Every utility room or home basement houses a big gray box. This box, known as the breaker panel, is the central hub for all power and electrical wiring throughout the home. As such a key component, it’s natural to feel a little intimidated by the breaker panel. Luckily, electricians like McAtlin Electrical Corporation are here to help. As expert lighting contractors serving the greater Grand Junction, CO, area, they often help customers better understand their breaker panel. 

A Helpful Guide to Understanding a Breaker Panel

How It Works

A breaker panel houses an array of switches that control power and electrical currents running throughout your home. Each breaker is similar to a traditional light switch; however, they typically control power to an entire zone of a structure. When there’s a power surge that could negatively impact your appliances, you may need to access this panel to switch breakers off and on.  

Equipment Rundown

Within a breaker panel, you’ll typically find one master switch that controls all the power within a building. Beyond that, there will be an array of switches that control power to particular rooms or areas of a home or business. There may also be empty slots in the event you hire an electrician to perform additional wiring. If your home has an addition, you may have an extra breaker box, called a sub panel, elsewhere. 

When in Doubt, Call an Electrician

Dealing with electrical currents and house wiring is no easy task. Your lighting contractors spend years training and working in the field before they can complete difficult jobs safely. With this in mind, avoid taking the DIY route when you’re experiencing power issues and outages. Instead, call a trusted electrician, so you and your family remain safe. 

Should you need the assistance of an experienced lighting contractor to install or repair commercial and house wiring, call McAtlin Electrical Corporation today at (970) 257-7414. For more information on this Grand Junction-based company, visit their website.