Your home’s electrical panel has multiple circuit breakers inside. A panel with 100-amp service typically has anywhere from 20 to 30 breakers, and 200-amp panels often have 30 to 60 breakers installed. If you happen to live in a larger home with multiple HVAC systems or high-powered appliances like electric vehicle chargers, hot tubs, and electric ranges, you may have a 400-amp electrical service, which often features 60 to 120 circuit breakers across two electrical panels. Understanding the purpose of these breakers is crucial to keeping them in good shape and avoiding inconvenient, costly repairs.
Protects the Circuits From Overloads
No matter how many electrical circuits you have in your home, each of them is only designed to carry so much electricity. If you have too many appliances or electronics connected to the same circuit, this can easily overload it. When an overload happens, the wiring will start to heat up, potentially to the point that the insulation around the wiring begins to melt and produces a burning odor. With circuit breakers installed, these components immediately detect the overload and switch off the power before the wiring overheats and insulation melts.
Reduces the Risk of Electrical House Fires
It can be incredibly difficult to notice when the wiring behind your walls is overheating, which is another reason that the panel’s circuit breakers are so important for keeping your home safe. The last thing you want is for an overheated wire to potentially start a house fire. A circuit breaker will detect the excessive current and shut off the power before that happens.
Minimizes Electrical Damage to Appliances and Electronics
You also don’t want excessive current running through your wiring because it can damage your appliances and connected electronics like TVs, gaming consoles, and computers by overheating their internal components and circuit boards. The circuit breakers will disconnect the power before any of that damage can occur.
Shuts Off Power When There’s a Short Circuit
When the electricity flowing through your home travels down an unintended path because of minimal resistance, this is known as a short circuit. The results of a short circuit can be far more devastating than what happens during an overload. The panel’s circuit breakers are specifically designed to detect short circuits and immediately shut off the power.
The best way to keep your circuit breakers in good shape is to have an electrician inspect them once a year. You’ll also want to keep them labeled so you can easily identify the correct breaker when a problem or emergency happens. If you ever notice buzzing, burning odors, or discoloration in or on the panel, calling for professional service right away will help prevent fires and other dangerous issues inside your home. When you need electrical panel services in Holyoke, MA, contact Duryea.
