In Quebec as in all of Canada, electrical panels must meet strict installation and safety standards. Indeed, it is the very heart of the entire electrical structure of a building. This device also secures the occupants against possible electrical problems. Let's review the standards that this type of box must meet in order to be considered compliant.

The location of the electrical box

In general, an electrical panel must be located:

• In the basement of your house;
• Close to one of the main entrances to the house.

It should be inserted into a technical housing and located at a certain height so that the circuit breaker levers are easily accessible, but not so accessible that children can reach and play with them. The recommended height is between 0.9 and 1.8 m from the ground.

The elements that must be present in an electrical panel

In order to ensure its protective function optimally, an electrical panel must have the following elements:

• Differential switches;
• Circuit breakers;
• Main ground terminal;
• Lightning arrester.

Fuse panels located in old buildings generally do not comply with current standards. They should be replaced by more modern circuit breaker panels. Likewise, the arrangement of the elements and the wires must follow a certain order. Call on a certified electrician to ensure the correct arrangement of the wires in the box.

The power of the panel

In the case of a residential building, an electrical panel must contain at least 40 circuits with an amperage of 200 A. It is possible to have modular panels installed that can accommodate a higher number of circuits and whose amperage can be increased according to needs. However, the figures mentioned above are the minimum allowed in the standards.

The conformity of the components

In order to ensure the safety of the occupants, it is advisable to always choose quality components. It is not mandatory for each element to comply with standards, but it is imperative that a certified electrician assemble the box and the components that compose it. However, there are also already certified components sold with the case. This facilitates assembly work and ensures optimal safety.

Installation and replacement of components by a certified professional

The electrical panel is an essential part of your electrical circuits. Its installation requires know-how, experience and specific equipment. Also, carrying out repairs around the case can be dangerous. For these reasons, it is essential to call on a certified electrician to install, maintain and repair your electrical panel.

Precisely, at Erco, we can take care of these operations. We can:

• Ensure that your sign complies with the standards in force in Quebec;
• Check the condition of its components;
• Update your panel to adapt it to your needs;
• Verify that the device is working optimally.

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