Discover how to safely operate your breaker panel and identify what each switch does.
Electricity is crucial for the operation of most modern homes. It allows you to cook on electric stoves, store food in electric refrigerators, and use countless electrical devices, like computers or televisions. However, before the electricity makes it to various outlets, appliances, and devices, it needs to flow through the electrical panel, which can also be referred to as a breaker panel, breaker box, or circuit breaker box.
Many homeowners are aware of the electrical box but might not understand what the numerous switches do and might feel intimidated by the idea of working with electricity. While it’s important to stay safe and be aware of potential hazards, learning how to operate the electrical panel is essential for maintaining the safety and functionality of the home. Use this guide to find out what the switches on your breaker mean so you can take better control of your house.
What Is a Breaker Panel?
The breaker panel, or electrical box, serves as the connection between the local power grid outside the home and the wiring inside the home. This panel can control the flow of electricity, allowing you to turn off the electricity to the entire house with a single switch. It also directs the flow of electricity to various circuits throughout the home, which are each controlled with a single-pole or double-pole circuit breaker, so you can isolate certain parts of the home in emergencies or for electrical repairs.
A breaker panel also acts as an emergency fail-safe device that will automatically cut off the flow of electricity if it detects a short or a circuit overload. This might occur if there are too many devices using power on a single circuit or could be due to a more serious issue, like faulty wiring. If the problem is temporary, homeowners can simply reset the specific breaker switch to restore power, but if the breaker continues to trip or you notice a serious electrical issue, it’s best to hire an electrician to assess the situation and make repairs.
Identifying Different Breaker Switches and Buttons
While a breaker panel might look intimidating, most of the switches have the same basic function and are designed for homeowner use.
- Main circuit breaker switches: These are typically located at the top or side of the electrical box. This switch is the primary electrical safety device that can be used to turn off the power to the entire home. It’s also the first point where the electrical current from the local electric utility enters the home’s wiring system.
- Standard circuit breaker switches: These switches, including both single- and double-pole, take up most of the space in the electrical panel. Single-pole switches are just a single switch, while double-pole switches appear as two connected switches in the electrical panel. Each switch operates a specific electrical circuit, allowing the homeowner to turn off electricity to one part of the home while keeping the electricity on for the rest. This makes it much safer to work on isolated electrical systems for upgrades or repairs. Also, if a circuit experiences a short or is overloaded, then the breaker will automatically trip and turn off the electricity to the circuit to prevent potential damage or fire.
- GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) breaker switches: These are a specialized type of breaker switch that is designed to detect ground faults. If the switch detects a ground fault, it will automatically trip, shutting off power to the circuit. These switches are easily recognizable by their test and reset buttons.
- AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) breaker switches: This type of specialized breaker is made to detect the unique voltage and current produced by arcing. If the switch detects arcing, it will trip, shutting down power to the circuit. These switches typically have a test button but do not have a reset button, as they can be reset by simply toggling the switch off and back on, like a standard circuit breaker switch.
- Test buttons: These buttons are common on GFCI and AFCI breakers. When you press the button, it automatically disrupts the electrical current to test if the breaker trips as intended.
- Reset buttons: These are generally only seen on GFCI breakers. After using the test button, you will need to press the reset button to restore power.
When to Use the Switches and Buttons in Your Breaker Box
After gaining a basic understanding of what the switches and buttons in the breaker box do, it’s important to familiarize yourself with when the right time to use each one is.
- Main circuit breaker switches: These are rarely used unless you need to turn off the power to the entire house. This might be necessary for major electrical system repairs, or you might want to turn off the power if you are leaving the home vacant for an extended period. Additionally, you should immediately turn off the main circuit breaker switch if you detect an electrical fire.
- Standard circuit breaker switches: These switches are commonly used for minor electrical repairs. Simply flipping one switch will turn off the power to a specific area of the home, making it safer to perform electrical repairs and upgrades. You might also need to turn on a branch circuit breaker switch if the breaker trips, but if the breaker immediately trips again, then it’s a good idea to hire an electrician to investigate and repair the problem.
- GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) circuit breaker switches: Use these the same way as standard circuit breaker switches, though it’s recommended to test these breakers about once a month using the test and reset buttons.
- AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) circuit breaker switches: These can be used the same as standard circuit breaker switches, but similar to the GFCI breakers, you should test AFCI breakers about once a month using the test button.
- Test buttons: Use the test buttons whenever you want to test a GFCI or AFCI breaker. Simply press the button to disrupt the electrical current, then check to see if the breaker tripped as intended. After testing, you will need to either press the reset button for GFCI breakers or reset the AFCI breaker by toggling it between off and on.
- Reset buttons: These restore power after a GFCI outlet has been tripped. They are commonly used after pressing the test button but are also used to reset the breaker after a ground fault has caused the breaker to trip.
Safety Considerations
When you are working with electrical systems, it’s necessary to take proper precautions to reduce the risk of injury. Generally, breaker boxes are safe to use as long as you don’t remove any covers or touch exposed wiring. The switches are designed for the average homeowner to operate without any concern, but there are still a few tips you can follow to stay safe.
- Turn off the main breaker switch before attempting any work in the electrical panel.
- Check the labels on the breaker panel or panel door to determine which breaker switches control which circuits in the home.
- Consult a licensed electrician before making any changes to the circuit breakers or breaker box.
- Feeder wires that lead into the electrical panel cannot be shut down by the main breaker switch, so they should always be avoided.
- New electrical work should always be inspected by a licensed electrician.
- Regularly test AFCI and GFCI breakers to make sure that they work properly.
- If you are unsure whether the power is off, use a voltage tester to verify if the circuit is energized.
- When a breaker trips frequently, it’s a sign that there is a problem that should be identified and repaired by a licensed electrician.
