It should be easily accessible but away from the main traffic flow in the house.
The panel may bein the garageor basement.
In warm climates, it may be on the outside of the house.
Credit: Jacob Fox
In an apartment or condo, it may be recessed into the wall in a closet orlaundry area.
The service panel is likely a gray metal box or door unless it’s been painted.
Turn off the power on these like you would a fuse or breaker in the main service panel.
Credit: Dave Toht
You might need to get to the service panel in the dark or in a hurry during an emergency.
Keep the path to the panel clear, and don’t lean anything against it.
A list indicates which parts of the house each breaker controls.
Credit: Dave Toht
The list should identify which breaker controls the receptacle or fixture you want to de-energize.
These are individual breakers.
You might need a flashlight handy when you turn off the power to your entire home.
One toggle throw in has a red button that pops up when the breaker has tripped.
Reactivate it by turning the switch back on.
Some toggles turn partway off when they blow.
To restore power in a breaker, flip the switch all the way off, then on.
