3 Main Types of Electrical Panels

If you’re not an electrician, you probably haven’t given much thought to the electrical panel in your home. You probably know that it’s where electricity enters your home from the big wires outside and that it’s where you need to go when you “blow a fuse.”

We’re going to take a guess, however, that you didn’t know there are three main types of electrical panels and that the type of panel you have is based on the size of your house and the amount of electricity you use.

Types of Electrical Panels

Here’s more on the three main types of electrical panels.

The Main Breaker Panel

This is the mother of all electrical panels. It is where you will find the main breaker that can shut off power to the entire house. It’s also where the amount of electricity that enters your home is controlled. The main breaker panel ultimately protects the circuits it feeds, and it identifies your breaker panel’s amperage capacity.

The Main Lug Panel

These breakers do not have a main breaker. Instead, the line wires run into lugs. With a lug panel, there is a separate disconnect that can be used from the outside if there is a fire or other emergency.

The Sub Panels

If you need multiple circuits in a single area of your house, your best bet is to go with sub panels. They are typically powered by a circuit from within the main panel, and they do not have their own disconnect. With sub panels, you can adjust how the electricity is distributed throughout your house.

Electrical Panels: The Bottom Line

Whether you need new electrical panels for a new home or it’s time to upgrade your current panels, the bottom line is that it’s best to work with an expert when you’re ready to choose and install the panel.

Different types of panels are designed to handle different sets of circumstances, and choosing the wrong panel can cause all types of problems, from funny smells to risky electrical failures.

You can avoid electrical panel problems by working with an expert electrician at Lon Lockwood Electric. We can help you figure out your best options for meeting your needs and giving you the control and power you want.

To learn more or schedule your electrical panel upgrade, call Lon Lockwood Electric at (585) 766-4702 or contact us online today!