Why Is Your Breaker Box Outside House? Here Are the Reasons

The breaker box is a crucial electrical system component. But is it really okay if it’s outside your house? Yes! In this article, we will explain why.

Your home's electrical system is an essential aspect of your daily life. Electricity is critical for modern living, from powering your lights and appliances to charging your devices. One crucial component of your electrical system is the breaker box on outside of house. 

The breaker box outside house is responsible for regulating the flow of electricity to your home, ensuring that your residential appliances and devices receive the power they need to function properly. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of the main breaker outside house and how it relates to your overall electrical services.

Why is the Breaker Box on Outside of the House?

If you've ever wondered “why are breaker boxes outside the house?”, you're not alone. In fact, many people are surprised to learn that the answer to "where can a breaker box be located" is actually outside. The reason for this is simple: it provides easier access for electrical workers and emergency responders. 

Having your electrical boxes outside house eliminates the need for workers to enter your home in case of an emergency or power outage. Additionally, it provides more space to work with, which can make maintenance and repairs easier, making it a necessary component of the electrical system. Many residential homes are designed this way for safety purposes. 

The Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Breaker Boxes

Breaker boxes are an essential component of your home's electrical system, controlling the flow of electricity to your appliances and devices. While some homes have an indoor breaker box, others have breaker box on outside of house. 

Read on as we learn about the difference between an indoor vs outdoor electrical panel.

Durability

Outdoor breaker boxes are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow, whereas indoor boxes are not designed to handle such conditions. Outdoor boxes are made of weather-resistant materials, which help prevent damage from environmental factors. 

Accessibility

The main breaker outside house provides easier access for electrical workers and emergency responders, who can quickly and easily access the electrical panel without having to enter the home. In contrast, indoor breaker boxes can be difficult to access, especially if they are located in hard-to-reach areas.

Efficiency

Both indoor and outdoor breaker boxes function similarly, but one of the main differences between indoor and outdoor breaker boxes is that outdoor breaker boxes may provide more space to work with, making maintenance and repairs easier. Additionally, having an outdoor panel can help prevent heat buildup, improving the overall efficiency of the electrical system.

Safety

Outdoor breaker boxes help reduce the risk of fire caused by electrical faults or malfunctions since they are located away from combustible materials. Indoor breaker boxes, on the other hand, may be located in close proximity to these materials, increasing the risk of fire in case of an emergency.

Can You Put an Electrical Panel Outside?

Yes, you can put an electric panel outside. In fact, many homes have their electrical panel, breaker box, or fuse box outside. The outdoor/exterior location provides easier access for electrical workers and emergency responders and more space to work with, making maintenance and repairs easier. If you're wondering “where is my breaker box located outside,” it is typically installed on an exterior wall of your residential space, close to where the main electrical service enters your house.

It is important to ensure that the electrical panel is properly installed and protected from the elements to prevent damage from environmental factors, such as rain or snow. Additionally, it is important to follow local codes and regulations when installing an outdoor electrical panel to ensure safety and compliance. As a bonus, we’ve taken time to answer some of the related-burning questions:

  • Where is the breaker box in my house? It can vary, but it is usually in a utility room or basement.
  • Where is the circuit breaker in my house? It can be found inside the breaker or electrical panel.
  • Where is the main breaker in a house? The main breaker is located in the electrical panel.

McCarrick Electric Can Inspect Your Exterior Breaker Panel

In conclusion, having an exterior breaker panel can be a smart choice to ensure the safety and efficiency of the electrical systems. 

At McCarrick Electric, we take pride in providing expert installation services for a wide range of electrical components, including outlets and breaker boxes. We will install a circuit breaker box outside house so you can provide easier access for electrical workers and emergency responders, as well as reduce the risk of fire caused by electrical faults or malfunctions.

Now that you know the answer to "can a breaker box be outside," it's time to join hands with McCarrick Electric for the best electrical services. Contact us today to ensure your electrical system is up to date and functioning properly.

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