Ann Arbor homeowners know their electrical systems provide countless conveniences and comforts; However, most are completely in the dark when it comes to how this essential system works. Wouldn’t it be nice to know how this complex system functions, considering it is a big part of your life daily? We have provided the basics for Southeast Michigan homeowners below.
Residential Electrical Systems 101
The power company supplies electricity to your home through a central line that’s strung from roadside poles, or in some cases buried underground. From this point, electricity is delivered through your household via components including:
Meter box. This box is placed on the exterior of your home and contains the electric company’s wire which allows it to track electricity consumption for billing purposes each month.
Main breaker panel. From the meter box, the electrical line comes into the main breaker panel located inside your home. Homes commonly have the maximum allowable electricity available for residential use, which is 200 amps. Smaller breakers are wired from the main breaker, making it possible to distribute power to the various rooms of your home via individual circuits. If any specific circuit becomes overloaded or there is a short, the breaker trips which essentially halts electricity flow immediately, preventing a possible fire.
Circuits. Certain equipment and/or appliances such as a refrigerator or air conditioner require a dedicated circuit. Individual circuits have bundled wires running to electrical outlets, light fixture boxes, and more.
Light switches. Turning the light on works via electrical wires running to the light switch from a light fixture box; when you switch the light off, the circuit running from the main panel to the fixture is broken or terminated.
Sockets or receptacles. You plug in the television, microwave, lamps, and other equipment or appliances that operate using electricity. With sockets or outlets, electricity flows from the main panel to power these items. In most cases, the bath or kitchen use GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupt) due to the presence of water, as these types of outlets prevent potential shocks by stopping the flow of electricity.
Electricity is fairly basic; however, it can be dangerous or even deadly when you attempt DIY projects that involve any of these components. Want to learn more about your Ann Arbor home’s electrical system? Give the experts at Haley Mechanical a call today.
