How to Know if Your Panel Box Is Sufficient to Handle a Load

Service panel boxes act as a branching point for "main" electrical power from the utility company. The main electrical input is split at this point into smaller circuits for use with electrical appliances. Determining whether or not a sufficient level of electrical power is available for a new load depends on the load currently on the electrical panel and the load to be added. This process is vital in ensuring that the panel won't throw a breaker during the operation of the new load.

Instructions

- 1
  Take an inventory of the average power use of the house. Determine which electrical devices are in continuous use and add their amperage values. For example, some common continuous and semi-continuous load devices include lighting, heating and cooling appliances and multimedia devices such as televisions and computers.
- 2
  Subtract the result from Step 1 from the maximum load available from the service panel. The maximum value can be determined by examining the main power breaker for the number indicating the maximum available amperage. The main power breaker is often the largest breaker within the panel with the load value printed on its body.
- 3
  Compare the final difference with the load value of the new appliance. If the difference is larger than the load of the appliance, the main service panel is able to accommodate the appliance's load.

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