Split Bus Panel Replacement

Split Bus Panels: Why the Lack of a Single Main Breaker Is Dangerous

Split bus electrical panels were a common design used in American homes built between the late 1950s and the late 1970s. Unlike modern panels that have a single main breaker at the top capable of shutting off all power to the home, split bus panels divide circuits into two separate sections — a high-voltage section for large appliances and a lower-voltage section for lighting and outlets — each with its own set of breakers. To shut off all power, you would need to manually flip multiple breakers rather than one. The National Electrical Code (NEC) has not permitted new split bus panel installations since the 1980s, and for good reason: in an emergency such as a fire, electrical shock, or flooding, the inability to cut all power with a single switch can be life-threatening. Oregon homeowners with split bus panels also frequently find that insurance companies require replacement as a condition of coverage. Checkpoint Electric LLC provides fast, code-compliant split bus panel replacements that bring your home fully up to modern safety standards.