Your home’s main
circuit breaker controls the overall distribution of electricity to each room. It is a critical part of your home’s electrical system as it allows you a means to disconnect the power of the entire circuit breaker panel. An electrical panel consists of circuit breakers running from top to bottom of the service panel. Typically, the breakers are mapped and numbered for convenience where the odd-numbered breakers run down to the left side of the board while the even-numbered breakers run down to the right side of the panel.
The difference between breakers
Typically, the main circuit breaker is identical to any other breaker. However, it is designed to control the enormous amperage load of the principal feeder wires while driving electrical power to the house. Hence, it is considered the largest amperage holding circuit breaker of your home.
The purpose of the main circuit breaker
In case of an overload, branch circuit breakers are designed to turn off the power of individual circuits. If the overall power demand is too high or in case of any severe issue in the electrical system, the main breaker shuts off the power of the entire house. Such problems can cause momentary power surges or call out for a thorough diagnosis.
Usage of Main Circuit Breaker as a System Shut Off
The main breaker also enables you to shut off the power of the entire household if you need to incorporate some significant workings on the system. Here’s how you can shut off the power of the whole household:
- Shut off each circuit breaker (one at a time).
- Flip the lever to the OFF position on the main circuit breaker.
- Once it’s time to turn on the power, the first step is to turn ON the main breaker then switch on every individual breaker (one at a time). It will help you avoid sudden power demand on the main breaker.
Resetting the Main Circuit Breaker
Your main circuit breaker can trip for several reasons, including strikes, power surges from the utility company, or an overload of the electrical panel. Moreover, if an individual circuit breaker crashes and loses its ability to trip as devised, the main breaker trips to offer secondary safety shutoff. Following is the step-by-step procedure for resetting the main breaker:
- First and foremost, turn off all the individual circuit breakers controlling the branch circuits. It will help you ensure that no circuit is activated while you reset the main breakers. Also, remember to turn on individual circuits one at a time to ensure maximum safety.
- The next step is to reset the lever on the main breaker to the ON position. You should always wear safety glasses and stand at the side of the panel while flipping the lever. This will protect you from any unpredictable sparks or electrical flashes.
About us
If you need a reputed commercial electrician to replace the damaged electrical wiring in the Central Arkansas region then, we are here for your assistance. At
Stewart Electric, we provide multiple services revolving around maintenance, repair, installation, or emergency services. We are a licensed electrical company, offering top-notch services to meet your electrical requirements. To know more, contact us at (501) 833-8764 or write to us at customerservice@stewartelectricar.com.
