Understanding the Different Types of Electrical Panels and Their Uses
Electrical panels are one of the most integral components of your home or business’s electrical system. These devices function as the central hub for the electrical circuits in your building. They are responsible for distributing electrical power from the utility source into individual circuits to provide electricity where it's required. However, not all electrical panels are created equal. To help you understand, we’ll discuss the different types of electrical panels and their uses.
The first type is the Main Breaker Panel. It is the most common type of electrical panel and offers a main circuit breaker that can shut off all power to your property. The main breaker panel provides a high level of safety because it allows you to turn off the electricity in your home or business completely during an emergency or maintenance.
Next is the Main Lug Panel. Opposed to the main breaker panel, the main lug panel operates without a main circuit breaker. The power runs from the meter and then to an external disconnect. This type of panel is often used in applications where there is a main breaker elsewhere and the main lug panel serves as distribution for a particular area.
Sub-Panel, another friendly type, is generally smaller and is used to extend the circuit capacity of a main panel. These can be installed near high-demand areas to add more circuits or closer to areas that are far removed from the main panel, reducing the distance electricity has to travel and improving efficiency.
A Transfer Switch, unlike traditional panels, is designed to be used with portable or standby generators. They can switch the source of your building’s electricity from the utility to the generator during a power outage, ensuring a continuous power supply.
Lastly, we have the Breaker Bus Panel. These panels have two bus bars, one for hot wires that bring in the electricity, and another for neutral wires that take electricity back. The breaker bus panel ensures every circuit has a neutral line to return the current.
Understanding the differences between these electrical panels can help you make a more informed decision when it’s time for a panel upgrade, new construction, or maintenance. While main breaker panels are suitable for many applications, other types come with their own benefits. Main lug panels are helpful where a master shutoff isn't necessary, sub-panels can help distribute electricity efficiently, transfer switches can keep your power on during an outage, and breaker bus panels provide dedicated neutral lines to each circuit.
Here at Pro-Tec Electrical Services, our certified electricians maintain a detailed understanding of all types of electrical panels. Therefore, whether you need to install a new panel, maintain an existing one, or repair a faulty panel, we are equipped for the job.
Don't wait for a power outage or a blown circuit to scare you into paying attention to your electrical panel. It's always safer and often more cost-effective to tackle potential issues before they become real problems.
