Commercial Panel Services Rochester NY

What is a Breaker Panel?

A breaker panel plays an essential role in distributing electrical power throughout your commercial building. More than just a metal box with switches, it is one hub to your entire electrical system. This hub is designed to allocate electricity efficiently to various parts of your building depending on where the power demands are being made.

Every switch on the panel controls is called a circuit breaker. This controls the flow of electrical power to a specific area of the building, or to specific appliances, ensuring that energy is safely and effectively distributed across your business.

The breaker panel also serves as an essential safety mechanism that protects your electrical system from overload. If too much demand is placed on a specific breaker, the panel will automatically shut off power to that circuit. This only happens if the current flowing through it exceeds safe levels, but it prevents damage to your appliances and electrical fixtures, significantly reducing the risk of fire and electrocution.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main Breaker Panel?

The cost of replacing a main breaker panel varies, depending on the complexity of the installation and the specifications of the new panel. Parts and installation costs can range anywhere between $500 and $2,500 depending on the breaker’s type, power capacity, and location.

When working with Douglas Electric, you’ll enjoy clear and upfront pricing. We offer comprehensive evaluations and transparent quotes, ensuring you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your business.

What Are the Different Types of Electrical Panels?

Electrical panels are categorized based on their functionality and the specific needs they serve within a commercial property. Understanding the type of panel installed in your property is crucial for effective management and maintenance of your electrical system.

The most common types of electrical panels include:

Main Breaker Panels – These panels serve as the primary control hub for electricity distribution in the building, offering a straightforward way to shut off all power for maintenance or emergencies.

Sub-Panels – These panels function as secondary panels that can be used to distribute power to specific areas or circuits, useful for large properties or separate commercial buildings.

Main Lug Panels – These are similar to main breaker panels but don’t contain a main circuit breaker. Power is shut off by disconnecting the utility meter. These are often used as sub-panels connected to the main breaker panel.

What Do All the Switches in my Breaker Panel Control?

Each switch within your breaker panel controls the power supply to a specific area or circuit within your commercial property. These switches allow you to manage electricity distribution and provide a safety mechanism to shut off power to parts of your property during maintenance, in case of an overload, or if repair is needed.

When you have a circuit breaker installed by Douglas Electric, our team ensures that your panel is accurately labeled, allowing you to have clear insight into what each switch controls, simplifying management and troubleshooting down the line.

If you are experiencing problems with your circuit breaker, or need to upgrade to a new breaker panel, our experienced team of electricians can help assess your needs and find a solution for your business today.

What Size are Commercial Electrical Panels?

Commercial properties typically require larger panels than residential ones, often ranging from 100 to 200 amps, or even higher for industrial facilities or high-capacity commercial facilities. Some buildings require electrical panels that can accommodate up to 400 amps.

The size of the panel allows you to have more areas of the building protected on different breakers, as well as supply power to an even wider area.

How Much Does it Cost to Move an Electrical Panel?

The cost of moving an electrical panel depends on several factors, including the distance of the move, the complexity of the wiring, and the need for new installation materials. While you won’t need to purchase a new electrical panel, this process can involve significant labor, including rerouting existing wiring and ensuring the new location meets safety codes and regulations. Most changes to the location range anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on the new location’s distance from the old location, and the type of panel.