Is Your Electric Panel the Right Size?

What Is the Electric Panel?

Let’s start with the basics. What is the electrical panel anyway? It is that gray box usually found in the garage or utility room. When you open the electrical panel’s lid, you will find either a few columns of circuit breaker switches or fuses. Fuses are outdated, costly, time-consuming, and risky. Most modern buildings have circuit breaker panels instead.

These circuit breakers each control a specific electrical circuit in the building. When there is unusual activity in an electrical circuit, the respective circuit breaker will trip into the "OFF" position to cut electrical supply to that circuit. You will have to manually turn the circuit back on by flipping the affected switch "ON."

Signs That Your Electrical Panel Is Insufficient

How do you know if your electrical panel is not the right size for your property? We will get to the technicalities in the next section but share some physical signs here.

First, let’s talk about the load size. Each circuit is limited in how much electricity it can maintain. If your circuit breaker is constantly tripping off, then you might have too much loaded on that circuit. Unplugging some of the devices or appliances should help, but this might not be an ideal solution.

Secondly, there is the physical space for breakers. If you are planning to add extra rooms or electrical circuits, then you will need additional circuit breakers as well. That is going to be difficult if you don’t have room in the small electrical panel.

Calculating Your Home’s Electrical Demands

If the circuit breakers are not frequently tripping, then everything is alright – right? Well, not exactly. What happens if you want to install new appliances or fixtures? You want to be sure that the electrical panel will be able to deliver.

Calculating your home’s electrical demands is a tricky one which requires a comprehensive list of all appliances, devices, and fixtures in use or to be used. Most homes require at least 100 amps, but if you rely more on electricity, then you will need something larger.

Let An Electrician Help

If you need an experienced electrician to calculate the right sized electrical panel installation for your property, then call Mr. Electric of Fort Worth today. We are happy to inspect your existing electrical panel, make suggestions, and take care of the new installation. Call now to speak with a friendly representative and schedule a convenient appointment.