The electrical service panel is where the electricity entering the home is safely distributed to switches, outlets, and appliances. The service panel is usually found in the garage, utility room or basement. Depending on the age of your home, the service panel will have either fuses, circuit breakers or arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI's).
Fuses
If your home was built before 1965 and still has its original service panel, it most likely has fuses. In the past, fuses were commonly used in 30 and 60 amp service panels. Today, 100- to 200-amp service panels are needed in order to handle additional loads and properly protect the electrical system from overloading. When a fuse is blown, it must be unscrewed and thrown away. When replacing fuses in your service panel make sure the new fuse matches the amperage rating of the circuit. Never replace a fuse with one that has a larger amperage rating. This can cause electrical system damage and increase the risk of a fire.
Circuit Breakers
In most Chicagoland homes the service panel will have circuit breakers. A circuit breaker that has “tripped” can simply be reset to reconnect power to the circuit. It's important to check the source of the tripped circuit before restting it. The most common cause of a tripped circuit is too many appliances plugged into the same circuit. If the circuit trips a second time after resetting, it's probably time to call an electrician to have an additional circuit installed to handle the load.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)
AFCIs are newer devices that replace traditional circuit breakers in electric service panels. AFCIs provide additional protection against fire hazards known as arc faults. An arc fault is a dangerous electrical problem caused by damaged, overheated, or stressed electrical wiring or devices. Without AFCIs, arc faults may be hidden from plain view until it is too late. Have questions about your home's service panel or other electrical system? Call ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric. Our electricians are here to help.
Call to Action
Ready to fix that dripping faucet for good? Contact ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric today! Call us to schedule an appointment. We’re here to provide fast, professional plumbing services you can trust.
ABC Plumbing Locations
Arlington Heights, IL220 W Campus Dr | Largo, FL11701 S Belcher Rd Suite 127 |
Downers Grove, IL1001 Ogden Ave LL4 | Tampa, FL4326 W El Prado Blvd Suite 7 |
Evanston, IL828 Davis St UNIT 205 | |
Related blogs
Our Blog
VIEW ALL BLOGS
How to Inspect Your Electrical Panel Safely | Homeowner Guide
-
Clearwater, FL Leak Detection and Repair: Find Hidden Water Leaks
Hidden water leaks can lead to higher water bills, mold, damaged flooring, and costly repairs if they go undetected. This guide shows Tampa Bay homeowners how to identify potential leaks using water meter tests, visual warning signs, room-by-room checks, and isolation techniques. It also explains how professionals use non-invasive technology like acoustic listening and thermal imaging to pinpoint concealed and slab leaks while minimizing damage to your home.READ MORE -
Rockford HVAC: Heating System Installation Guide
Installing a central heating system involves much more than choosing a furnace or heat pump. This guide walks Rockford-area homeowners through the professional installation process, including system sizing, ductwork, permits, venting, electrical connections, thermostat setup, and final commissioning. It also explains which tasks may be DIY-friendly, when licensed professionals are needed, and how proper installation and annual maintenance can improve comfort, efficiency, safety, and system longevity.READ MORE -
Tampa, FL Electrical Safety Inspections Checklist
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system, and regular inspections can help identify potential hazards before they lead to outages, equipment damage, or fire risks. This guide explains what Tampa Bay homeowners can safely check themselves and what licensed electricians inspect inside the panel, including breakers, wiring, grounding, corrosion, GFCI/AFCI protection, and surge protection. It also covers common warning signs, inspection frequency, and when repairs or upgrades may be necessary to keep your home safe and code-compliant.READ MORE
Our Promises To You
-
Convenient For You
We Work on Your Schedule
-
Background Checks
We do Drug Tests And Background Checks Before Hiring
-
No Need For Stress
Get ABCs Worry-Free Guarantee at No Cost
-
No Surprises
Pricing is By the Job, Not the Hour