Electric Service Panel

The electric service panel transfers the power from the utility into the house. The power goes out from the panel along circuits to outlets and fixtures. The panel can be inside or outside the home. The service panel usually contains breakers that turn power off and on to the panel as well as to particular circuits in the house. Older homes may have fuses instead of breakers. If a power surge goes through the panel or through a particular circuit, the breaker will trip or the fuse will pop, preventing the surge from causing a fire. In older homes, the electric service panel can be 100 amps or smaller. For modern electronics and appliances, this may not be adequate. Most modern homes have a 150 amp or 200 amp service.