A main service panel is one of the central hubs of your home’s electrical distribution system. It is usually located in the basement, garage, or utility room. Generally, it contains circuit breakers, fuses, and other equipment to distribute electricity. These devices are essential to ensure that everything in your home works properly. If yours does not, you could find yourself in a dangerous situation.
Your electrical system needs to be regularly maintained and inspected to avoid costly repairs and accidents. A faulty wiring system can cause overheating and fires. Getting an electrician to diagnose and repair any problems is a good way to prevent these incidents. Using a well-maintained electrical system can help you save money on your energy bill and qualify you for certain tax breaks.
An electrical service consists of three components: a panel, a meter, and a grounding system. The main service panel is the most important of these three. The meter measures how much electricity is flowing through your wires, while the grounding system protects your appliances and the people who work on them.
The main service panel is usually a gray metal box that sits along the inside of the exterior wall. Sometimes it is contained in a finished cabinet that is mounted on the wall. When a subpanel is installed, it serves as a convenient satellite panel for a detached garage.
The main service panel is the central point of your home’s electrical distribution system. As more appliances are plugged in, the demand for electricity increases. This demand is also a reason to update your electrical system. You may need to replace a bulb or a switch, or upgrade to a new breaker.
Typically, a house will have at least 60 amps of electrical service. However, read more larger homes today may have up to 200 amps. This can be the case if you have a home’s electrical heating system or have a large number of heavy energy-consuming appliances, such as a dishwasher.
A faulty meter or a circuit breaker can shut down power, causing a hazardous condition. Getting an experienced electrician to inspect and fix your electrical system can save you from costly repairs and accidents.
A circuit breaker is a type of device that cuts off power when the current reaches a preset limit. A faulty breaker can cause a fire, which is why it is important to have it checked regularly.
Having an experienced electrician work on your electrical system is essential to your safety and your family’s safety. Faulty wiring and breakers can cause overheating, and a malfunctioning appliance can trip a circuit and result in an arc fault.
In addition to being a safe and reliable way to provide electricity, a well-maintained electrical system will be compliant with code and allow you to take advantage of certain incentives. Whether you need a new circuit breaker, or need to upgrade your existing electrical system, an experienced electrical contractor can make sure that your home or business is fully protected.