The heart of your home’s power: Electrical Panels Explained

Your complete guide to safety, troubleshooting, and upgrades

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 FAQs

How does an Electrical Panel Actually Work?

Your electrical panel is like the command center of your home’s power system. Electricity comes in form the utility company and is divided into circuits by breakers inside the panel. Each breaker protects part of your home & automatically shuts off if there’s too much current.

  • Frequent tripping usually means one of three things: an overloaded circuit, a faulty breaker, or a wiring problem. While it may seem like an annoyance, it’s actually a safety mechanism preventing overheating or fire.

  • Even if you turn off the main breaker, the main lugs and service cables are still energized with full utility power. These parts can deliver a fatal shock instantly. That’s why only licenced electricians should ever handle them!

  • YES — the 2023 NEC requires surge protection for new or replaced service panels. Asurge protector installed in the panel guards your entire home from sudden voltage spikes caused by storms or utility issues. Without it, sensitive electronics (computers, TVs, appliances) can be damaged in seconds.

  • They work together, but they are not the same. The nuetral carries current back to the power source under normal use, while the ground is only used in emergencies. Keeping them seperate inside the panel is required by code for safety.