The electrical panel, a component of your electrical system that is often overlooked until something’s wrong, is critical because it distributes electricity throughout your home. Many homeowners do not know that there’s a fascinating history behind this piece of technology. Here are some fun facts about electrical panels that may be new to you.

The Humble Beginnings of the Electrical Panel

Imagine a world without circuit breakers. That was the reality for early homeowners. Instead of these modern safety devices, people used fuses. These glass tubes with thin metal wires inside would melt when too much electricity flowed through to cut off the power. Replacing them was a messy and inconvenient process.

Replacing a blown fuse was like playing a real-life game of puzzle-solving. You’d have to figure out which fuse was responsible for the dead lights or the non-working appliance. Once you found the right fuse, you’d have to wrestle with it to remove it. They were often tricky to get out, and you had to be careful not to burn your fingers. Then there was the question of finding the right replacement fuse. Not to mention that fuses only worked once — when they blew, they were done for.

Circuit Breakers Entered the Scene

Thankfully, circuit breakers appeared to make our lives much easier. Although Thomas Edison invented a version with fuses in the late 1800s, circuit breakers didn’t enter the mainstream for home use until the 1940s. These ingenious devices can be reset after tripping and made fuse replacement a thing of the past.

Electrical Panels Have a Main Disconnect Switch to Enhance Safety

For added safety, electrical panels have a main disconnect switch. This big red handle can cut off all power to your home in case of emergencies. It’s like having a master power button for your entire house.

Larger Homes Have Electrical Subpanels

If you have a big house, you might have more than one electrical panel. The smaller ones are called subpanels, and they help distribute electricity more efficiently. You can think of it as having a team of helpers working together to keep the power flowing smoothly.

A Well-Labeled Panel Is Important

It’s important to have a well-labeled panel. Knowing which switch controls which circuit can save you time and frustration, and it’s especially critical should an electrical emergency arise. Some people even use colored tape to label their breakers for easy identification. If the labels on your panel are worn out or nonexistent, work with a professional electrician to rectify this.

Upgrades Can Improve Safety

Electrical panels aren’t forever. As technology advances and your household’s electrical needs change, you might need to upgrade your panel. Older panels may not be able to handle the demands of modern appliances, so it’s essential to keep up with the times. Upgrading your panel can improve safety and efficiency.

New Models Incorporate Smart Technology

Many new electrical panels are packed with smart tech. Some panels can even connect to your home Wi-Fi network so that you can control them with your phone. What is more, these smart panels can learn your habits and adjust energy use accordingly to help you save money.

To keep your electrical panel functioning optimally, you must have a professional electrician service it annually. This helps prevent minor problems from becoming larger and costing you more.

If you haven’t had the electrical panel in your Beaumont, TX home serviced this year, reach out to us at Emerson Electrical Services now for panel repair or maintenance.