Electricity has become an essential part of contemporary life, energizing lights, appliances, heat, air conditioning, televisions, telephones, computers, and many other modern conveniences. While these may seem easy enough to turn on with one click of a button, the steps that go into powering these things can be complex. Here is a look at the systems that go into powering your home.
Your Home Electrical System
Electricity arrives at your house from your local utility company by a power line or underground through a conduit. Most homes have three-wire service—two hot wires and one neutral. Electricity flows to your lights and appliances from the power company through your panel, its breakers, out on your circuits and back
Electrical Meter
The utility company uses the meter to measure the amount of energy being consumed and ultimately, your monthly bill. You should not open or tamper with the electrical meter.
Your Main Panel
Your central breaker panel directs electricity through your home as a number of separate circuits, each flowing “out” from its own circuit breaker (or fuse) on one wire and returning from whatever is using the electricity to another connection in the panel by means of another wire. The breaker or fuse will interrupt the current (the flow) if it ever starts to approach a dangerous level.
Circuits
The circuits running from the service panel deliver the electricity to a series of outlets and fixtures. The power runs along the circuit and back to the service panel in a loop. In this way, if there is a failure or interruption at any point in the circuit it will shut down the entire circuit.
Outlets and Switches
Spread throughout your house are your outlets and switches. This is where you can tap your electricity for your television or turn on the lights. There may be many or few outlets in any room. If you feel the need to move, remove, or add an outlet consult a professional. A new switch or outlet cannot always be installed at any point in the circuit.
All these systems are complex and dangerous if tampered with. We can assist at any point to diagnose and fix any problems you may be experiencing. Expert Electric understands all the complexities and inner workings of your home electrical system.
