Breaker Panels Made Simple
A breaker panel is essentially a big switchboard filled with smaller switches—called breakers—that protect your wiring from overload and your home from fire and shock.
What You’re Looking At:
• Main Breaker – Controls power to your entire home. A 200-amp main is typical for a 2,000 sq ft house. In an emergency, flip this switch to cut all power.
• Double-Pole Breakers – Used for large appliances. Look for 30-amp for dryers and water heaters, 40–50-amp for stoves, and 70-amp for HVAC units.
• Single-Pole Breakers – Handle general circuits like lights, outlets, and garage door openers.
• AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters) – Designed to prevent fires caused by arcing, which doesn’t always trip a standard breaker.
• Empty Slots – Reserved for adding more circuits in the future.
• Sub Panels – Found in additions or separate areas. Know what they control in case you need to shut them off quickly.
Need help understanding your panel or planning electrical upgrades? Got Electric offers trusted residential service and expert energy-saving consultations.
#GotElectric #BreakerPanel
