An electrical panel box goes by several names, including breaker box, load center, breaker panel, and service panel. Regardless, the typical electrical panel for a home is a steel box that’s mounted on a wall in the garage, basement or laundry room. It contains multiple circuit breakers, usually in two columns, all of which are wired to the circuits that distribute electricity throughout the house. There are many types of breaker boxes, and sometimes a house might need a particular panel that meets local codes or applications. However, check out below the most common types of electrical panel boxes and how they differ from each other. Main Breaker Panels – as the name says, these have a main breaker that’s built-in and can be used to shut down electricity entirely. The main breaker has the ability to limit the amount of power coming from outside through a large two-pole circuit breaker, therefore protecting the circuits. Lug Panels – these don’t have a main breaker, but an electrical connector, also called a lug, that all line wires run to. Because there’s no main breaker, this type of panel needs a separate disconnect, preferably at the meter, as this is usually outside the house. Sub-Panels – these are smaller breaker boxes and typically service a particular area of the house. If you have a greenhouse or workshop for instance, or a big electricity user such as a hot tub and sauna, then a sub-panel that only services that are and that’s conveniently located nearby is a good thing to have. Transfer Switches – these are sub-panels as well, and they’re used to transfer power from a portable generator (alternative power) into electrical power through the breaker box. These are especially useful in areas where storms are common.