Typical Circuit Breaker Panel Configuration — Reference Diagram

Reference diagram explaining a typical residential circuit breaker panel configuration — how 120/240 VAC split-phase power is distributed across breakers, and how the neutral and equipment grounding buses are connected.

Key Concepts

• L1, L2 — 120/240 VAC split, single-phase power (typical residential application). Color and panel layout shown for informative purposes only; circuit breaker amp ratings are purposely omitted for clarity.
• Breaker columns are identified with odd and even numbers.
• Adjacent breakers, such as 1 and 3, or 4 and 6, are on opposite "phases." Breakers 1 and 6 derive power from L1; breakers 3 and 4 derive from L2.
• Breakers across from each other on the same row (such as 1 and 2) are on the same phase.
• Every other breaker on the same column (such as 2, 6, 10, etc.) is on the same phase.
• Breakers 2 and 8 (in the diagram) are shown providing 120 VAC each to two branch circuits (loads) — note these circuits are on opposite phases.
• Breakers 9 and 16 are shown in the OFF (tripped) position.
• Double-pole breakers (shown at positions 1&3 and 13&15) provide 240 VAC to a load instead of 120 VAC — these span both L1 and L2, physically connected by a tie bar.
• Empty slots (17-20 in the diagram) can be used for additional branch circuits.

Neutral and Grounding

• The Neutral Bus and Equipment Grounding Bus are tied together within the panel.
• The Equipment Grounding Bus is connected to earth ground — via a cold water pipe, a grounding rod, or through the concrete foundation.