Should you cover your breaker box?

Whether or not to cover your breaker box is a common question for many homeowners. The breaker box, also known as the electrical panel, is the central hub that connects your home to the main electrical power supply. It contains breakers that control the electrical circuits in your home and protect them from overloads. Some homeowners prefer to cover or conceal their breaker boxes for aesthetic reasons while others believe it’s safer or required to leave them exposed. So should you cover your breaker box or leave it accessible? Here is a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of both options to help you decide what’s best for your home.

What is a breaker box?

The breaker box is the metal box that contains multiple circuit breakers inside your home. It is the central hub of your home’s electrical system, distributing power from the utility company throughout the circuits in your home. Without the breaker box, you wouldn’t have any electricity in your home.

Here are some key facts about breaker boxes:

– Breaker boxes are also known as electrical panels, breaker panels, or distribution boards.

– They contain multiple circuit breakers that control and protect each circuit in the home. Typical homes have a main breaker plus 30-60 individual circuit breakers.

– The main breaker shuts off power to the entire panel and home. The individual breakers control power to specific circuits based on the wire gauge and how much power they need to safely handle.

– Breaker boxes use either fuses or circuit breakers to protect the circuits. Older panels use fuses while modern panels use breakers.

– The breaker box is usually located in the basement, laundry room, garage, or a main closet. It needs to be kept accessible and out of wet areas.

– Breaker boxes have warnings that say “Danger – Permit Required Before Working On This Equipment”. Only a licensed electrician should install, upgrade, or repair an electrical panel.

Reasons some homeowners cover their breaker box

Some homeowners choose to cover up their breaker box for aesthetic reasons. An exposed breaker box can look unsightly, especially if it’s located in a main living area. Here are some of the main reasons homeowners conceal their breaker box:

– To hide an eyesore – Covering the breaker box can make it blend seamlessly into the wall, hiding the messy wires and breakers from view. This achieves a cleaner, more streamlined look.

– Improve home decor – Exposed breaker boxes detract from wall decor, furniture arrangements, and overall aesthetics in a room. Covering it allows for more design flexibility.

– Increase home value – Covering the eyesore of an exposed breaker box can increase home resale value and make rooms look larger to potential buyers.

– Create more usable space – Closet walls or basement spaces occupied by an electrical panel could be used for storage by covering the breaker box.

– Protect children – Covering the box reduces the risk of electrical shocks and burns to curious children who may access an exposed box. It adds an extra layer of safety.

– Deter tampering – Concealing the breaker box helps deter trespassers or intruders from shutting off the power. It adds security.

Reasons some homeowners leave their breaker box exposed

While covered breaker boxes have aesthetic advantages, there are also some important reasons many homeowners choose to leave their breaker box uncovered:

– Easier access in an emergency – If there is an electrical emergency like a short or overload, you can quickly shut off power to the affected circuit or the whole home at the breaker box. No need to fumble with removing a cover first.

– Easier to reset tripped breakers – It’s faster and more convenient to locate and reset a tripped breaker if you can see which one has flipped to the “off” position.

– Identify circuits – An exposed breaker box lets you clearly identify which breaker controls each circuit in your home. This information is useful when doing electrical work or troubleshooting problems.

– Prevent overheating – When covered, the breaker box can overheat since the ventilation is reduced. Heat buildup can shorten the life of the breakers or wires.

– Meet code requirements – Most local building codes require breaker boxes to be readily accessible. Covering the box could violate these safety codes.

– Allow professional access – Electricians will need complete access to work safely on an uncovered breaker box when doing inspections and repairs.

– Monitor issues – You can visually inspect an exposed breaker box for signs of faults, corrosion, leaks, or other issues that need attention from an electrician.

Safety considerations of covered vs. exposed boxes

Safety should be the priority when deciding whether to cover your breaker box or not. Here are some key safety differences:

Exposed Breaker Box

– Easier to quickly shut off power in an emergency
– Can visually monitor the condition of wiring and breakers
– Heat can dissipate to prevent overheating risks
– Clearly labeled breakers make it easier to safely reset tripped breakers
– Meets code requirements for complete accessibility

Covered Breaker Box

– Reduces risks of shocks and electrocution of children or intruders
– Prevents tampering with the power supply as a security feature
– No risk of contacting live wires if touching the cover
– Breakers are protected from moisture, dust, and debris

Ultimately, most building codes and electricians recommend against covering breaker boxes. The ability to access the main shut-off quickly and reset tripped breakers is crucial for electrical fire safety. A door that covers the breaker box but can be opened quickly can provide a middle ground. Safety should come before aesthetics when making this decision.

How to legally and safely cover a breaker box

If after reviewing the pros and cons you still wish to cover your breaker box, here are some recommendations to do it legally and safely:

– Consult your local building codes – Most municipalities prohibit covering breaker boxes, so call your local permitting office first.

– Hire an electrician – Only a licensed electrician has the expertise to evaluate if your breaker box can be covered safely and in compliance with codes.

– Install an access door – Add a removable cover or access door rather than permanently concealing the breaker box. It should be easily opened with basic tools.

– Use a vented cover – Be sure any cover allows adequate airflow so the breaker box doesn’t overheat. Vented metal panels designed for this purpose can be purchased.

– Label circuits clearly – Label the breakers clearly so someone can access the correct circuit through the access door if needed.

– Keep area clear – Don’t stack storage or furniture in front of the breaker box cover that blocks quick access.

– Test GFCIs – Ensure any GFCI outlets downstream from the breaker box still trip appropriately after covering the box, an electrician should confirm.

Materials commonly used for breaker box covers

Here are some of the most common material options for covering a breaker box if permitted:

Material	Pros	Cons
Metal panel	-Durable and protective	-Can get hot if not ventilated
Wood panel	-Matches home decor easily	-Less durable over time
Plastic panel	-Lightweight	-Not fire resistant
Louvre/vent cover	-Allows maximum airflow	-Less protective from debris or moisture
Access door	-Easily opened when needed	-More complex installation

Metal panels are the most protective option, while vented covers or access doors prioritize function over aesthetics. Work with your electrician to select the right materials for your specific needs.

Tips for decorating around an exposed breaker box

If you choose to keep your breaker box exposed, there are some handy tips for decorating around it:

– Paint the wall and breaker box cover to match – A fresh coat of paint makes the breaker box blend in.

– Use a decorative frame or trim molding – Framing out the breaker box makes it less eye-catching.

– Add shelving above – Open shelving above directs attention upward and disguises the box.

– Install curtains or blinds – Window treatments can hide the breaker box from view.

– Use a furniture piece to conceal – A cabinet, bookcase, or even a mirror in front can conceal the box.

– Draw attention elsewhere – Pretty wall art and decorative lighting shift focus away from the breaker box area.

– Simple storage – Baskets or decorative bins around the breaker box minimize clutter.

– Ensure proper clearance – Don’t let decor items block the 30″ minimum workspace clearance code requires.

With some creativity, you can come up with attractive ways to integrate an exposed breaker box into your home’s style. The cover itself can also be painted to blend in. Just be sure not to limit access.

Conclusion

There are valid reasons on both sides of the debate on whether to cover your breaker box or not. On the pro side, covering the box achieves a cleaner look and adds more decor flexibility while also reducing safety risks in some ways. However, most experts strongly recommend against covering breaker boxes to maintain complete access in emergencies. Ultimately, safety should trump aesthetics. An exposed breaker box is the best way to quickly shut off power when needed and properly monitor your home’s electrical system for issues. If you do cover your breaker box, take precautions to do it legally and ensure adequate ventilation and access. With some creative decorating, you can still make an exposed breaker box blend seamlessly into your home’s style.