How to Choose the Right Electrical Panel for Your Home

March 26, 2025

As a homeowner, you may not give much thought to your electrical panel, but it plays a crucial role in powering your home. An electrical panel, or a breaker box or fuse box, is the central hub that distributes electricity to your home's circuits. When it's time to replace your current electrical panel or install a new one, choosing the right one for your home is essential. This guide will discuss the factors to consider when selecting an electrical panel and how to ensure it meets your home's electrical needs.

Determining Your Electrical Needs

Before choosing the right electrical panel for your home, determine your electrical needs. Electrical needs are determined by the amount of electricity your household consumes daily. The electrical panel you choose should be able to handle your current electrical needs while leaving room for future expansion.

To determine your current electrical needs, look at your monthly energy bills. The bills will show you how much electricity you use and give you an idea of your average consumption. You can also consult an electrician to help you determine your electrical needs. An electrician will conduct an electrical load calculation to determine your electrical consumption and recommend the appropriate panel size for your home.

Types of Electrical Panels

There are two main types of electrical panels: fuse boxes and circuit breaker panels. Fuse boxes are older technology and are being phased out for circuit breaker panels. Fuse boxes use fuses to protect your home's electrical circuits from overload. When a circuit is overloaded, the fuse will burn out and must be replaced. Circuit breaker panels work similarly but use circuit breakers instead of fuses. When a circuit is overloaded, the circuit breaker trips, cutting off power to the circuit.

Choosing the Right Electrical Panel

When choosing the right electrical panel for your home, you should consider several factors, including the size of your home, the number of circuits you need, and the type of panel you prefer. A qualified electrician can help you choose the right panel for your home.

Panel Size

Electrical panels come in different sizes, and the size you choose will depend on your home's electrical needs. The most common panel sizes are 100-amp, 150-amp, and 200-amp. If you have a larger home or plan to add electrical devices, you may need a panel with a higher amp rating.

Number of Circuits

The number of circuits you need will depend on the electrical devices in your home. Each circuit can handle a specific amount of electricity, so choosing a panel with enough circuits to meet your needs is essential. If you plan to add new electrical devices in the future, you may want to choose a panel with extra circuits.

Type of Panel

As mentioned earlier, there are two main types of electrical panels: fuse boxes and circuit breaker panels. Circuit breaker panels are the most common type of panel used today, and they offer several advantages over fuse boxes. They are safer, easier to use, and more reliable. If you have a fuse box, it's recommended that you upgrade to a circuit breaker panel.

Choosing the right electrical panel for your home is an important decision that can affect the safety and efficiency of your home's electrical system. When selecting an electrical panel, it's essential to consider your current and future electrical needs, the size of your home, and the type of panel you prefer. A qualified electrician can help you choose the right panel for your home and ensure it is installed safely and correctly. At My Electric Works, our team of licensed electricians is ready to assist you with all your electrical panel needs.

Contact My Electric Works today to schedule a service!