutral connection is secure.

Step 9: Add Electrical Tape

As a final step for a clean installation, apply electrical tape over the neutral connection to the plug. This helps protect against accidental contact.

Tips for Safety

– Always turn off power to the panel before beginning work
– Allow wires time to discharge after shutting off power
– Wear safety glasses for eye protection
– Avoid working alone so assistance can be rendered if needed
– Confirm all connections are tight and secure
– Use manufacturer’s specified wire stripping length
– Keep the area free of clutter

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some common mistakes that should be avoided when wiring a neutral plug include:

• Forgetting to turn off main power – Working on a live panel can result in electrocution
• Stripping too much insulation – Exposing too much wire can lead to shorts or electrocution if contacting other wires
• Loose connections – Wire connections must be tight to avoid arcing, fires, and power loss
• Wrapping wire incorrectly – Wire should loop clockwise around screw with insulation stripped
• Failing to secure plug to bus bar – Loose plugs can separate and cause arcing

Paying close attention to each wiring step and double checking connections can help avoid these mistakes.

Conclusion

Installing a Square D neutral plug onto a breaker requires carefully following a series of steps. The key steps include stripping the wire, wrapping it correctly around the plug, securing the connections, properly inserting the plug into the bus bar, and testing operation. Paying attention to safety and avoiding common errors will result in a safe, structurally sound installation.

With a properly wired neutral plug, the attached circuit breaker will be able to safely and effectively open the neutral line when tripped. This prevents continued flow of electricity and protects against electrocution, fires, and equipment damage. Taking the time to correctly install the neutral plug ensures reliable operation of the breaker and electrical safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size wire should be used?

The size of the neutral wire should match the size of the hot wire for the circuit. This wire size should be based on the amp rating of the circuit breaker and electrical code requirements. Most common household and lighting circuits use #14 AWG wire.

Does wire direction matter when wrapping?

Yes, the wire should loop clockwise around the screw on the neutral plug when facing the screw head on. This helps the screw tighten the connection properly. Wrapping counterclockwise could result in a loose connection.

Where should the neutral plug be installed?

The neutral plug connects to the neutral bus bar inside the main electrical panel. The specific location is not important as long as it aligns with the breaker and helps organize the neutral wires.

Can I pigtail from the breaker to the plug?

Yes, you can use a short pigtail wire to connect the circuit neutral wire to the plug and breaker. This can make for a cleaner installation. Strip and connect the pigtail properly on each end.

How tight should the screw be on the plug?

Tighten the screw securely using a screwdriver, but do not overtighten. It should be tight enough to prevent any wire movement and create a firm connection. Overdoing it can damage the wire or screw.

Summary

Installing a Square D neutral plug onto a circuit breaker requires stripping the wire, looping it clockwise under the screw, tightening the screw down, plugging into the bus bar, securing in place, wiring the breaker, testing operation, and taping the connection. Paying close attention to safety and details throughout provides a reliable finished product. Proper neutral connections are a critical part of the circuit protection offered by breakers.