What Is a Load Center?
A load center is an electrical panel that distributes power to circuits throughout a building. It holds circuit breakers that protect those circuits from excess current. A home load center usually sits inside a metal cabinet, with a cover that provides access to the breaker switches.
Quick Facts About Load Center
- Category
- Electrical distribution equipment
- Used for
- Supplying branch circuits
- Common confusion
- Electric meter
- Also called
- Breaker Panel, Electrical Panel
- Often discussed with
- Electrical Panel Upgrade, Electrical Panel Repair
Key Takeaways About Load Center
- Breakers fit into spaces designed for compatible equipment.
- Available breaker space doesn't establish electrical capacity.
- A load center isn't the same thing as an electric meter.
How Load Center Works
A load center receives power through incoming conductors and routes it through metal bus bars. Each circuit breaker connects to a bus and supplies a branch circuit. A branch circuit carries power to an area or equipment, such as kitchen outlets. Related service: Electrical Panel Upgrade.
Related glossary terms: Branch Circuit, Bus Bar, Circuit Breaker.
A breaker trips when excess current passes through its circuit. The trip opens the circuit and stops the flow of electricity. A breaker switch also lets a circuit be turned off.
The electric meter measures the electricity a property uses. The load center has a different job and sits on the distribution side of the electrical system. A main breaker may be in the load center or at another location. Its location affects how the panel connects to the rest of the system.
From the Electrician Pittsburgh team
When we plan an electrical panel upgrade, we check the existing wiring and the space around the load center. We also review the home's electrical loads and the equipment the replacement panel must serve. That helps us plan the panel layout around the home's needs.
Load Center in Practice: A Real-World Example
A homeowner wants an electrical panel upgrade before adding a new appliance. The electrician checks whether the proposed load center has suitable capacity and a place for the appliance circuit.
Related Services
Related Terms
Branch Circuit
A branch circuit is an electrical path that carries power from a final circuit breaker or fuse to outlets and equipment.
Bus Bar
A bus bar is a metal conductor that carries and distributes electricity inside electrical equipment.
Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker is an electrical protection device that stops current when a circuit draws too much power or develops a short.
Main Breaker
A main breaker is a protective switch that controls power to an electrical panel.
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