The electrical panel in your home is the core of your electrical system. It distributes electricity from the utility company to your house’s various circuits. Additionally, it protects against electrical hazards like power surges, overloads, and short circuits in your residence. It’s critical to comprehend the components of your electric panel as well as its location and operation.
Components of Your Electrical Power Panel
Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers are components of the electrical panel that are made to guard your house against electrical faults. When they detect an overload, they trip immediately, averting potential hazards like fires. For every homeowner, knowing how to identify and reset a tripped breaker is an invaluable skill that may be helpful once in a while.
The Main Breaker
The main switch that regulates the amount of energy entering your home is the main breaker. When doing maintenance or in an emergency, you must turn off the electricity using this breaker, which is usually the largest in the panel.
Bus Bars
Bus bars are metal strips inside various circuits that distribute power. Keeping them free from damage and corrosion is essential to maintain a dependable electrical connection.
Ground and Neutral Bars
While the ground bar offers a safe route for electricity to safely disperse into the ground, the neutral bar transfers current back to the electrical source. These elements are essential for preserving your home’s electrical stability and protecting against electrical shocks.
Location of the Electrical Panel
Usually, the electrical panel is placed in a noticeable and easily accessible area of your house, like the utility room, basement, garage, or closet. It might also be near the meter, outside the residence. They’re never placed in confined places or rooms with high humidity levels such as the bathroom or inside the kitchen.
You should be aware of where your electrical panel is and how to get to it in the event that you need to reset a tripped breaker or turn off the power. Additionally, you should avoid having any clutter, combustible materials, or water sources near the panel. This will guarantee the panel’s efficiency and safety.
How the Electrical Power Panel Works
Inside the electrical panel, the main breaker receives power from the utility company, and the circuit breakers distribute that power to the other circuits in your home. Every circuit’s current level is monitored by the circuit breakers, which immediately cut off the electricity if it rises above a safe threshold. This keeps your electrical gadgets from overheating, catching fire, or getting damaged.
A faulty gadget, a power surge, or a lightning strike can occasionally cause a circuit breaker to trip. In this situation, before you reset the breaker, you should consult with an expert to determine the problem and solve it.
Tips for Maintaining Your Electrical Panel
Regular Inspections
Every few months, take a moment to visually examine your electrical panel. Keep an eye out for signs of corrosion, damage, or loose connections. If you see any anomalies, contact experts to evaluate and resolve the issue.
Labeling
Label each circuit breaker appropriately to indicate which part of your house it corresponds to. This saves time and prevents confusion during electrical troubleshooting by making it simpler to find and isolate particular circuits as needed.
Upgrade When Required
Upgrade to a more contemporary and effective electrical panel if the one in your house is outdated. Our crew at Electricode is experienced at installing electrical panels, so you can be sure your house has the newest technology for improved performance and safety.
When to Consult a Professional for Electrical Panels Services
An experienced electrician is always needed to handle electrical services related to your electric panel. This is especially true when there’s a need to upgrade your existing electrical panel to handle extra devices, circuits, or power needs. You should also consult a professional if the electrical panel you have is outdated and uses fuses rather than circuit breakers.
If you notice sparks coming from the panel, catch burning smells, buzzing sounds, or flickering lights, or experience random or frequent power outages, it’s time to consult an expert. This is also true if your panel is from Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) since the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has determined that these are unsafe and faulty.
Electricode is your reliable source for high-quality electrical panel services in Las Vegas. Our licensed and skilled technicians can handle any size electrical project. We provide various electrical services, including electrical inspection, electrical panels, surge protection, electrical repair, wiring, and rewiring. Get in touch with Electricode today to find out more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
