What is an electrical panel?
Known as a distribution board or breaker box, among other names, the electric panel is a closed steel box that houses your electrical system circuit breaker, which is a switch that regulates your home's power supply. Circuits distribute the power provided by your electricity service - usually from city sources - throughout your home. Circuit breakers protect your cable from electrical surges or shorts, effectively shutting down the power supply when tripping. Each electric panel has an inherent electrical capacity load to handle specific usage needs. If you increase the load capacity of your home, you need to add another breaker box to compensate.
Where did the power come from?
Electricity enters your home through a supply line connected to your electricity meter box, which is located outside and tracks how much electricity is used every month. The supply line is ultimately connected directly to your distribution board, where electricity is controlled by a series of circuit breakers that distribute power to each room of your home - one circuit breaker per room.
How do your electrical panels keep you safe?
Safety is the most important consideration when working with electricity. City building regulations determine how your electrical system needs to be formed to protect you, your family and your home. For example, the circuit breaker must turn off the power supply when the cables are installed to prevent fire. In addition, wall outlets located in potentially humid areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens, must have ground fault circuitry (GFCIs), which protects you from shock by turning off the power supply to the circuit at the outlet stage.