Why would I, anyway — who thinks about how electricity travels to all the plugs and devices in the home? A special box called the main distributions box to be precise. This vital box is typically located adjacent to the electric meter on the outside of your home. The principal distribution box has an extremely significant task. Its primary function is to receive energy from the utility company and then distribute that energy to areas in your home that require power — like your living room, kitchen and bedrooms.
Inside the box, there are also circuit breakers. They are also very important because they protect your house from excessive electricity that can lead to issues such as electrical overload and short circuits that could be hazardous. Circuit breakers serve as safeguards. They will also automatically shut off power if too much electricity is flowing to prevent accidents.
This box contains buses besides the main switch and circuit breakers. Buses are specialized components that convey power to your home2. That is, you can use electricity in many places at once without any problem. Last but not least, neutral and ground bars are present inside the box. These bars are crucial in ensuring that any excess electricity can safely go away, preventing electrical mishaps from happening in your household.
It is very important to select the right kind of main low voltage switchboard which plays a significant role to ensure that the electrical installation of your home is running perfectly and securely. There are several aspects to consider when selecting a main distribution box. First, take into account the size of your home. If your house is larger, you might need a box capable of delivering more power and containing more circuits.
You should also consider how many circuits you'll need for your devices. For instance, you’ll need a circuit each for your refrigerator, television, and computer. Your appliances may require as many circuits as you can pack in if you run up to full capacity. Consider how much energy your devices need as well. Some appliances require more electricity than others, so the box selected should be sufficiently rated to handle them.
If you see one of your main distribution box units acting erratic — lights blinking on and off and circuit breakers tripping over and over again — that’s when it’s time to take action. These symptoms can indicate larger issues, so it’s important to troubleshoot and resolve them quickly to mitigate any potential safety risks. If you aren’t sure what to do, it’s always best to reach out to a licensed electrician for assistance.
Swapping to a new box can also make your electrical system safer and more reliable. A new box can also handle more power and help prevent problems that can arise with older boxes. If you choose to upgrade, it’s imperative that you hire a licensed electrician. They are trained to handle electrical systems and can assist you with getting to know your box and what you need.