Build A Better Breaker Box

Six Best Tips on How to Organize Your Home’s Electrical Panel

We’re going to let you in on a little On Time Electrical secret; many of our service calls stem from problems that could have been discovered, avoided, or corrected at the customer’s electrical panel. (Shhhhhhh!) We find that many times these panels, which house all of the home’s electrical circuits, are not properly organized or labeled. This can leave homeowners feeling lost when it comes to troubleshooting the most basic power hiccups in their own home. Don’t get us wrong, we love to visit our customers, but we also love to educate them on electricity basics for their own safety, comfort level, and budget mindfulness.

Here are the 6 Top Tips for organizing your electrical panel:

1. Safety First!

• Turn off the power: Do NOTHING else before you do this! Turn off the main breaker to cut power to your entire house. This step is crucial to prevent electric shocks. Use a voltage tester to ensure that there is no residual electricity in the panel.
• Wear protective gear: Always wear rubber gloves and safety goes when working with electrical components to protect from potential electric shocks and debris.

2. Get to Know Your Circuits:

This step could feel a little time-consuming, but it’s key to ensuring your circuits are later labeled correctly which will save you headaches and money in the future.

• Identify each circuit breaker: Each circuit breaker controls a specific area or appliance in your home. If your electrical panel is currently unlabeled and a bit messy, chances are, you have no idea which circuit controls which room, appliance, or outlet.
• Get a buddy!: This is a huge time saver. Have a partner walk around the house while all the lights are turned on. As you flip each breaker, have your partner identify which room is affected and then, which appliances or outlets may be affected separately within that room, if more than one breaker is involved in that location; this can happen frequently in kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms, for example.
• Consult the manufacturer’s guide: If you still have this, the manufacturer’s guide provides valuable information on your panel’s layout and specifications.

3. Lock it in with labels:

The tedious work is done, leave your mark!

• Clear and correct!: Use a label maker or a permanent marker to label each circuit breaker clearly. Include specific details like “Kitchen Outlets,” “Master Bedroom Lights,” or “Garage Door Opener.” Clear labeling helps in quickly identifying which breaker controls which part of your home (since, in most cases, you visit this box in an emergency or when a needed appliance isn’t working).
• Create a circuit map: Draw a diagram of your home’s layout and mark which breaker controls each area. This map should be easy to read and should include all significant electrical points in your home. Keep this map near the electrical panel for quick reference. We suggest customers tape or adhere the map to the wall next to the panel, as most panels are located in out-of-the-way places like a garage or closet.
• Use a Legend: On the inside cover of the panel or nearby, create a legend or key that corresponds to your circuit map. Many panels come with a blank legend sheet already inside. Simply write-in the name of what each circuit controls next to the appropriate circuit number (based on your diligent testing in Step 2). Remember to check twice, write once, if you’re using permanent marker!

4. Wrangle Loose Wires:

If any exist in your electrical panel….

• Bundle cables: Use zip ties, Velcro straps, or cable organizers to bundle and tidy up wires inside the panel. Keeping wires organized prevents them from obstructing the breakers and makes the panel look neater.
• Color code wires: If possible, use colored electrical tape to color code wires according to their function (e.g., red for live wires, white for neutral, and green or bare for ground). This practice can make future maintenance easier and safer.
• Check for loose connections: Tighten any loose screws or connections to prevent arcing or potential fire hazards. Loose connections can cause overheating and pose a significant safety risk.
• Use Blank Filler Plates: If there are unused spaces in your breaker panel, cover them with blank filler plates. This prevents accidental contact with live parts and maintains the panel’s safety integrity.

5. Light it up!

• Install a panel light: Consider installing a small, battery-operated LED light inside the panel or nearby to ensure you can see clearly when working on the panel, especially during a power outage.
• Keep a flashlight nearby: In addition to a panel light, keep a high-quality flashlight near the electrical panel. This ensures you can work safely on the panel even in low-light conditions.
• Emergency contacts: Keep the contact information of a licensed electrician near the panel. In case of complex issues or emergencies, it’s essential to have professional help readily available.

6. Maintenance

• Create a documentation folder: Collect all relevant documents related to your electrical system, including the circuit map, panel legend, manufacturer’s guide, and any work done by electricians. Store this folder near the panel for easy access.
• Record changes and upgrades: Keep a log of any changes or upgrades made to your electrical system. Document the date, the work done, and who performed the work.
• Regular inspections: Periodically inspect your electrical panel for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Look for any signs of overheating, such as discolored or melted insulation. Call your local On Time Electrical professionals to address any issues immediately to prevent potential hazards.

If you are uncomfortable tackling your messy electrical panel yourself, call us! Your On Time Electrical expert technician can conduct a comprehensive inspection of your circuit breaker box and ensure everything is labeled correctly and safely contained. Additionally, our electricians are highly-skilled and well-versed in your local electrical codes and they can tell whether or not your home’s electrical system is out of compliance, along with recommending the proper repair to get you back on track.
On Time Electrical customer service is available 24/7 at (704) 820-4803. You can also visit us online anytime at www.itselectriccharlotte.com. Check out our weekly and monthly specials, plus we waive the service call fee on ANY repair! Locally owned and operated, we’re On Time Electrical. It’s electric!