Breaker box safety basics

We use electricity in our homes throughout the day, but we rarely think about how it reaches the wall outlets or switches. Distribution lines deliver electricity to homes, commonly connecting through a service drop. The electricity flows through the meter box to the service panel, typically located in a basement or garage. The service panel, often referred to as a breaker box, contains breakers and fuses that protect the wiring inside your home from electrical overload.

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With so much electricity flowing from the breaker box throughout your home to outlets and switches, it is crucial to understand how to use a breaker box safely.

According to a recent study by the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 1,350 home fires involved the circuit breaker panel, resulting in 18 deaths. Many of these fires could have been prevented with the installation of arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). AFCIs are installed directly in the breaker box and are designed to protect against fires caused by arcing faults in household electrical wiring. They detect arcing in the electrical system and disconnect the power supply.

“Unwanted arcing can create high temperatures that can ignite walls and nearby combustible materials, such as wood and carpets,” explains electrical inspector Mike Ashenfelter, a member of the Safe Electricity Advisory Board. “If you are interested in making your home safer by installing AFCIs, contact a qualified electrician.”

Arcing faults can be triggered by overloaded circuits, damaged wires, cracked insulation, loose connections, faulty electrical equipment, and overheated wires.

An AFCI monitors current flow and can differentiate between normal arcs and dangerous ones. When it detects an unwanted arcing condition, it shuts down the circuit. While it is important to note that AFCIs do not protect against all circuit faults that can cause fires, they are a significant enhancement in electrical fire safety.

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If an appliance malfunctions, there is another electrical issue in your home, or if the circuit breaker trips during a power outage, you may need to turn off or restore power at the breaker box.

When flipping a switch at the breaker box, always step back and look away to protect your eyes and body in case an arc occurs.

Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water. If you touch the breaker box while in water, it could result in electric shock or death. If you cannot safely access your breaker box, call your electric cooperative to shut off power at the meter.

If blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers are recurring issues, be sure to contact a qualified electrician or your landlord. This indicates a problem with your electrical system that requires inspection.

For more information on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.

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