mayn pan-uhl
Noun
A large electrical panel used to distribute power throughout a building
Example usage: We need to install the main panel before we can power up the building.
Most used in: Residential and commercial buildings.
Most used by: Electricians, plumbers, and other building trades professionals.
Popularity: 8
Comedy Value: 2
Also see: Main Breaker Panel, Service Entrance Panel, Electrical Distribution Panel, Load Center Panel,
What is a Main Panel in Construction Projects?
In the context of electrician construction, a main panel is a crucial component in a building’s electrical system. It is the central distribution point for electricity that is connected to the power source, such as a utility company’s power grid. The main panel contains a number of circuit breakers that control the power to different parts of the building.
In the United States, the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires all buildings to have a main panel and establishes the standards for its installation. The main panel must be installed in a location that is easily accessible and must be designed to protect the building from electrical overloads.
Main panels are typically found in garages, utility rooms, or basements and are usually made of steel or aluminum. The size of the main panel will depend on the size and type of the building and the number of circuits that need to be connected. The average home main panel contains between 10 and 20 circuit breakers, while a commercial building may require hundreds of circuit breakers.
Main panels are an important part of any construction project and must be installed correctly to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical wiring is the leading cause of residential fires in the United States, accounting for 24% of all residential fires in 2017.
The Origin of the Term 'Main Panel' in Electrician Construction
The term 'main panel' originated from the electrical construction industry in the United States during the 1950s. It is used to refer to the main distribution board, which is the central control point from which electricity is distributed throughout a building. The main panel contains circuit breakers, fuses, and other components that protect the wiring and equipment from overloads.
The term main panel first appeared in a 1955 edition of the National Electrical Code, which is the most widely used set of electrical safety standards in the United States. This code defines the requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems, and it is the basis for most of the electrical codes in the US.
Today, the term 'main panel' is used in the electrical construction industry around the world. It is used to refer to the main distribution board, or the control center from which electricity is distributed throughout a building.
