Understanding the Basics of a Home Electrical System

Homeowners and renters need to have a basic understanding of a home's electrical system.

Homeowners and renters need to have a basic understanding of a home's electrical system. This will help ensure that the system is maintained correctly and working safely and efficiently. Working knowledge of a home's electrical system is essential. However, only an experienced, licensed electrician should perform any upgrades or repairs.

Electrical service panel

Typically found in the garage, basement, or utility area, the electrical service panel is how electricity is distributed throughout the household. It's the entry point where power is brought into the house from either overhead or underground power lines. Usually placed close to the electric meter, the electrical service panel has breakers or fuses that can cut off power to different house areas.

Depending on the home's age, the service panel will have either circuit breakers or fuses. Older homes usually have fuses, while more modern ones are equipped with breakers. The function of these is to prevent overload to different electrical lines, which, when overloaded, can cause fires.

When too much power runs through a circuit, a fuse will trip and cut all power to that line. These will need to be removed and replaced with new ones. More modern breakers will flip a switch to the off position when overloaded. Restoring power is done by flipping the switch back to the "on" position.

Electrical outlets

An electrical outlet is where one plugs in a device that requires power. Most homes have polarized and grounded outlets. Polarized outlets contain two vertical slots, each a different size. The slot for the neutral wire is wider than the one for the hot wire. This feature prevents inserting a plug the wrong way.

Grounded outlets have a round hole and two vertical slots of different sizes. This type of outlet is a requirement for all new home construction. The circle connects to a grounding wire as a safety feature. Homes without grounded outlets are more at risk of electrical fires. If absent, consider contacting an electrician to replace them.

Tamper-resistant receptacles are polarized and grounded but also have an additional safety feature. These come with a spring-loaded shutter system that makes it impossible to stick an object into one of the vertical slots. The mechanism will only allow entry when equal pressure is placed on both slots. Homes with small children who may try to stick an object in one of the slots should have tamper-resistant receptacles installed to prevent injury.

Update the home's electrical system

Only a licensed electrician should perform any upgrades to a home's electrical system. Electrical components, when mishandled, can cause fire or serious injury. Troubleshooting electric issues or upgrading outlets should only be performed by a professional. Contact a licensed electrician to address any home electrical system concerns.

If you need a fast, affordable electrician for your home or business, call RSB Electrical at 480-485-4284.