How Do We Choose An Electrical Panel Box Cover?
When choosing an electrical panel box cover, consider both the size of the box, its type and its contents. The panel box cover should be made of steel and large enough to hold the necessary circuit breakers. Bigger box covers are available if a sub-panel of circuit breakers is installed.
Hiding your electrical panel is easy. This DIY will show you how to hide your panel with a decorative picture.
Choosing an Electrical Panel Cover
The electrical panel is a box full of circuit breakers and one main switch. The panel is the connection between the power company’s service drop and the power that comes into your home. There may be sub-panels which are smaller boxes. They are installed to serve a specific area like the kitchen or a large appliance like the heating system. Typically, though, most homes just work out of one panel.
In older homes, fuse boxes are common. They provide the same function as the electrical panel. The fuse box has fuses that screw in and out instead of circuit breakers that switch on and off. When there is an electrical problem, the circuit breakers “flip” and the fuses “blow” to cut off power to the source and protect your home. Whichever box you have, electrical panel covers are necessary.
Location
Most builders and homeowners position electrical panel covers in inconspicuous places like the basement, garage, inside a closet or behind cabinet doors since they are not the most attractive aspect of a home. You can get away with putting them in hiding as long as they are easily accessible if you need to flip a breaker, replace a fuse or turn off the main source of power by the panel’s main switch.
Types
The dark gray electrical panel covers come standard with the boxes they cover. However, if you like choices, there are a few options to bring electrical panel covers out into the open.
Still looking more functional than decorative, Channel Vision Technology manufactures electrical panel covers in a white metal. The covers have a locking mechanism. This extra safety feature is a good idea to protect curious children from the dangers inside the panel. And its paint color will blend against a white wall and it looks cleaner against other colors.
Importance Of Having A Cover On Electrical Panel
Electrical panel covers are essential for safety. Most homeowners have opened the outer door to switch on a flipped breaker. Owners who are more knowledgeable may change out a breaker, which means removing the cover to get into the inner section. Call (214) 238-8353 us for your home service and repair needs.