Electric panels are responsible for supplying the right amount of power to each space in your home by distributing electric currents accordingly. Without an electric panel, your house could face serious electrical problems and fires.
While electric panels are typically safe, they can begin to show signs of wear and tear over time. If you notice flickering lights or strange smells, you should have your local electrician come and inspect your electric panel. This article will explain several signs of when it’s time to upgrade your electric panel.
Electric panels are responsible for seeing the right amount of electricity to an area of your home. But sometimes too much electricity is sent, causing your electric panel to stop temporarily. This action protects your home from serious electrical hazards, like fires. With struggling electrical panels, you are often given warning signs when it begins to struggle with day-to-day demands for electricity.
Here are some signs to look out for to determine if it’s time to upgrade your electric panel.
According to experts, the average lifespan of an electrical panel is between 25 to 40 years. Does your electric panel fit into this time range? If so, you may want to call a professional electrician to come out and evaluate your home’s electrical system for signs of damage or wear and tear. After all, you don’t always notice signs that your circuit breaker is struggling to power your home.
It’s normal for your electrical panel to trip when a space in your home tries to draw too much power. But when this happens, your affected breaker must be flipped to allow power to flow again. This doesn’t usually constitute a problem unless you are constantly flipping breakers.
Homes that were built before 1960 used fuse panels to direct electricity. While they were revolutionary for their time, they are now considered a fire hazard, and you should replace them with an electrical panel immediately. If you have to switch out a fuse instead of flipping a break, it’s time to call your electrician for an upgrade.
If you open your electric panel and find rust or water, do not touch it and call your electrician immediately. A rusted, broken, or corroded panel signifies that your electrical panel will need to be repaired or replaced, as it’s a potential fire hazard.
Do you have power strips placed through your house because you don’t have enough electrical outlets? This is a sure sign that your electric panel cannot handle the increase in electrical flow. An electrician can install additional outlets if your panel can accommodate additional circuits. But if it can’t, your best option is to replace your electrical panel.
Three main values have guided us since 1975 — compassion, integrity, and professionalism. Since then, we’ve been going the extra mile for our clients, serving our community, and striving to create the best environment for our customers and team members alike.
We tackle all residential electrical problems, including efficiency upgrades, electrical panels, fuse boxes, LED lighting, and smart home accessories. With expert troubleshooting and 24-hour service, we’ll help you stay out of the dark.
Don’t let a common fix like an electrical panel upgrade put you or your loved ones in danger. Get in touch with Cogburn Electric and schedule your panel upgrade today!