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Among the most important elements of any home is the electrical panel, which many homeowners aren't well informed about. The electrical panel is the primary distribution point for all electrical circuits in your home, which includes the lights in your bathroom and the baseboard heater in your home office. The electricity that's sent from your utility provider flows through this electrical panel. Understanding what's inside this panel and what it means for your home should assist you in knowing how to operate it.
Primary Layout of An Electrical Panel
The main service entrance wires that connect the electricity to the panel are found towards the top of the panel and are connected to two terminals. These terminals are referred to as lugs and will always have energy coursing through them except for situations where the power is turned off momentarily by your utility provider. The service entrance wires and lugs are covered by a metallic panel that still provides you with access to the interior breakers. This panel should only be removed by a professional technician such as ours.
What to Know About Main Breaker
When you open an electrical panel, your eyes will likely be drawn to the two rows of smaller breakers. However, above these branch circuits is the main breaker, which effectively controls all of the smaller breakers underneath. When you need to turn off all electricity to your home, flipping the switch on the main breaker will do so. The exact amounts of amps that your electrical panel accommodates will be listed on the main breaker. This number is typically situated between 100-200 amps. Panels that accommodate 200 amps allow you to add more breakers if necessary.
Branch Circuit Breakers
These are the two rows of circuits that you notice straight away when opening an electrical panel. They will usually feed out to locations such as the dryer, dishwasher, or bathroom lights. They are mainly divided into 15-20 amp circuits. The circuits that accommodate 15 amps of power are used for different lighting around your home. Circuits with 20 amps of power are used primarily for larger appliances and supply outlets.
Get in touch with us today if you require any of the electrical, plumbing, or HVAC services that we provide. Our expert technicians here at 1st Home and Commerical Services aim to provide all customers with exemplary service.