Most residential homes rely on the services of their local utility company for electricity. The power coming from the utility company goes through the electrical panel which acts as the main switchboard that distributes the electricity needs within each home. This can be for lights, appliances, and other devices used by members of the household.
There are 4 different types of electrical panels – the main breaker panel, fuse boxes, main lug panels, and subpanels. The main breaker panel is the mother of all the panels in your house. It regulates the circuit breakers and the electricity consumption within the home. Fuse boxes are made up of small fuses which are designed to prevent overloading within your circuits. Main lug panels are comprised of line wires that run into lugs eliminating the need for the main breaker. Subpanels are electrical panels that get their energy from the main panel through a particular circuit. They allow you to control the electrical consumption of members of your household.
Can you identify which types of electrical panels are used within your home? Have you also wondered when you should replace your electrical panel? On average, electrical panels should be replaced every 20 years. Old electrical panels like the fuse box need to be updated to one that can handle your present electrical consumption. However, if you experience flickering lights, the burnt smell coming from your electrical panel, frequent circuit breaker trips, or if there’s been a major addition to your electric appliances and devices, then you should have your electrical panel checked and replaced if needed.
How do you install a 200 amp breaker box?
Should you need to upgrade into a 200-amp breaker box, you’ll need to get a work permit from your local building inspector, get in touch with your utility provider and ask them to temporarily stop the service on the day of installation so that you can proceed with the installation. It’s a rather complicated and dangerous job that’s why we highly recommend that you hire a professional electrician to get the job done. We here at Arc Angel Electric can install your 200-amp breaker box, take care of all the permits, and make the necessary inspection for safety purposes.
If you’re installing the Square D brand 200-amp breaker panel, it should be the same as installing any other brand of 200-amp panel. The only difference is that the cables are connected through the back of the panel because of its back feed design. Again, we recommend that you leave this to the pros. Our professional electricians at Arc Angel Electric can help you with all your electrical projects.
A 200-amp service will give you the flexibility for your electrical consumption. You can upgrade your 100-amp panel into a 200-amp panel to comply with the new regulations and accommodate your growing need for electricity. Homeowners can change their electrical panel if they are knowledgeable about electrical stuff. However, it is best to entrust the job to electrical professionals at Arc Angel Electric to ensure the quality and safety of the work.
How can you tell the difference between a 100-amp service and a 200-amp service?
A 100-amp service is usually good for a small home without electric heating. The 200-amp service is the current standard for newly built homes to serve all the electrical needs of modern equipment. Physically, the 200-amp breaker is larger than the 100-amp because it holds more circuit breakers.
How does an electrical panel work?
The electrical panel receives the electricity coming from your utility provider. The main breaker panel turns the power on or off in all the branch circuits within the house. Electrical current travels through hot wires in your circuit breakers to power your electrical devices.
Where should I place my electrical panel?
The National Electric Code says that electric panels should be placed in a spacious room with clear working space, reachable, and well-lit. Your main breaker panel should be placed in an area that people in your house don’t usually stay in. The Fire Department has recommended for the home electric panels to be attached outside the homes to make it easier for them to shut off electricity in case there’s a fire. The secondary panels can be placed in other rooms such as the bedroom as long as no water can reach them. Therefore, you shouldn’t put your electric panels in your bathroom or laundry room.
What should you not touch in a breaker box?
Always be cautious when working with any electrical panels. It has parts that can electrocute you and it can be lethal. Avoid touching the neutral bus bar, a neutral wire, main black cable, burnt or damaged parts, and exposed metal parts. Remember, it is only safe to touch a circuit breaker when all the power is turned off.
How much does it cost to replace an electrical panel?
The labor cost is a major factor in determining how much you’ll spend on your electrical panel replacement. It also depends if you’re getting the services of an electrical professional. You would need to secure a permit from your local building inspector. It usually takes the whole day or 8-10 hours to change your electrical panel.
Does homeowners insurance cover the breaker boxes?
Homeowners’ insurance covers some types of electric panels malfunction under certain circumstances. However, if your breaker box is outdated or a fire happened due to faulty wiring, it is possible that it’s not covered by your insurance company.
Always keep your electrical panel in good condition to ensure your safety and efficient use of electricity. Adhere to the National Electric Code to prevent any accidents and minimize your risks. Have your electrical panels and wirings checked regularly to be certain that everything’s safe and within required standards. Contact Arc Angel Electric should you need to have your electrical panels upgraded or replaced. We guarantee the best electrical services to keep your home safe at all times.
