How Do Electrical Service Panels Work?
While you may know it as a breaker box, It's officially called a load breaker. What this main service panel does is it receives power from the utility company and then acts as a switchboard for the electricity in your home or business and distributes it throughout your home. It is usually a metal or plastic cabinet that is fastened to a wall. In addition, you'll also find an assortment of fuses, circuit breakers, and over-current devices.
It is important to have your panel inspected and maintained on a regular basis to ensure the sealing at the service entrance is intact. This can help prevent damage to the breakers and help you from needing repairs. Here are a few ways a service panel can become damaged:
- Corrosion -
If your electrical panel is poorly sealed or if your service entry cable is frayed or old, water can enter. - Rust -
If the service panel is so badly rusted that the electrician can't get in, it may need to be replaced as well as the circuit breakers, this is so that your home does not overload. - Moisture -
Moisture can enter through corroded electrical wiring and cause the circuit breakers to rust as well.
What You Need to Know About Circuit Breakers
The main circuit breaker is larger than branch circuit breakers and handles the large amperage loads that are coming through the main service entrance. It distributes the power across the branch circuit breakers, which send electricity through your home or business to power your lights and appliances. If there is a problem, the main circuit breaker can be shut off, which will cut the power for the entire system. The circuit breakers regulate the amount of power coming through your building and help keep you safe from dangerous situations.
At Knee’s Electrical Service, we have the experience to handle electrical issues in a safe and effective manner. We will work quickly to install, repair, and maintain electrical service panels for your home or business. Our team is dedicated to your satisfaction. We will answer your questions and work quickly to provide a cost-effective solution.
Call Knee’s Electrical Service at (765) 201-7220 today or contact us online for a circuit breaker service in Marion.