Guide to Circuit Breaker Panels in your Home
The circuit breaker in your home serves two important functions. It distributes power from your home to circuits that supply electricity where you need it. Circuit breakers interrupt the flow of electricity when there is danger. This protects the circuits. We’ll be discussing what circuit breaker panels do and when you might want to upgrade or replace them.
You probably don’t think of this part very often, but it is one of the most important parts of your home’s electrical system. It’s known as a circuit breaker box or breaker box.
This is important because all electricity used in your home flows through it and the circuit breakers. If it’s properly configured, you won’t think twice about it.
If it’s not up to the task, it could be very inconvenient or even cause safety problems for your home.
This article will explain what an electrical panel is and how it works. We’ll also discuss some reasons why you might want your main breaker panel inspected by qualified electricians from Nevada Solar Group. Let’s begin by understanding the basics of the circuit breaker box.
What is a breaker panel and how does it work?
The circuit breaker box connects the electrical grid outside your home to the wiring inside. This is the main service panel that controls all electrical outlets, lighting, heating, and other devices.
The service drop is a method by which power is brought into the breaker box via the outside. This can be either from power poles or buried power lines. There electricity is then routed to branch circuits which will power your home.
You should also be familiar with other names
“Breaker panel” is a term that refers to the circuit breakers that provide power to the branches leading from the panel. You may also call it a variety other names. It may also be called the circuit breaker, breaker box or electrical panel. It works in the same way no matter what name it is.
How it works
Circuit breakers are essential safety devices that shut off branch circuits if they sense overload. This is why you might have noticed a circuit interrupter tripping (shutting down) after you plug in too many appliances to your kitchen.
The fuse box is an older version if you are old enough and live in an older house. The same function of fuses was to protect your branch circuits against overloads. However, a blown fuse must be replaced in order to reestablish electricity to the circuit. A circuit breaker can be reset by simply flipping a switch.
Capacity of the breaker box
Amperage capacity is the most important statistic to know about your panel. Amperage (or amps) is a measurement of how much electricity is used. The amperage capacity for the home’s breaker panel has increased as homes get larger and more electrical appliances are used. Although 200-amp circuit breaker panels are common nowadays, you might find fuse boxes or panels with ratings as low as 60 amps in homes built prior to the 1960s.
Where can I find my main fuse box?
You may be apprehensive about where your breaker panel is located if you have never used it. There are several common locations.
Garages are common locations. They are usually located against an exterior wall, where power is supplied via the service drop.
It’s not uncommon to locate the breaker panel in a basement if there is a buried powerline.
Another location that isn’t common for single-family homes but may be more prevalent in a townhouse/duplex are on the lower level hallways, in a kitchen pantry or in a utility closet.
An exterior wall is a less common spot that you might find in older homes.
A look inside your electrical panel
Let’s go through your panel by opening the door.
You can’t see what you don’t know
The main breaker panel is located inside the box. There are a few switches. Below that is the hot and ground bus bars. Each individual switch you’ll see has its powered and ground wires routed to it.
Main switch
The panel’s top will have a single switch. This is your main breaker. This will turn off all power to your home.
Individual circuit switches
Two rows of numbers switches are the first thing you will notice when you open your panel’s door. These are your circuit breakers. Each one controls a circuit in your home. The circuit breakers should be set to ON to allow power to flow through them. The circuit will be cut off if the switch is turned off.
A paper card with the information for the number will be found inside the door panel. The card could read, “1 – Kitchen Outlets.” You can turn the switch on or off to cut power to your kitchen outlets.
It’s common for the card to be difficult to read or poorly written. It is worth spending some time with another person to review the switch controls and to make sure that the card is legible and accurate. This will allow you to know how to shut off power to circuits, such as if you need to replace an outlet or wall switch.
Switches with single-pole or double-pole poles
Your panel can have two types of circuit breakers.
- Single-pole breakers can be described as single switches with an amperage rating between 15 and 20 amps. These switches are common in household circuits with 120 volts.
- Double-pole breaker refers to a double switch with two switches connected. These are designed to handle 240 V and have higher amperage ratings. These can be connected to high-voltage circuits such as furnaces, water heaters and air-conditioning.
The sub panel
You may find a sub-panel next to your main box in some cases. You may have an outbuilding that you need to run on a separate system or because you have made changes to your home’s electrical system. When a backup generator is connected to the home’s electrical system, a sub-panel can be used.
The size that you need
You might find a discussion about the rating of breaker panels when you read up on panel upgrades and breaker panels. You will see the most common ratings discussed being 100-amp and 200-amp. These ratings reflect the electrical power of the panel.
100-amp
These panels are not suitable for homes with central air conditioning or heating. A 100-amp panel can be used to provide power for lights, receptacles and appliances.
200-amp
These boxes are standard for new construction and can be used for an average electrical need. You may need a larger panel box if your home requires more electricity or is very large.
250-amp
These panels are useful for large homes that have a lot of electrical requirements, especially if the electricity is used to heat the home. You may need to upgrade your main panel to a 250-amp or larger model if you are upgrading the electrical system in your home for an addition, workshop, or outbuilding.
Signs your current panel is not up to the job
You’ve probably experienced a circuit breaker trip if you’re like most people. It’s time to unplug your blender, reset the breaker and move on with your life. This is an example of your panel’s ability to do its job. If it’s not an issue often, there’s nothing to worry about.
There are times when it is not OK. These signals could indicate that your breaker panel is overloaded or not functioning properly. Let’s look at some of them.
Frequent breaker tripping
A circuit breaker trip should not be cause for alarm. If one or more circuit breakers in your home need to be reset frequently, you may have a problem. Sometimes, the problem can be easily fixed by replacing it with a model of higher amperage. However, it is wise to consult an electrician to ensure that this option is feasible.
Still have a fuse box
It’s time to replace your fuse box if you live in an older home. Circuit breakers are safer and more user-friendly than traditional fuse boxes. It is also a good idea to have an electrical contractor conduct a thorough inspection of your electrical system.
There are black stains or burnt areas.
You should immediately get your panel box checked if you notice this. You may have a short circuit in your panel box or faulty wiring. Home fires are often caused by electrical issues. Don’t let yourself be victim to these problems.
There are burning smells
This could be an indication that your electrical panel is faulty or has hot wires. It is important to have it checked immediately.
The wire appears to have been melted
Your circuit breakers are responsible for preventing excess current from entering your home’s circuits. Your circuit breakers may not be doing their job if wiring is melting or overheating. You should have them checked immediately.
Hot surfaces or hissing sounds
A properly functioning electrical system should be quiet and free from excessive heat. These danger signs should be immediately reported to the appropriate authorities.
Flickering or dimming lights
These signs indicate an irregular flow of power through your electrical panel. This could happen if the wiring or individual circuit breakers in your panel are not in good condition.
All of these situations require that you contact Nevada Solar Group’s licensed, experienced electricians immediately to resolve the issue.
What are the reasons to upgrade your home’s electric panel?
Aside from safety concerns caused by a defective or old breaker panel, there are many other great reasons. Also, a new breaker panel installation could fix serious issues. Let’s look at some of the reasons that new electrical panels are often installed.
Your current panel is out of date or unable to handle your current needs
This issue has been discussed before. Upgrade if your home has a fuse box or you are unable to handle your home’s electricity. If your fuse box is older than you think, it’s a good reason to upgrade.
You may find yourself constantly overloading circuits or using too many power strips and extension cables. Your system needs serious upgrades, and it all starts with the breaker panel.
You are adding a home generator
To add a home generator to your home and use it safely, you will need new wiring and a sub-panel. The sub-panel will provide separate electrical circuits for the generator to be connected and ensure safe operation.
You can add to your home with an addition
Are you thinking of adding an addition to your home or are you already there? Congratulations! Don’t forget to remember that you will also consume more electricity due to your increased square footage.
Make sure you have your panel evaluated to determine if it needs to be resized to increase electrical capacity or allow for more circuit breakers to run the new wiring.
You are adding a dedicated home-office
You may have significantly increased your electrical needs if you’ve built a home office. To determine if your panel needs to be replaced or improved, it’s a good idea to call an electrician.
A separate in-law suite is in the works
An in-law suite could be the perfect solution to your family’s needs. However, if you plan on adding a separate heating and cooling system to your suite using a multi-split technology, make sure your electrical system is capable of handling the additional power requirements.
Upgrade to an EV charging station
Electricity could be the future of transportation. You’ll still need to charge your new EV. The fastest way to do this at home is to use a Level 2 charger, which uses a 240-volt circuit. This could be a significant addition to your home’s electric system, especially if you start with a smaller circuit panel.
Always be safe
It can be very rewarding to be a DIYer. It’s important to be aware of your limitations. Consider carefully if you are able to replace or upgrade the electrical panel.
Electrical fires at home can lead to serious injuries and even death. It’s a smart decision to hire Nevada Solar Group if you aren’t sure you understand how to install electrical systems. Nevada Solar Group has highly-trained technicians who are comfortable working on projects of all sizes, from small residential repairs and upgrades to large commercial projects.
Contact us to schedule an appointment to have your circuit breaker panel evaluated for safety. We will get back to you quickly and offer no-obligation estimates.
You can add a circuit by yourself
You should be realistic when working on an electrical panel. It can be done if you are handy and willing to follow basic safety precautions.
Turn off the main panel switch. Next, remove the screws that hold the panel together and then take it out. Near the top of your panel, you will see two large lugs that have black wires attached. These wires are still alive so don’t touch them!
The metal “knockout”, located on the panel where you intend to install the new circuit breaker, must be removed. The cable will be used to create the new circuit. Then, route the cable to the location of the new breaker switch and cut the wires to length as per the breaker switch documentation.
Connect the wires to your new switch and place it in the panel. Turn the power off, replace the panel cover and test the circuit.
A small group with a big job
Your home’s breaker box is an important part of your home. It could indicate trouble if you notice it more often than usual. Don’t hesitate to call an Nevada Solar Group’s electrician if your system isn’t meeting your needs or if you notice unusual activity.
If you are thinking of making home improvements that will affect your electrical system, your breaker panel should be checked first. You could end up with more expense and trouble if it isn’t enough. You’re making a smart move by upgrading your breaker panel.