What is a Main Breaker Panel? How does it work?
A main breaker panel is typically mounted on a wall of a home (indoor or outdoor) and connected directly to the incoming electrical utility lines thru a metering system. Incoming electricity is distributed at the main electrical panel to lights, outlets, and appliances throughout the house via circuits thru a main circuit breaker and individual branch circuit breakers. The type of panel can typically be identified with a nametag ID sticker located on the inside door cover of the panel. The main breaker and individual branch circuit breakers are designed to protect circuits and wiring by shutting off (tripping) the power to the circuit(s) in the event of a dangerous electrical overload or short circuit. Click here for a typical residential main breaker panel diagram.
