The electrical panel is present in all accommodations. Yet it goes unnoticed until the power goes out or until an outage reminds us of its importance.
In every house, the electrical panel is a central element often located near the entrance or in the garage. It contains the main switch, the differential circuit breakers and the automatic circuit breakers, which control different areas such as sockets, rooms or household appliances, thus ensuring the management of the entire electrical supply in the home. However, we rarely pay attention to it, except when there is a power outage.
A real shield for your home, the electrical panel automatically cuts the power in the event of a short circuit, electrical leak or overload, for example when too many devices are connected simultaneously and exceed the subscribed power. It also protects against more serious failures, such as a stripped cable or faulty device.
If you take a look at your electrical panel, you will notice a button, often overlooked but of capital importance: the differential circuit breaker or the test of your power cutoff device. This switch is often accompanied by the letter “T” or some other visual indication.
It is designed to protect your electrical installation and, above all, the occupants of your home. Its main role is to detect current leaks that could occur when a circuit is damaged or an electrical device has an anomaly. A current leak may be imperceptible but represents a real danger: electrocution, fire or overheating of equipment.
In the event of an anomaly, the differential circuit breaker immediately cuts off the electricity to avoid any risk for people or property. However, for this mechanism to work properly, it is essential to verify that it remains operational. Over time, like any electrical device, the circuit breaker can become dirty or seized, especially in humid or dusty environments. If this mechanism loses its effectiveness, it may not react in the event of an electrical problem.
The test button allows you to check that the differential circuit breaker is still operational, that it reacts correctly and cuts off the electricity. Nobody does it, yet electricians advise pressing this “T” button once a month. It’s a simple gesture and accessible to everyone.
Locate the test button, often marked with a “T” on your circuit breaker. Tap it. If the circuit breaker is in good condition, this should immediately cut off the electricity to all or part of the home. Turn the circuit breaker back on after the test, by raising the main lever.
This gesture only takes a few seconds. It can prevent:
- Electrical fires, often caused by faulty or overloaded circuits.
- The risk of electrocution, especially in rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen.
- Costly outages because an undetected malfunction can damage devices connected to your network.