Electric panels are relatively easy to figure out once you know what you are looking at. Since I want to keep this post relatively basic, we are going to use basic number (110 VAC, 220 VAC, 12/2 awg, etc).
First, the service entry cable enters the electric panel at 220 VAC. It basically gets split into 110 VAC for each one of the individual breakers. Each breker at 110 VAC will allow power to pass to basic outlets throughout the home (circuit branch wiring). When you see two breakers together, it has basically added two wires at 110 VAC together to equal 220 VAC (if there are any electricians reading this – I know. But trying to keep it simple).
Now Amps are different than VAC (volts of alternating current), but that is a different blog all together. So the average circuit wire will have three wires in it – A hot wire, neutral wire, and ground wire. Typically the 15 amp breakers will usually have at least 14/2 wire (14 awg, 2+wires, even thogh there are three wires). 20 amp breakers will typically have at least 12/2 wire.
There is a lot to this, so will will address other aspects in future blogs. But this is a start!
Recent Comments