Here’s How to Choose the Right Electrical Panel or Circuit Breaker

Your home’s electrical panel and circuit breakers are critical in ensuring the electrical system works properly. Besides helping prevent electrical fires and shock hazards, this equipment also keeps your lights, appliances and receptacles running smoothly. You may decide to update your breaker panel in order to increase its capacity, to improve the resale value of your house or as part of new residential construction. Read on and learn how to choose the right electrical panel and circuit breakers for your home.

Types of Electrical Panels Common Types of Circuit Breakers Buying Considerations

Types of Electrical Panels

Do your research before purchasing an electrical panel. Start by consulting with a pro or checking with your municipal office and utility company that the selected panel conforms to code requirements. Here’s what you need to know about electrical panels.

Common Types of Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are located inside the breaker panel and have ON/OFF switches that control the flow of power. In the event of an overload or short circuit, a breaker will “trip,” thereby breaking the current, which prevents overheating and electrical fires. Here are the most common types of breakers.

Buying Considerations

Once you decide to purchase a breaker panel and/or breaker switches, it’s important to determine exactly what you need and ensure it meets your local building code requirements. Avoid costly mistakes by doing your research and/or tapping into the know-how of a certified electrician.

Amperage

If you’re in a new residential installation, find out what amperage is required in your location. For retrofit applications, check the existing amperage and style of panel to ensure any new electrical devices are compatible.

Compatibility

While some circuit breakers are interchangeable, most are brand-specific. Make sure to replace or add breakers designed for the brand of panel. Also, check the type of breaker within the brand to ensure it fits. The breaker panel door should list compatibility information.

Capacity

Ensure your breaker panel offers enough capacity for your home’s needs. Also check that it offers space for additional breakers because a panel with spare slots will make it easier to expand your set-up in the future.

Local Regulations

Make sure your panel installation and configuration meet the latest electrical code requirements and that you have any required permits. You’ll avoid rework, while keeping your home safe and functioning properly.

Growing Need

Does your house need more power? In this case, you’ll need a new breaker box, electrical meter and other accessories. For complicated electrical jobs, hire a licensed professional to make sure it’s done correctly.

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FAQs

How do you reset a circuit breaker?

A circuit breaker is simply a switch that automatically turns off power due to excess current or a short circuit. A circuit breaker “trips” to prevent damage to the devices connected to that circuit and the wiring in your home. Circuit breakers are located in the main electrical panel or ‘breaker box’ which can usually be found in a utility closet, basement, or garage. Each breaker will be labeled to identify which circuit it controls. To reset a tripped circuit breaker, look for the one that is out of alignment with the breakers, then flip it back to the ‘on’ position.

Do I need a single or double pole breaker?

A single-pole breaker delivers 120 volts and is ideal for use in circuits that power small appliances to protect them. A double-pole breaker provides 240 volts and is for circuits that power larger appliances. You should choose the breaker that best suits the appliances on a given circuit.

How do you change a fuse in a breaker box?

Many older homes still have a fuse box instead of breakers. These boxes contain glass or ceramic fuses with a thin wire filament inside. If a surge of electrical current exceeds a fuse’s rated capacity it will melt the wire and sever the circuit. Unlike a circuit breaker, a blown fuse cannot be switched back on. Here’s how to replace it:

Lay a rubber mat on the floor to protect yourself from electric shock.
Open the fuse box door and inspect each fuse to find the one that is burned or melted (good fuses will have clear glass but the blown fuses will look cloudy or dark).
If your fuses are not labeled turn the lights on and off around your house until you find out which circuit is affected.
Unplug everything and turn off all the lights in that area before replacing the fuse.
Turn off the power to your house by pulling out the handle on the main fuse block at the top of the panel.
Unscrew the damaged fuse taking care to avoid touching the metal threads which could shock you.
Find the amperage rating on the side of the fuse.
Replace it with a fuse of the same amperage by screwing it into the empty socket.
Push the fuse block handle back into place to restore power.
Test your lights and appliances to make sure they’re working then close the fuse box door.

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Here’s How to Choose the Right Electrical Panel or Circuit Breaker

Types of Electrical Panels

Common Types of Circuit Breakers

Buying Considerations

Amperage

Compatibility

Capacity

Local Regulations

Growing Need

FAQs

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