An electrical panel, also known as a breaker box or distribution box, is the central hub of a home or building’s electrical system. It takes power from the utility company and distributes it to various circuits throughout the building. The panel is made up of circuit breakers, which serve as safety devices for the electrical system, protecting it from overloading, short circuits, and other electrical faults.

When a circuit is overloaded, the circuit breaker trips and interrupts the current flow, preventing damage to the wiring or appliances. To handle different levels of current flow, the circuit breakers are arranged in various sizes and ratings. Each circuit in a building is linked to a circuit breaker, with major appliances and systems, such as air conditioning, stoves, or large machinery, having their own dedicated circuit breakers.