California Homeowner's Guide to Electrical Panels
For many of us, electricity comes instantly at the flip of a switch. It's such a simple process most of us don't think about. Underneath its simplicity lies a complex highway of wires weaving their way throughout your house and beyond, congregating at your electrical panels.
Interested to learn more? This is your California homeowner's guide to electrical panels!
What Is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel is like a transfer station for your home's electricity. It's the main connection of the external power lines carrying energy to your internal electrical system. Think of your home electrical panel as a control station to power throughout your home.
Each home has one electrical panel built into the side of the wall, which you can open with a small metal door. Once your electrical panel is open, there will be a bunch of levers (A.K.A. breakers), and hopefully, they're marked. Each lever corresponds to a different room or electrical function throughout your home.
With your home electrical panel, you can manually shut off electricity in specific rooms and A/C using the main breaker panel.
Electrical panels go by many names, including service panels, distribution boards, electrical boxes, panel boards, switchboards, breaker boxes, load centers, and fuse boxes.
Is a Circuit Breaker the Same as an Electrical Panel?
A circuit breaker is a protective component that automatically opens a circuit with excessive current and helps restore it after the event. The electrical panel controls the power of each component and has breakers for each circuit to help divide the amount of electricity going to the various circuits.
Are There Different Types of Electrical Panels?
There are four different types of service panels. Do you recognize these terms?
1. Main Breaker Panel/Large Circuit Breaker
Essentially, this is the source of all power throughout your home or business. Using the main breaker panel, you can cut off electricity from your entire home, store, or other building.
The breaker looks like a metal box with a door and is usually located in the utility room, basement, or garage. Typically, they are surface mounted, exposing the entire unit, and we'll have white tubes and spool-like knobs with wires snaked through them.
Consider replacement if the breakers are no longer meeting code requirements, you need more amps, the creakers are worn, or you're finding burn marks, cracks in the casing, or smelling smoke.
2. Fuse Box
Consisting of small fuses, these blow out when overloaded, preventing a surge from causing damage. Fuse boxes are a much older option than electrical panels; modern homes do not install them.
There are several types of fuse boxes, which will be located inside the breaker box. Fuses are part of the electrical panel and may be in cartridge or screw-in form, made of glass or ceramic plugs with exposed wires.
Depending on the model, fuse boxes can last between 20 and 40 years, but if you're having other issues like fuses blowing regularly, burned or loose fuses, or strange popping and hissing noises coming from the box, it may be time for a replacement.
Remember that some insurance companies won't insure homes with fuse boxes because they catch on fire easily.
3. Main Lug Panel
Known as "secondary" or "downstream" panels, main lug panels are generally used when your circuit breaker becomes full. For example, if you built an addition to your home.
Lug panels are typically not part of the primary breaker box and will be a separate electrical panel from the main breaker. Main lug panels can be connected to your home as sub-panels and need overcurrent protection unless converted.
Like a breaker box, the main lug panel serves the same purpose but lacks overcurrent protection unless a conversion has been completed. The system is designed to last as long as the main breaker unless you find issues like a lack of power or damage to the panel.
4. Sub Panel
In contrast with the main breaker panel, a sub-panel supplies power to specific parts of your home. Sub-panels get electricity from the main breaker, so they don't produce energy independently.
Sub-panels make construction easier and are often used in remote or outdoor areas of your home. They can be placed anywhere outside the business or residence, with the only requirement being at least a foot from the main box, and can last between 25 and 40 years with a professional installation.
Service Panel Locations
Service panels are generally kept away from the main dwellings of your home or business. They are usually found in basements, garages, or utility rooms. However, service panels can be found in or near the laundry room or kitchen in full-sized apartments, studios, and some townhouses.
Frequency of Inspection
Loose connections or exposed wires may occur at any time. This may have disastrous results if unchecked.
The minimum time between inspections should be three years, but it's best to inspect your service panel once a year to be safe.
When Should You Replace an Electrical Panel?
Knowing when it's time to do the replacement is essential, and here are just a few expert signs to look for.
Your Current is Never Consistent
If your lighting constantly dims or flickers, it could be a sign that your electrical system is overloaded or you need a new service panel.
Constant Resets or Burning Odors
Additionally, replacement may be necessary if you have to reset your circuit breaker or smell a burning odor. If you have a fuse box, replace it with an electrical panel right away.
You Don't Have Enough Amps
Low amperage (electrical current strength) is another sign that you should replace your electrical panel. Modern homes should get between 150-200 amps.
If You Are Renovating or Installing New Appliances
Also, replace your electrical panel if you are upgrading your home or recently purchased a new appliance. Old or less powerful electrical panels may not be able to handle home renovations or be able to charge modern appliances.
The Box is Outdated
Lastly, consider replacing a service panel if it's 20 years old or more, as it has become outdated. Rust surrounding or on your service panel is another good sign that it is time to be replaced.
How a Replacement Can Benefit You?
Investing in a new box has multiple advantages, with the primary one being knowing your home is safer. You don't have to worry about outdated electrical wiring not providing you with a consistent power source, and because faulty wiring brings the risk of damaging expensive appliances, or worse yet, electrical fires and a new box, removes the worry.
A replacement improves property values, helps enhance energy efficiency, and lets you rest easy knowing that you comply with building code requirements, so you don't have to worry about not following regulations.
Service Panel Safety Tips
If you must handle your service panel, ensure you know the hazards and safety precautions to prevent an accident or death.
● Use insulated or leather gloves
● Wear safety shoes to ensure you are not grounded
● Don't touch any metal parts or the panel
● Don't use any metal tools on the panel
● Give yourself and service people space to step away from the panel
● Wait for a trained electrician to handle your problem
Contact SoCal Electrical & Lighting for Electrical Panels
If you still need more service panel knowledge, contact SoCal Electrical & Lighting. We will safely inspect your service panel and provide you with all the knowledge you may need about it.
Request a quote or call us at 760-699-2686 for all your electrical and lighting needs in the Coachella Valley area!