Electrical Panels and Breaker Boxes, What’s the Difference?

Unless you are a trained and qualified electrician, it can be difficult to tell the difference between an electrical panel and a breaker box. The fact that these two terms are used interchangeably complicates things even more, causing confusion among homeowners. While electrical panels and breaker boxes are closely related, there are key differences between them. Today, the electricians at Mr. Electric help you understand the key distinctions between the two components of an electrical system.

What Is An Electrical Panel And What Does It Do?

An electrical panel, often called a breaker panel, is the heart of your home's electrical system. It takes the power coming in from the utility company and distributes it to different circuits throughout your house. Inside the panel, circuit breakers act as safety devices, shutting off power if there’s an overload or short circuit. Without a properly functioning electrical panel replacement in Oak Lawn, TX, your home’s power supply could be unreliable and even dangerous. It ensures that electricity flows safely, preventing potential hazards like fires and electrical damage. Keeping your panel in good condition is essential for maintaining a safe and efficient home.

When to Consider Electrical Panel Replacement

Electrical panels do not last forever, and outdated ones can become a safety risk. If your home still has an old fuse box or a panel with outdated wiring, it may be time for an upgrade. Flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, or burning smells near the panel are all warning signs that replacement is needed. Modern households use far more electricity than older panels were designed to handle. If you’ve added new appliances or home upgrades, your existing panel may not be keeping up. Replacing it ensures your home can safely support your electrical needs now and in the future. This job should be left to an experienced electrical service.

What Is A Breaker Box And What Does It Do?

A breaker box, sometimes called a sub-panel, is a secondary panel that receives power from the main electrical panel. It also contains circuit breakers and distributes electricity to a specific area of your home, such as a garage, addition, or a group of rooms. Think of it as a branch office of your home's electrical system. It allows for more localized control and protection of circuits. In many typical residential homes, the main electrical panel is the only breaker box. However, larger homes or buildings may have multiple sub-panels in addition to the main panel.

Although the terms "electrical panel" and "breaker box" are often used interchangeably, the breaker box is just one piece of the overall system. The electrical panel includes the breaker box, but it also manages the larger task of electricity distribution throughout your home.

When to Upgrade a Breaker Box

The reasons for upgrading a sub-panel are similar to those for the main panel: age, insufficient capacity for the area it serves, damage, outdated components, or signs of overheating. If you're adding a significant electrical load to a specific area of your home, you might need to upgrade the sub-panel serving that area or even add a new sub-panel. Any work on electrical panels should be done by a qualified electrician.

Mr. Electric Is Here To Help

Is it time to replace your electrical panel? Are you considering upgrading your breaker boxes? Need electrical repair in your home? Mr. Electric is the electrical contractor you can rely on to get the job done right. Our electricians are highly trained and licensed, meaning they have the expertise to handle all of your residential and commercial electrical needs. From electrical panel replacement to wiring upgrades, breaker box installation, lighting replacement, and circuit breaker installation, we do it all.