Is it Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
Electrical panels generally serve us well and keep our homes safe, but like anything else, they can show signs of wear over time. If you’ve noticed flickering lights or unusual smells and are unsure about upgrading your electrical panel, don’t worry! We have a helpful list of warning signs to guide you on when it’s time to call a local electrician for an inspection. Remember, upgrading electrical panels can be tricky, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Now, let’s take a closer look at the signs that indicate it might be time for an electrical panel upgrade!
It’s Original to Your Home
The average lifespan of an electrical panel ranges from 25 to 40 years. Even if you don’t see any obvious signs that your circuit breaker is having trouble supplying power to your home, it’s a good idea to have a professional electrician inspect it. They can assess your home’s electrical system for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
Need to Flip Breakers Constantly
It’s common for your electrical panel to trip when a specific area of your home attempts to draw too much power. When this occurs, you simply reset the affected breaker to restore the flow of electricity.
This isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. However, if you find yourself frequently resetting breakers, it may be a sign that your system needs attention. In such cases, it’s a good idea to have an electrician inspect your breaker for potential issues.
Your Panel Doesn’t Use Breakers
In some older homes, flipping breakers isn’t an option because the electrical panel doesn’t use them. If your home was built before 1960, it may have a fuse panel instead of a modern breaker panel. While fuse panels were innovative in their time, they now pose a significant fire risk and should be replaced with safer, up-to-date electrical panels. If you find yourself replacing fuses rather than resetting breakers, it’s a clear sign that your system needs an upgrade.
Your Electrical Panel is Rusted or Broken
If you notice rust, water, or any visible damage inside your electrical panel, do not attempt to touch it. Instead, contact an electrician right away. A corroded or broken panel is a clear indication that your system needs repair or replacement and poses a serious fire risk.
Not Enough Outlets
If you frequently rely on power strips or extension cords due to a shortage of outlets in your home, it could indicate that your electrical panel isn’t equipped to handle increased electrical demand. It’s important to note that these are not meant to be permanent solutions and can pose safety risks over time.
An electrician can install more outlets if your panel has the capacity for additional circuits. However, if it doesn’t, upgrading your electrical panel is likely the best solution.
Warm or Hot Electrical Panel
Your circuit breaker is designed to trip when it overheats, preventing electrical overloads and potential fires. However, if you notice that the breaker itself feels warm or hot to the touch, it could signal a serious underlying issue. This condition may indicate a severe malfunction, such as faulty wiring, an overloaded system, or aging components within the panel.
To ensure your home’s safety, it’s crucial to have an electrician inspect the panel as soon as possible. If necessary, they can determine whether an upgrade is needed to prevent further risks.
You See Sparks When Plugging Things In
It’s not uncommon to see a small spark when plugging something into an outlet. However, the size and frequency of these sparks matter. If you start noticing large or frequent sparks, it’s a strong indication that something is wrong with your electrical system.
The issue could stem from faulty wiring or a damaged outlet, but whatever the cause, it’s crucial to take this warning seriously. To ensure your safety, have a professional electrician inspect the system and address the problem promptly.
Lights Flicker or Dim When Turning an Appliance On
Do your kitchen lights flicker or dim when you turn on the microwave or start the dishwasher? This is a clear sign that too much power is being drawn from a single circuit.
While it may be possible to resolve the issue by adding extra circuits, in some cases, a full panel replacement could be the better long-term solution. A professional electrician can assess your system and recommend the best course of action to ensure your home’s electrical system runs safely and efficiently.
Benefits of Upgrading to a New Electrical Panel
The primary benefit of upgrading your electrical panel is ensuring that your home remains safe from fire and other hazards. A malfunctioning panel can cause electrical fires and other issues if not resolved quickly, so it’s essential to upgrade your panel to keep household members safe.
Aside from safety and increased peace of mind, this upgrade guarantees a steady flow of electricity to all corners of your home. Say goodbye to flickering lights and flipping breakers. This upgrade also allows you to connect additional appliances without worrying about tripping your breaker or blowing fuses.
