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The electrical panel is the heart of a house's electrical installation. Proper installation is crucial to ensure the safety of occupants and the proper functioning of the devices. However, common installation mistakes can compromise safety and lead to additional costs. This article highlights these mistakes and offers tips for a successful installation.
One of the most critical and frequent mistakes is not rigorously complying with current electrical standards. In Quebec, the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) imposes a set of very strict rules to regulate residential electrical installations. These standards are designed to prevent the risk of fire, electric shock, and serious malfunctions. Installing an electrical panel without taking these requirements into account can endanger occupants and lead to significant legal consequences. It is therefore essential to contact a certified professional who is fully familiar with these standards and who will be able to perform a compliant, safe and approved installation by the authorities. Additionally, periodic inspections of the panel are recommended to ensure that it stays up to standard over time.
Another common mistake is not correctly assessing the necessary capacity of the electrical panel during installation. Each home has specific energy needs, which may change over time due to the addition of household appliances, heating systems, or home automation technologies. Installing an undersized panel can cause overloads, leading to frequent cuts, premature wear of circuit breakers, and even fire risks associated with overheating of the cables. To avoid these problems, it is recommended to make an accurate assessment of the current and future electrical loads in the house. Providing an additional margin in the capacity of the panel makes it possible to calmly anticipate any extension or modification of the domestic electrical network.
The quality of the connections inside the electrical panel is a key factor in reliability and safety. Connections that are not tight, poorly insulated, or made with poor quality components can lead to local heating, electrical arcs, and even costly breakdowns. These faults are often the cause of electrical fires and recurrent malfunctions. It is therefore imperative that all connections be made with care, respecting the technical specifications of the manufacturers and using appropriate tools. In addition, controlling the voltage of the connections during installation and maintenance visits contributes to ensuring optimal and safe operation of the panel.
An unlabeled or mislabeled electrical panel is a source of major complications during maintenance, troubleshooting or expansion of the electrical system. Each circuit breaker must be clearly and precisely identified, indicating the zone or device it supplies. Comprehensive labelling facilitates interventions, accelerates the location of a problem, and improves safety by allowing the power to be cut off quickly and accurately in the event of an emergency. In addition, it allows any stakeholder, whether professional or owner, to quickly understand the organization of the panel.
Choosing the location of the electrical panel is often overlooked, even though it plays a critical role in the longevity and safety of the system. Installing a panel in a poorly ventilated area can cause heat to build up, which accelerates component degradation and increases the risk of failure. Likewise, a location that is difficult to access complicates emergency interventions and regular inspections. It is recommended to place the panel in a dry, well-ventilated area that is protected from moisture and is easily accessible, in accordance with the standards and recommendations of the manufacturers.
