Utility companies now provide households with alternating (AC) current, which actually pulses--or reverses direction--120 times, or 60 cycles, per second (called 60 hertz power). AC power moves in waves, as shown. Light bulbs actually flicker as power ebbs and flows, but the human eye can't detect it.
The utility company's electrical lines may enter a house overhead from a power pole or underground from a buried pipe called conduit. Where the power enters your house, you'll usually find an electric meter and, either there or on an inside wall, behind the meter, the main service panel.
Called "rough-in components," wires, cables, and electrical boxes are installed during construction, before the wall and ceiling finish materials are put in place.
home electrical panel service"Finish components," such as receptacles, switches, and light fixtures, are installed after the interior coverings are installed.