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Electricalaka: panelaka: load centeraka: fuse boxaka: distribution panel

Breaker Panel

In Plain English

The metal box containing all the circuit breakers that distribute electricity throughout a building.

Definition

The main distribution board that receives electrical power from the utility service and distributes it through individual circuit breakers to branch circuits throughout the building. Also called a load center or electrical panel, it contains the main breaker and individual circuit breakers. Panel capacity is measured in amperes (e.g., 100A, 200A, 400A).

Why It Matters in Bidding

The breaker panel and its amperage rating anchor the electrical service estimate, since panel capacity dictates feeder size, conduit, grounding, and whether service upgrades are needed. Estimators price the panel, breakers, and labor from the panel schedule, and an undersized or omitted panel can cascade into costly redesign and change orders after award.

Example

Reviewing the riser diagram, the estimator notices the spec calls for a 400A service but the panel schedule totals exceed available spaces, so she carries an allowance for a larger load center and flags the discrepancy in her bid clarifications.

Related Terms

Circuit BreakerElectrical PanelService EntranceLoad Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Price the load center itself by amperage rating, add each breaker by type and pole count from the panel schedule, then include feeders, grounding, the mounting and termination labor, and any required permits or inspections. Service-entrance panels also carry the meter base, main disconnect, and utility coordination costs.
Use the amperage shown on the drawings and panel schedule, which the engineer sizes from the connected and demand load. Common ratings are 100A, 200A, and 400A. If the schedule looks tight on capacity or spaces, raise an RFI rather than guessing, since an upsize affects feeders and service costs.
A complete panel assembly includes the cabinet, bus, main breaker or main lugs, branch and feeder breakers, neutral and ground bars, and the directory. The bid should also capture the feeder conductors, conduit, grounding electrode system, labor to set and terminate, and any subpanels fed from it.

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