What is an electrical panel?
An electrical panel is the main distribution box in a home that receives power from the utility line and routes it through circuit breakers to various rooms and appliances.
The electrical panel, also called a breaker box or load center, is the central hub where utility power enters your home and gets distributed to individual circuits. Located typically in a basement, garage, or utility room, the panel contains the main breaker and a series of individual circuit breakers that protect different areas of the house, from kitchen outlets to bedroom lighting to the water heater.
Each breaker serves two purposes: it distributes power to a specific circuit and automatically trips to cut power if that circuit draws too much current, preventing fires and damage to appliances. The main breaker controls all power flowing through the panel and can shut down the entire house in an emergency.
Spartanburg homes typically have one of several panel types. Older houses may have Zinsco or Pushmatic panels, while mid-century homes often contain Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels. Most newer construction and recent upgrades use modern brands like Square D, Siemens, or Eaton panels with 100, 150, or 200 amp capacities. Capacity matters: homes with electric heating, air conditioning, and multiple large appliances generally need 150 or 200 amps to handle the load safely.
When a breaker repeatedly trips, outlets don't work, or you need to add circuits for a renovation, an electrician typically inspects the panel to diagnose the issue. Panel upgrades or replacements become necessary if the existing panel is undersized, damaged, or uses outdated, unsafe technology.