At Mister Sparky, we are committed to providing the most trusted electrical services in Dallas, TX, including electrical panel repairs and replacements. Our goal is to ensure your safety and improve the comfort of your home.
The Electrical Panel
The electrical panel or breaker box is the heart of your home's electrical system. The panel is a metal box with a door that opens to display all the breaker switches. These switches can be turned on and off and will automatically turn off if there's too much current moving through them. Older homes, however, will sometimes have a fuse box with screw-in fuses instead of breaker switches.
Inside, the panel contains the main breaker, which can shut off power to the entire house. Knowing the location of your electrical panel and main switch can be helpful in an emergency electrical panel repair. The main power to the panel comes from the electrical meter outside of your home.
Special Note: For electrical panels that are indoors-in newer homes that were built around 2020 or in existing homes where the electrical panel was replaced around that time-there may be an emergency power shut-off switch (or "disconnect") outside, as required by the 2020 National Electrical Code update. This allows first responders to respond to emergencies, such as a house fire, without potential electrical hazards.
Breaker Types
- Standard Breakers (Single-Pole and Double-Pole): Standard circuit breakers come in two different types: single-pole and double-pole. Single-pole is the more common type; it protects a single energized wire and covers 15 to 20 amps. Double-pole breakers can handle larger appliances and 15-200 amps.
- GFCI Circuit Breakers: A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or breaker protects the entire branch circuit and everything connected to it. These are especially useful in damp areas like a basement, laundry room, etc. GFCI breakers are ideal for new wiring systems; for existing wiring systems, a GFCI receptacle might be more suitable.
- AFCI Circuit Breakers: Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) or breakers work to reduce electrical fires' potential from power arcing.
- Dual Function Breakers: Dual function breakers provide both AFCI and GFCI protection, as mentioned above.
Electrical Panel Repairs and Installation
The National Electric Code (NEC) is the minimum safety standard for installing electrical components. It includes recommendations for safely installing electrical panels and electrical panel repair. As licensed electricians, we have been tested on the knowledge required to complete your electrical job the right way.
We also hold ourselves to a higher standard than the minimum required by the code. Our master electricians hold ongoing training and support for our team on the Mister Sparky Standard of Care.
You can trust Mister Sparky to have your electrical panel installed or repaired safely and timely. At Mister Sparky, we are dedicated to customer satisfaction, so if you have any problems with your electrical panel within seven years of installation, we will personally send an electrician for electrical panel repair.
When Is It Time for Electrical Panel Replacement?
Electrical panels typically last 15 to 30 years. If this amount of time has passed, it is critical to get your system checked by a licensed electrician to avoid potential danger.
You may also replace your electrical panel if your electrical needs in the home exceed what your current panel is designed for. This occurs most often when homeowners add an electric vehicle (EV) charger to their home or other "energy hogs." Most residential panels range from 100 to 200 amps. If your home is on the lower end of that range, you may need to upgrade to a larger panel as your home's needs evolve.
Electrical Panel News
Here are some additional resources and updates about electrical panels for you:
- Majors Changes to the National Electrical Code in 2020
- The Span Panel Puts Control Into the Hands of Homeowners
- Despite Previous Safety Concerns This Circuit Breaker Is Still in Homes
Below are the guidelines from the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR):
- The OSHA standard (29 CFR 1910.303 (g)) requires sufficient access and working space around all equipment serving 600 volts or less. For equipment serving between 120 volts and 250 volts, the regulations require a minimum of 3 feet of clearance. The width of the working space in front shall be 30 inches minimum or the width of the electrical equipment.
- The OSHA standard (29 CFR1910.305 (d)) requires a dead front on electrical panel boards.
- The National Electrical Code (NFPA 70 110.26) requires a minimum of 3 feet of clearance for all electrical equipment serving 600 volts or less.
- The National Electrical Code (NFPA 70 110.27) requires live parts of electrical equipment operating at 50 volts or more to be guarded to prevent accidental contact by approved enclosures.
Leave All Your Electrical Panel Needs to Our Experts
No matter your electrical needs, Mister Sparky is here to help. We are proud to provide top-quality electrical panel solutions for your Dallas, TX, home. Call us at Dallas 214-414-2727 or Fort Worth 817-952-9532, or request service online.