subject: Circuit Breaker Panel Installation And Replacement [print this page] A typical home may draw between 100 and 200 amps of current depending on the electrical load requirement. In a typical home there are three or less major appliances, thus a 100-amp circuit breaker panel is often adequate in such a case.
An electrical circuit breaker panel is the main distribution point for electrical circuits in your home. The incoming current flows through an electrical meter, through an electrical disconnect and then to the main breaker in your electrical circuit breaker panel.
If you think your requirements are higher then you can calculate the same by knowing the ratings of each appliance that you want to install, alternatively you could call a professional service to determine the requirement.
For easy understanding and reference, there is a panel index inside the door. This is where you will write down what the circuits are feeding. The entire breaker panel is usually gray in color and is made of metal. It can either be surface mounted or installed within a wall for a neater, more hidden look.
The breaker panel also has a neutral buss and a grounding bar. The enclosure is sealed off for protection by a panel cover and is usually mounted with screws. It also has panel access door that allows you to access the breakers without removing the cover.
A main breaker is located at the top or bottom of breakers, with the main breaker marked with the value of protection on the breaker handle. Some equipment need more electricity thus some are installed on 110 voltage line, while others, like electric heaters and water heaters, need 220 Voltage line. An electrical panel has space to put in both the variety of breakers. An important point to be noted is that the breakers cannot exceed the recommended limit of the panel.
A circuit breaker helps in protecting the electrical wiring and equipments from getting overloaded. It cuts the power off until someone repairs it again. This prevents any hazardous situation from occurring. It is a safety feature what works like a fuse but unlike fuse it can be reused. For this reason the breakers are more expensive than a fuse, it could vary from $2-$100.
A circuit breaker may to be replaced or added when you are adding a new circuit. However many people wrongly think of replacing a breaker if and trips off too often. But actually the breaker may be right doing what it is supposed to do, and the fault may lie with the equipment drawing current from the breaker. It is important to get the actual problem checked and corrected.
Electrical circuit fault related to panels and breakers is best done by a trained professional. While working with the panel always shut off all the branch circuit breakers first and then shut off the main panel circuit breaker. Also note that, in most cases, even after taking the panel cover off, you do not have access to the main circuit breaker compartment, you will have to remove the main compartment cover as well. But never try to open it if you are not professionally trained to do so.
Thus, as installation of a circuit breaker panel needs various considerations to be kept in mind while working, it needs a professionally trained and certified person to do the installation successfully.
by: Ryan Spark
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