Electrical Panel: What You Need To Know
The power to run your household appliances starts at a power plant. It travels over long distances through high voltage wires-the tall towers that disturb many a homeowner’s view out their window-through a transformer at a substation that steps the voltage down to 120V or 240V, then passes through your meter and into your breaker box.
A breaker is an automatically managed & operated electrical switch designed to protect an electric circuit from damage due to overloading or short circuits. Its basic function is to detect a problem and then interrupt the flow of current.
Unlike old fuses, which had to be replaced after blowing, modern circuit breakers have no internal parts that can fail over time and must simply be re-engaged when you reset them. However, the circuit breaker must be properly sized to accommodate your household’s total wattage needs. If you plan to add a new appliance or make significant renovations to your home, it may be necessary to upgrade the service panel.
The main service panel is usually a vertical gray metal box located inside or on the outside of your home in a utility area, near where the meter is. It may be closed or it may have a cover that must be removed to gain access to the components. Regardless of its physical appearance, the panel is considered a dangerous device that must be handled carefully to avoid injury. It should only be opened by licensed electricians who have been trained in its safe operation and maintenance.