As homeowners, it’s easy to take electricity for granted. However, in order to receive and use it safely, the right electrical panel is a must.
But how do you find an electrical panel that’s suitable for your cherished home in Niceville?
Well, when seeking such a device, three important factors to consider are the ampere rating, the number of circuits, and the manufacturer.
Let’s take a closer look now at what electrical panels are, how they vary, and how you could choose the best one for your house.
Electrical Panels: A Brief Introduction
Your electrical panel is the metal box that controls the electricity entering your home. When electricity from your utility company flows into this box, it distributes that power through a series of circuits.
As a result, every outlet in your house will receive electricity, and every appliance will be able to function.
In addition to power distribution, electrical panels provide safety. If there were ever an electrical malfunction or a surge of electricity coming into your house, the panel would automatically stop the power flow. That way, it could prevent an electrical fire.
Electrical panels are usually installed outside a home to keep them away from anything that might be combustible or flammable. It also makes it easier for electricians, firefighters, and other emergency responders to access these panels.
Moreover, if a damaged electrical panel ever caught fire, that fire would be somewhat less dangerous if it ignited outdoors.
An electrical panel typically lasts between 25 and 40 years. However, some panels wear out faster. It often depends on their quality, maintenance history, and level of usage.
Certain signs can indicate that it’s time to replace an electrical panel. They include lightbulbs that burn out faster than usual, lights that often flicker, burning smells inside a home, damaged wires, and breakers that trip frequently.
On top of that, if you’re moving into a new home or selling your current one, you should probably replace your electrical panel right away.
Choosing a New Electrical Panel: Factors to Consider
If you know what to look for in your electrical panel, you might find one that will work well for decades.
1. The Ampere Rating
Every electrical panel comes with an ampere, or amp, rating. That number tells you how much electricity it can safely handle.
Although some older homes have 60-amp panels, the National Electrical Code now requires a rating of at least 100. For most houses, a 150 or 200 rating would be appropriate. And larger houses may require amp ratings of 300 or 400.
2. The Number of Circuits
Think of an electrical circuit as a giant loop inside your home. Electricity enters through the electrical panel, travels via wires and electrical outlets, and goes into various appliances and fixtures.
Eventually, that electricity exits your home through your electric meter, a device that measures precisely how much power you’ve been using. (After leaving your house, the electricity returns to where it came from — a transformer or a substation, perhaps.)
The average number of electrical circuits in a house is 28. But that number can vary quite a bit. It depends on, among other factors, a home’s square footage and its total number of rooms.
In any event, your electrical panel must support the number of circuits inside your house.
3. The Manufacturer
Not all electrical panels are of equal quality. Thus, you’ll want a panel made by a reputable brand — one that’s known for safety, reliability, and high quality.
A Note About Subpanels
It’s also possible that you’d want a subpanel installed near your electrical panel.
A subpanel isn’t an entry point for electricity like your main panel is. However, it could distribute some of that power to other areas. For instance, a subpanel might send electricity to a hot tub, a swimming pool, or a garage. In the process, it would help prevent the main panel from getting overloaded.
Electrical Panel Assistance
As you can see, choosing an electrical panel can be a complex decision. Fortunately, though, you don’t have to make this choice on your own.
Instead, you could always consult a trustworthy electrical company, one like Niceville Mister Sparky, for ideas and advice. Then, once you’ve chosen a panel, one of that company’s electricians could install it, making sure that it’s up to code and working perfectly.
As a result, your entire Niceville home will be safeguarded from electrical issues. And you and your family can depend on always having the power you need.