It’s well-advised to call an electrician when something goes awry with your power. Household electrical systems are more complex than many homeowners realize, cautions AA Electric in Honolulu, HI. Their electricians explain that the standard home’s electrical system is comprised of the electric line, a power meter, a main circuit breaker panel, and separate wiring circuits that lead to each room in the home.

Electricity is funneled to your home through transmission lines that are either strung up on utility poles or buried underground. This power enters your home through the power meter, which the utility company uses to record the amount of electricity your home uses. From there, the circuit breaker panel divides this power up into separate circuits, distributing the energy throughout your home using a series of wires.

Every homeowner should know where their circuit breaker is located. Normally found in the basement or a utility closet, the breaker box acts as a master switch for the power in your home. When your system is experiencing an overload, the circuit breaker provides a way to cut off all power instantly.

Circuit breakers contain a series of switches, with each connected to wires that lead to every room in your home. Major energy-using appliances, such as sprinkler systems and water heaters, often have their own dedicated breaker switches.    

If the electricity suddenly goes off in your home, the circuit breaker is often the culprit. When the circuit is overloaded, you can often restore power by resetting the breaker. Take a flashlight to examine your breaker box—you’ll be looking for a switch that is “tripped,” or out of line with the other switches. Flick it off and on to see if that helps restore the power.

For more questions about your home’s electrical wiring and circuit breaker, talk to the experts at AA Electric. For more than 70 years, these master electricians have been providing electrical services, repairs, and installations for residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout the island. Learn more about this electrical company online or by giving them a call today at (808) 841-4131.