Every homeowner should be aware that there is an electrical panel somewhere in their house or condo. In fact, if you live in a rental home, you should find out where your panel is on day one, should an emergency occur. Think about the panel as the heart of the electrical network. Large amounts of power are brought into the panel by your local electric company. Then, the panel will split into circuits and distribute the power in lesser amounts to the various components of the network.
Panel Vs Subpanel
Some panels drive a single item, maybe a large appliance that
needs a lot of power and a dedicated breaker or disconnect. Some outside units
for air conditioning equipment require a mini panel, or subpanel near the unit
so the power can be disconnected at the site for maintenance. Most simple homes
will have only one main panel. Some bigger home that runs big appliances may have
sub-panels along.
Panel Capacity
Most home residence’s panels will receive 200-240 volt input.
The newer or homes will have an updated panel able to provide a 200amp service.
You may also have this if you upgraded your old electrical panel. The old system
has one large breaker for 100 amp service with only 120 volts being available.
The new and currently used panels have two large breakers for 200+ amp service
with two strips offering 120 volts on each side. On the bottom side of the
panel, you can find two long rows of screws that allow for attaching the ground
wires into the panel.
Inside the panel box you can have two types of breakers. The
first is a single-width breaker, about 1/2-3/4 inch wide with clips attaching
to the power strips for 120 volt service. The second breaker is a double width that
can attach to both sides at the same time. That means it gets 120 volt form
each side to be able to produce 220 volt. This type of circuit is the current
standard and is desired for most families who wish to have a dryer, a toaster, and
over, a microwave, and air conditioning for example. Using the microwave and
the toaster at the same time with the dryer should not be a problem anymore if
you upgrade to a 220 volt panel.
Wiring
The wiring to be used will defer depending on which type of
voltage you want to use. That is why some people need to upgrade their wiring
along with the electrical panel. As you can imagine, if there is more power
going through, the wiring itself needs to be more resistant and “heavier”.
Why Dealing With Electrical Panels Is Not A DIY Project
Electrocution is a real hazard. Dealing with anything
electrical is not something you can learn by watching a 10min video on YouTube.
Think about it, it takes about 5-6 years for a Santa Barbara electrician to
become a journeyman, meaning independent from supervision. You may cause injury
to yourself and your family and incur the risk to damaging part of your house should you
cause an electrical fire.
