The electrical panel is a vital component in your home. It sits quietly on a wall, but it’s the command center for your entire electrical system. It directs electricity throughout your house to power everything from your lights and fridge to your phone charger and gaming console. But with all the different types of electrical panels out there, it can be confusing to know which one you have or what you might need. Let us break down the two main types of electrical panels found in homes. These are main breaker panels and fuse boxes.

Main Breaker Panels

Main breaker panels are the most common type of electrical panel found in modern homes. This type of panel contains several individual circuit breakers. Each circuit breaker controls the flow of electricity to a specific circuit in your house. Think of a circuit breaker like a traffic light for electricity. When everything is working properly, the electricity flows freely. But if there is an overload (too many appliances plugged into one circuit), the breaker trips to cut off power to that circuit and prevent damage. This is like a traffic light turning red to prevent a traffic jam.

Modern breaker panels come with safety features that older fuse boxes do not have. For example, some breakers have built-in ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) that can help prevent electrical shock, especially in damp locations like bathrooms and kitchens.

If a circuit breaker trips, you can easily reset it by flipping the switch back on once the overload is resolved. This is much more convenient than replacing a blown fuse.

Fuse Boxes

Fuse boxes are the older technology of electrical panels. Instead of individual circuit breakers, fuse boxes use fuses. A fuse is a thin piece of metal that melts when too much current flows through it. This is how it cuts off power when there is an overload in the circuit.

Traditional fuse boxes can be a hassle. They require replacing blown fuses with those that have the same exact amperage ratings, which can be frustrating and time-consuming because you may have to hunt high and low for the type you need if they are not in stock at a local store. Even worse, traditional fuse systems might not be equipped to handle the ever-growing power needs of modern homes overflowing with electronics. This mismatch can lead to frequent blowouts that will not only cause frustration but will also create electrical risks, such as an electrical fire.

No matter what type of electrical panel you have, it’s critical to understand how it works. Additionally, you should have it inspected once each year to make sure it’s functioning at peak performance. If you have not yet scheduled an inspection and maintenance for the electrical panel in your Missoula, MT home, contact us at Hometown Electric to make an appointment.