What is an electrical panel used for?

An electrical panel is designed to house circuit breakers or fuses, which serve as crucial safety devices to protect electrical circuits from overloads and faults. The panel acts as a central point where the incoming electrical supply is distributed to various circuits throughout a structure. Each circuit breaker within the panel can be tripped to cut off power in case of faults, preventing potential hazards like electrical fires or equipment damage.

This function of the electrical panel is critical for the safe operation of any electrical system. It ensures that individual circuits can be managed independently while providing a mechanism to easily disconnect them when maintenance or repairs are necessary. In contrast, while increasing voltage levels, converting AC to DC, or monitoring electrical usage are important functions in electrical systems, they are not the primary purpose of an electrical panel.