Panel boards and breakers -everything you need to know!

As a homeowner, you probably know that your electrical system is one of the most critical components of your home. However, do you know what goes into it? Specifically, do you know about your main panelboard and breakers?

In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about main panelboards and breakers, including what they are, how they work, and what to look out for when it comes to maintenance and safety.

What Is a Main Panelboard?

A main panelboard, sometimes called a main breaker panel or distribution board, is the central hub of your home's electrical system. It's typically located in a utility room, basement, or garage and is connected to your electric meter, which measures how much electricity your home uses.

The main panelboard houses all the circuit breakers for your home's electrical circuits. It receives electricity from the utility company and distributes it to the various circuits throughout your home.

What Are Breakers?

Circuit breakers are the safety switches that protect your home's electrical circuits from overloading or short-circuiting. They do this by interrupting the flow of electricity when the current exceeds a certain level or when a short circuit occurs.

Each circuit in your home has its own circuit breaker, which is typically located inside the main panelboard. When a circuit breaker trips, it shuts off the flow of electricity to that circuit, preventing any damage to the electrical system or appliances.

How Do Main Panelboards and Breakers Work?

When electricity enters your home, it flows through the main service panel and into the main breaker, which controls the amount of electricity that enters your home. From there, the electricity is distributed to the various circuits throughout your home.

Each circuit has its own breaker, which is designed to trip and shut off the flow of electricity when there's a problem. For example, if you plug too many appliances into one outlet, the circuit breaker will trip to prevent the circuit from overloading and causing a fire.

What to Look Out for When It Comes to Maintenance and Safety

While your main panelboard and breakers are designed to last for many years, they still require regular maintenance to ensure they're functioning correctly and safely. Here are a few things to look out for:

- **Signs of wear and tear**: Check your main panelboard and breakers for signs of wear and tear, such as rust or corrosion. If you notice any damage, contact a licensed electrician to inspect and repair the issue.

- **Flickering lights**: If your lights flicker or dim, it could be a sign of a problem with your main panelboard or circuit breakers.

- **Tripping breakers**: If your circuit breakers are tripping frequently, it could be a sign of an overloaded circuit or a faulty breaker. A licensed electrician can help diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.

- **Old or outdated panelboards**: If your home has an older or outdated main panelboard, it may not be equipped to handle the electrical demands of modern appliances and devices. Consider upgrading to a newer, more robust panelboard to ensure the safety and functionality of your electrical system.

Conclusion

Your main panelboard and breakers are critical components of your home's electrical system, and it's important to ensure they're functioning correctly and safely. Regular maintenance and inspection can help identify and address any issues before they become more significant problems.

If you have any concerns about your main panelboard or breakers, don't hesitate to contact a licensed electrician for assistance. With proper care and attention, your electrical system can provide reliable and safe power to your home for many years to come.