Should I Replace My Electrical Panel?
Your electrical panel connects the electrical wires outside and the receptacles inside. It divides the power from the outside wires and sends it to the various circuits throughout your home. You may hear your electrical panel referred to as many different things. This includes the breaker of the fuse box, load center, or distribution or breaker panel. If you start to notice any of the problems below with your panel box, it’s time to call in an electrician to get it fixed.
Dimming Lights
If the lights in your home go dim from time to time, it’s a sign that you’re drawing too much power from your panel box. This is straining your electrical system. You’ll likely notice dimming lights will occur when you turn on a major appliance like a washer or dryer.
Warm Electrical Panel
When a system creates electricity, it creates heat. As long as the wiring for the electrical box is enough to carry the electrical load, it can contain the heat. If your wiring becomes loose or overloaded, it can become warm to the touch. If you feel warmth on the electrical box, you could have an electrical transmission issue. It’s best to consult a professional about finding the cause of the heat and fixing it before a hazard occurs.
Aging Electrical Box
Electrical panels aren’t built to last forever. Rather, many older panels will start to show significant wear around the 20-year mark. It’s important to realize that older electrical panels used between 60 and 100 amps. In most newer homes, that’s not enough power for all our modern appliances. Upgrading to a newer and larger electrical panel may be in order if your panel is over 20 years old.
Tripping The Breaker Too Often
Your panel box prevents overload and short circuits by turning off a breaker. These both can be dangerous and a fire hazard for your home. If your breakers trips on a frequent basis, it’s best to get the problem evaluated by a professional. You could be overloading your circuit, or there may be loose wires in your box.
Home Addition
Anytime you expand on your home structure, take your electricity into account. You’ll likely need power for that new addition, including lighting and receptacles. It’s best to consult a professional to see if you need to bump up the power limit on your electrical panel. This can help make sure that your home has enough electricity for your new addition.
Contact Us Today
If you need a panel upgrade or you have another issue with your electrical system, be sure to contact us today. Our helpful electricians can check your electrical panel for any issues. We will make the best recommendations possible to meet the needs of your household.
