The different types of breakers in your home's electrical panel

In a typical home's electrical panel (also known as a breaker box), you’ll find several different types of circuit breakers, each serving a unique function. Here's a breakdown of the most common types: 🔹 1. Single-Pole Breakers Amperage: Usually 15–20 amps Voltage: 120V Usage: Lights, receptacles, small appliances Description: These are the most common breakers, taking up one slot in the panel and controlling a single circuit. 🔹 2. Double-Pole Breakers Amperage: 15–200 amps or more Voltage: 240V Usage: Large appliances (stoves, dryers, water heaters, central AC) Description: Takes up two slots and connects to both hot bus bars to deliver 240V. 🔹 3. GFCI Breakers (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Amperage: Commonly 15 or 20 amps Usage: Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoor circuits Function: Protects against ground faults by shutting off power when current leaks to ground (e.g., if water is present). Alternative: Sometimes replaced by GFCI outlets instead of a panel breaker. 🔹 4. AFCI Breakers (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) Amperage: Commonly 15 or 20 amps Usage: Bedrooms, living areas, newer homes Function: Detects arcing faults that could cause fires (e.g., damaged wiring) and shuts down the circuit. 🔹 5. Dual Function Breakers (GFCI + AFCI) Amperage: Usually 15 or 20 amps Usage: Where both GFCI and AFCI protection is required (e.g., newer homes) Function: Combines both ground fault and arc fault protection in one breaker. 🔹 6. Main Breaker Amperage: 100–200+ amps Usage: Controls power to the entire panel Function: Acts as a disconnect switch; trips when the total load exceeds the rated capacity. 🔹 7. Tandem Breakers Usage: Panels with limited space Function: Two single-pole breakers in one slot; used only if the panel is designed to accommodate them. Note: Not a substitute for adding a sub-panel if your panel is overloaded. 🔹 8. Sub-Panel Breakers Location: Found in the main panel, feeding a sub-panel Function: Acts as a feeder breaker for another panel elsewhere in the house. Bonus: Specialty Breakers Smart Breakers: Allow for remote monitoring/control via apps. Surge Protection Breakers: Protect circuits from voltage spikes.