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Choosing Between Flush Mount and Surface Electrical Panels

Surface mounts electrical panel, When it comes to our home, we want everything to be nice. The electrical panel is not just a part of your house, which is important; it’s something you can see. That’s why you might wonder whether you should install a flush mount or surface electrical mount panel in yours.

Flush mount vs Surface mounts electrical panel: The Difference

Surface mounts electrical panel

And that’s why we’re here to clarify the difference between these two types of electrical panels and which one is right for your home.

Flush mount electrical panel

If you’re considering a flush mount electrical panel, you should know a few things. The first thing to consider is that there are two types of flushers: surface mount and flush mount. A surface mount is similar to what you see in many homes today. A cover plate hides the wires, breakers, and other components on the wall.

Because flush mounts are built into drywall, they don’t need cover plates or further labor. Wiring an older home or installing space-consuming circuits sometimes replaces flush mounts. Code may require it when adding new courses to an existing location.

Surface Mount Electrical Panel

A surface mount electrical panel is an option for customers looking to install a residential or commercial electrical panel. They are similar in appearance and function to other boards but differ in construction and installation methods.

Surface mount electrical panels are constructed from a single piece of metal, which makes them more durable than flush mount panels. They also have fewer gaps and joints that can trap moisture and cause corrosion. Surface mount panels are typically installed in one of two ways:

  • In-wall: Surface mount panels can be installed inside an existing wall or ceiling. They are often used as replacements for older electrical panels that have been removed or damaged by fire or water. This installation method eliminates the need for additional framing, making it easier to install in existing homes.
  • On the wall: Older homes may not have enough space in their walls or ceilings to accommodate larger flush mounting electrical panels. In these situations, surface mount panels can be installed outside your home’s walls and ceilings using standard mounting brackets and screws. 

The advantage is that you won’t have to cut holes into your home’s walls when installing new wiring fixtures such as lights and receptacles.

Flush mount vs Surface mounts electrical panel: Surge Protection

Surge protection is important for any device connected to a power source. Several different surge protectors are available, including those that work with your existing electrical panel and others that require a new installation. Here are some of the details you should consider when choosing between these two options:

Flush Mount Surge Protector

If you have the wiring capacity in your existing electrical panel, installing a flush mount surge protector is an easy way to protect all your home devices. It’s also much less expensive than installing a new panel. 

For example, if you have 200 amps of capacity in your existing circuit breaker box, you can use this space for additional circuits and still have room for your surge protector. The downside to this option is that it doesn’t offer as much protection as other types of surge protectors because it isn’t installed outside of the box.

Surface Mount Surge Protector

If you don’t have enough room in your existing box for another circuit or need more than 200 amps total capacity, installing a surface mount surge protector is probably the best option for protecting your devices from damaging surges. This type of device includes several outlets on its face.

Flush mount vs Surface mounts electrical panel: Flexibility

A flush mount electrical panel comes in several different sizes and configurations. This panel is installed behind an existing wall and is not visible outside your home.

The panel is commonly installed in a wall box with wire access. This panel is used when a surface-mounted meeting is too tiny or when additional equipment would make it hard to reach all connections.

Surface mount electrical panels are easy to install and service since they rest on wallboard without cutting walls. Some panels have outlets, others receptacles. These panels can connect to your home’s main circuit breaker panel without conduit or other wiring accessories, but some require them.

Flush mount vs Surface mounts electrical panel: Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are the most common type of electrical switch. They are made in two styles: flush-mounted and surface-mounted.

Flush-mounted circuit breakers are installed inside a panel, while surface-mounted circuit breakers are installed outside, on the wall or ceiling.

The choice between the two styles of circuit breaker depends on several factors, such as:

  • Size of space available for installation. Flush-mounted circuits need more space to fit into than surface-mounted circuits do. If you have limited space for installation, then a surface-mounted circuit may be a better option.
  • The physical location of the electrical panel. Suppose your electrical panel is located in an attic or other hard-to-reach place, installing flush-mounted circuits. In that case, there might not be possible or practical because it would require special tools and equipment that would be difficult to use in such tight spaces.

Flush mount vs Surface mounts electrical panel: Appearance

Surface mounts electrical panel

The flush mount electrical panel has a more professional appearance than its surface mount counterpart. The flush-mounted panel sits in the wall at the same height as the wall. This makes it look like an appliance rather than a piece of equipment. 

This panel is easier to install and perfect for remodeling projects that need leaving no trace because it leaves no holes in the wall.

A countertop or cabinet holds the surface-mounted panel, just above the floor. It will have wall holes where wires from the back of the panel enter your building’s electrical system.

This makes them tougher to install because you have to cut holes in walls and ceilings to pass cables through them, but they can be utilized when you want something that seems like an appliance rather than hardware.

In the end, there are many factors to consider in choosing panel type. The biggest question is whether you want a flush or surface mount panel. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but in the end, it comes down to personal preference and your individual project.