Types of breaker panels

There are several types of breaker panels, each with its own characteristics and uses. Here are some of the most common types:

  1. Main Breaker Panel: Also known as a main service panel, this is the primary electrical panel that distributes power to the entire house or building. It typically contains a main circuit breaker that controls the flow of electricity to the entire system.
  2. Sub-Panel: A sub-panel is a smaller breaker panel that is connected to a main breaker panel and provides additional power to a specific area of the house or building. Sub-panels are often used to distribute power to areas that require more power than the main panel can provide.
  3. Load Center: A load center is a type of breaker panel that is designed to distribute power to a specific area or load. It typically contains a main circuit breaker and several branch circuit breakers that control the flow of electricity to individual circuits.
  4. Arc Fault Breaker Panel: An arc fault breaker panel is designed to detect and interrupt arcing faults, which can cause electrical fires. These panels are typically used in areas where there is a high risk of electrical fires, such as in homes with older wiring or in areas with high humidity.
  5. Ground Fault Breaker Panel: A ground fault breaker panel is designed to detect and interrupt ground faults, which can cause electrical shocks. These panels are typically used in areas where there is a high risk of electrical shocks, such as in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
  6. Smart Breaker Panel: A smart breaker panel is a type of breaker panel that is equipped with advanced features such as remote monitoring, energy monitoring, and smart home integration. These panels can be controlled and monitored using a smartphone app.
  7. Outdoor Breaker Panel: An outdoor breaker panel is designed to be installed outdoors and is typically used in areas where the weather is harsh or where there is a high risk of electrical fires. These panels are often used in commercial or industrial settings.
  8. Industrial Breaker Panel: An industrial breaker panel is designed for heavy-duty use and is typically used in industrial or commercial settings. These panels are often larger and more powerful than residential breaker panels and are designed to handle high-voltage and high-current applications.
  9. Busway Breaker Panel: A busway breaker panel is a type of breaker panel that uses a busway system to distribute power. Busway systems are designed to provide a flexible and scalable power distribution system that can be easily expanded or modified.
  10. Modular Breaker Panel: A modular breaker panel is a type of breaker panel that is designed to be easily expanded or modified. These panels are often used in areas where the power requirements are changing frequently, such as in data centers or other high-tech facilities.

These are just a few examples of the many types of breaker panels that are available. The type of breaker panel used will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the application.