When Do I Need a Main Circuit Breaker?

Houses

• According to the NEC, every structure possessing electrical service must have a main load panel, containing a main circuit breaker, either inside or outside of the structure as near to the power's point of entry as possible. If your home's main circuit breaker is not properly located, you will need to have a new main load center with a main circuit breaker installed at the proper location.

Outbuildings

• At one time, outbuildings such as garages or pool houses were not required to have a main circuit breaker if serviced by your home. However, under the current NEC requirements, any structure receiving electrical service is now required to have a main load center and a main circuit breaker.

Apartments

• While the NEC only requires a structure to have a main circuit breaker, some state and local authorities have additional requirements. In some locations, every residence in a structure must have a main circuit breaker even if the structure itself has one. These local codes, and their details, can vary widely from location to location.