Most homeowners in Bristow only think about their electrical system when the power goes out. When that happens, they scramble to call an electrician because trying to figure out the problem seems as difficult as deciphering a foreign language.
You may not be an engineering pro, but it’s important to understand the basics of your home electrical system regardless. Below, we break down the parts of an electrical system in plain English. Having trouble with your system? Call us for electrical services in Bristow, OK.
The Electrical System Components Bristow, OK, Homeowners Should Know About
There have been quite a few adjustments to residential electrical systems over the years, but electrical system basics haven’t changed much. Here are the main parts of an electrical system you need to know about.
Electrical Panel
The electrical panel, or breaker box, is the main component of your system. It controls the flow of electricity to every part of your home, from the living room lighting to your washing machine. In most homes, the electrical panel is located in the garage or basement. Some older homes have their panels inside of clothes closets, but this placement doesn’t comply with home electrical safety codes.
Your electrical panel contains two types of breakers: the main breaker and circuit breakers. The main breaker controls the electrical supply to your entire house, and the circuit breakers control the supply to individual areas of the home. The breakers will flip off if the system detects a problem.
Circuits
Inside your electrical panel, you’ll find circuits that are responsible for powering different lights and fixtures in your home. Most of the circuits in your home electrical system are likely branch circuits that supply 15 to 20 amps of power each. They’re ideal for items with low to moderate power requirements, such as lighting.
Your electrical panel also includes dedicated circuits that supply more electricity to power-hungry items such as your HVAC system and stove. Dedicated circuits ensure that such items have a steady flow of electricity.
Wiring
Without wiring, the electricity from your breaker box would have nowhere to go. Home electrical wiring carries the electrical current from the panel to your lighting, TV, computers, and other items that need electricity to run.
Non-metallic sheathed electrical cabling is the most common type found in Bristow homes. It consists of ground, neutral, and hot wires encased in a plastic sheath for insulation.
Modern homes also have grounding wires to help prevent damage from power surges after an outage. Grounding wires allow electrical currents to discharge safely, preventing fires and damage to your appliances, computer, and other equipment.
Outlets and Switches
You’re probably already quite familiar with the electrical outlets in your home, but did you know that there are different types of outlets?
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets help prevent electrical shock and are common in bathrooms, garages, and kitchens. Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlets safeguard against arc faults and help prevent fires. Some outlets contain both a GFCI and an AFCI, so you don’t have to choose between them.
Switches are what you use to turn on the lights in your home. The single-pole variety is the most common type found in Bristow homes. There are also three-way switches, which allow you to control the lights from different locations.
How To Keep Your Home Electrical System in Top Shape
Now that you know about home electrical system components, how can you keep yours in great shape? Follow these tips:
- Regularly inspect your electrical panel for visible problems, such as exposed wiring or burn marks around circuits. If something looks off, call an electrician right away.
- Label the circuits of your electrical panel so you know what they control and can turn them off quickly in an emergency.
- Test your outlets every month to ensure they’re working properly. If any outlets feel hot to the touch, stop using them and call us.
- Connect your most demanding appliances to dedicated circuits to help prevent power outages.
- Schedule electrical maintenance once per year. During maintenance, our experts will thoroughly inspect all parts of your system, including the breaker box, wiring, circuits, and outlets.
Having Trouble With Your Home Electrical System? Call Our Pros in Bristow, OK
Need electrical repairs or are you ready to upgrade to one of our energy-efficient electrical systems? Reach out to Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric! Call us today for service, or keep reading for guidance on understanding electrical safety standards.
