A circuit breaker is a switch that can be manually or automatically operated to interrupt the flow of electricity to an electrical circuit. It protects devices from being damaged by overloads or short circuits by detecting these problems and cutting off the power. They are used in many settings including homes, offices, factories, and a wide range of other settings. They are commonly found in the garage or basement of a home. They may also be located in a utility closet or in an equipment room. In a home, a breaker box is often called the fuse box.
A modern Electric Panel performs two important functions: it carries electricity to outlets and fixtures in the home, and it prevents overloading that can lead to house fires. The panel is typically located in a dry, indoor location to keep it from being tampered with or accessed unintentionally and causing damage or injury.
You may have a main service panel that feeds all the circuits in your house, or you may have a sub-panel serving a specific area like a new kitchen. In either case, the breaker panels are usually mounted on the wall in the garage or basement, though they can be placed in other areas of the house. They have a cover to prevent unauthorized access, and they usually require an electrician to open and inspect them.
In older homes, the circuits were protected by round fuses that had to be replaced after blowing. The modern breaker box contains circuit breakers that can be reset after an overload or short circuit. The panel is normally labeled to identify which breaker controls each device or fixture in the home.
The breaker panel is usually arranged in two columns, with each row fed from a different line. The breaker positions are usually numbered from left-to-right, and if the breaker is labeled, it will be marked as either single- or double-pole. The double-pole breaker will occupy two breaker slots.
There are spaces in the panel that have metal knock-outs to allow additional breakers to be inserted. You can check the number of open spaces by removing the cover. It’s a good idea to use a voltage tester before opening the panel to ensure it is safe to work on. It is always best to have an electrician do this kind of work.
An electrical control panel is a metallic enclosure that houses all the electronic and electrical equipment within it. They are used in a variety of settings, but are most common in factories where they provide power to machines and processes. They can be a significant cost saver for businesses by allowing fewer employees to handle the machinery directly.
The panel is usually made of steel, aluminum, or a combination of both, depending on the application. It can be waterproof, dustproof, or explosion-proof if necessary. It will have a label on the outside that shows its usage limits and other relevant information. Electrical Panel
