---
title: "What Is Electrical panel? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "The electrical panel is the main distribution point in a building. It takes power from the utility service and divides it into protected circuits."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/electrical-panel
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Panels and service

# Electrical panel

The electrical panel is the main distribution point in a building. It takes power from the utility service and divides it into protected circuits.

Power arrives at the [service entrance](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-entrance) and passes the meter. The panel then splits it into circuits. OSHA defines service equipment as the circuit breakers or switches and fuses, with their accessories, that make up the main control and cutoff of the supply.

Homes usually have a [breaker panel](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/breaker-panel). Larger buildings may use a [panelboard](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/panelboard). Burning smells, buzzing, or breakers that will not stay on are warning signs. Call a licensed electrician. See [electrical panel replacement](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/electrical-panel-replacement).

[Daniel Electric can helpElectrical panel repair and replacement](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrical-panel-repair-replacement)

## Related terms

-   [Breaker panel](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/breaker-panel)
-   [Panelboard](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/panelboard)
-   [Main breaker](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/main-breaker)
-   [Service entrance](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-entrance)

## Sources

1.  [OSHA: 1910.399 Definitions applicable to this subpart](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.399)
2.  [Siemens: Loadcentres, Power Product Catalogue](https://assets.new.siemens.com/siemens/assets/api/uuid:93f50aa9-62c9-4e27-9da3-ae7595fb0e6d/s01-loadcentres1.pdf)

TECL #21005 · Family owned since 1988

## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

![A Daniel Electric bucket lift raised to a parking lot light pole](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/_astro/bucket-at-light-pole.BSVZ9eST_1Dp6XR.webp)