The load center in your facility houses all the circuit breakers that control electricity inside the space. Also called the breaker box or the breaker panel, it was likely installed before you arrived, and other than knowing where it is, you may not be familiar with it. However, as your employees make changes and complete electrical projects, you may realize that you need to add more circuit breakers; this might not be possible in your existing load center. Getting a new, bigger one could be necessary, but what breaker box details should you know first?
Checking with Your City
The first stop needs to be your city's municipal office building and the permits office. There, you can do a few necessary things. First, you can check whether any requirements exist for amperage use in your facility. Next, you can apply for any facility permits that the city requires in order to replace and enlarge your load center. Finally, if you like, you can request older records about past facility applications and approvals that could be helpful.
Calling Your Utility Provider
Your next move regarding a new load center should be to reach out to your utility provider. They will offer advice about the maximum load you can put on the system, which will affect the size and type of load center you'll be installing. They might have additional pointers about how best to complete the replacement process without risking electrical trouble or injury to employees.
When discussing your facility with a utility provider, ensure you know what the electrical load will be. If installing a new load center and new circuit breakers would mean your facility is using significantly more power, you may need some utility upgrades.
Considering Number of Circuits
If you're already replacing the breaker box because you need space for more circuits, ensure the box you select will be suitable for any future circuit needs. That way, when new breakers need to be installed, you can do so without also getting a new load center right away.
Noting Placement
If the load center is located on the outside of the facility, ensure you get a box that is rated for outdoor use. If not, you might discover that the box starts to rust, which could necessitate another replacement.
With this load center information, replacing one can be a simple undertaking. Consult circuit breaker load center suppliers for guidance regarding your new breaker box.
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