700 Third Line, Oakville, ON, Suite 116, L6L 4B1
24/7 - Mississauga: 416-570-9977 & Oakville: 416-272-8610
700 Third Line, Oakville, ON, Suite 116, L6L 4B1
24/7 - Mississauga: 416-570-9977 & Oakville: 416-272-8610
You finally decided that you would like to upgrade your electrical panel. For sure, you will need to bring in a licensed electrician to do the work for you. However, in order to add as much value as possible to your electrical panel upgrade, we have put together this electrical panel guide to help you understand the language your electrician will be using.
The electrical panel (also known as a breaker box or fuse box) is the center of your home’s electrical system.
Circuit breakers are automatic electrical switches within the panel that protect circuits from overload or short circuits by interrupting the flow of electricity. If a circuit draws too much power, the breaker “trips,” cutting off the electrical flow to prevent damage or fire.
A fuse box is an older type of electrical panel that uses fuses instead of circuit breakers. The key difference between fuses and circuits is that fuses need to be replaced after they blow, whereas circuit breakers can be reset.
This measures the strength of the electric current in your home’s system. Modern homes typically have panels rated for 100 to 200 amps, which determine the number of appliances and devices that can run simultaneously without tripping breakers.
A 200-amp electrical panel is typically used in larger homes or those with high electricity demands, such as multiple HVAC systems, electric vehicle charging stations, or a home workshop with heavy-duty equipment.
On the other hand, a 100-amp panel might be sufficient for smaller homes with fewer electrical needs, this includes basic lighting, appliances, and heating.
Choosing the right amperage depends on the size of your home, the number of electrical devices you use, and any future plans for expansion or upgrades.
The main breaker controls the flow of electricity to your entire home. This is the switch that can turn off all power in case of an emergency. It also indicates the total amperage capacity of your electrical panel (e.g., 100 amps, 200 amps).
A secondary panel that distributes power to specific areas or appliances, often used when the main panel doesn’t have enough space for additional circuits.
This is the terminal in the panel where neutral wires connect. The neutral wires carry electricity back to the panel after it flows through your devices.
Grounding is a safety measure that directs excess electricity safely into the ground, preventing electrical shock or fire. The grounding wire connects the panel to the earth or a metal rod driven into the ground.
This refers to the cables that bring electrical power from the utility company’s lines into your home, connecting to the main breaker in your panel.
This breaker occupies two slots in your panel and provides 240 volts of power, typically used for large appliances like stoves or air conditioners.
Understanding these terms not only gives you a clearer picture of how your home’s electrical system functions but helps you communicate more effectively with your electrician. At Colony Electrical Inc – electrical contractors servicing Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Etobicoke and Hamilton we specialize in the installation, upgrade and maintenance of electrical panels for your home or business. Give us a call for a quote!
