The electrical panel, the circuit breaker or breaker box, is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity from the primary power source to different parts of your house through circuits. It ensures that the electrical load is evenly distributed, preventing overload or short circuits that can lead to electrical fires or damage to your electrical appliances. However, it can only work until it needs an upgrade.
An electrical panel upgrade is a significant investment because it ensures your home’s safety and functionality by preventing potential electrical hazards that can risk your family and property. Moreover, it also allows adding more circuits and appliances without overloading the system, which is vital if you plan on adding home additions or upgrading your electrical appliances. However, the tricky part is knowing when to replace it because it’s not something you can easily determine without a professional inspection.
However, several signs point to an electrical panel upgrade, including
#1 – You Are Installing New Appliances
If you install new appliances in your home, it might be time for an electrical panel upgrade. New appliances like air conditioning units, dishwashers, and refrigerators require more power than older models. If your electrical panel is outdated, it may not be able to handle the increased power requirements of the new appliances, resulting in circuit overloads, tripped breakers, and even electrical fires. In short, an electrical panel upgrade will ensure that your home’s electrical system can handle the increased power demand of your new appliances.
#2 – Frequent Dimming or Flickering of Lights
If you notice that your lights are frequently dimming or flickering, this could be a sign that your electrical panel is outdated and needs to be upgraded. Dimming or flickering lights can be caused by power surges, which occur when a sudden increase in the amount of electricity flows through your home’s electrical system. This can be a safety hazard, as it can cause damage to your electrical appliances and potentially start an electrical fire.
With an electrical panel upgrade, you can ensure your home’s electrical system can handle power surges and prevent dimming or flickering lights. This also ensures that your electrical appliances function correctly without interruptions or damage.
#3 – Your Electrical System Relies Too Much on Fuses and a Fuse Panel
If your home still relies on a fuse panel, consider upgrading to a circuit breaker panel. Fuse panels are outdated and can be a safety hazard, as they can easily overload and cause a fire. Fuses must be replaced every time they blow, which can be inconvenient and costly.
On the other hand, circuit breaker panels are more efficient and safer than fuse panels. They automatically trip when an overload occurs, preventing damage to your electrical system and appliances. They also offer more flexibility with the number of circuits, making adding new appliances or electronics to your home easier without overloading the system.
#4 – Old Wiring
Upgrading your electrical panel allows you to assess and upgrade any old wiring in your home. Old wiring can be a safety hazard and increase the risk of electrical fires. It may not be able to handle the electrical demands of modern appliances and electronics, leading to frequent tripping and potential damage to the devices. Upgrading your wiring to meet current safety standards can provide peace of mind and ensure your home is up to code.
#5 – Burns and Melting
If you notice any signs of burns or melting around your electrical panel, it’s a warning sign that something is wrong. Overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, or faulty components in the panel itself could cause this. Ignoring these signs could lead to a dangerous electrical fire, so you must upgrade your electrical panel can help prevent these issues and keep your home safe.
On a related note, warmth is also a warning sign to look out for. If you notice that your electrical panel is warm to the touch, this could indicate a problem with the wiring or components inside the panel. This could lead to overheating and potentially cause a fire. You must have a professional electrician assess the situation and determine if an upgrade is necessary to prevent any potential hazards.
#6 – Circuit Breaking or Tripping
If you experience frequent circuit breaking or tripping in your home, it’s a sign that your electrical panel may not be able to handle the electrical demands of your household. Ignoring this could lead to a dangerous electrical fire, so you must have a professional electrician assess the situation and determine if an upgrade is necessary. Upgrading your electrical panel can help prevent these issues and keep your home safe.
#7 – You Use Too Many Extension Cords
Using too many extension cords is not only inconvenient but also dangerous. Extension cords are not designed to handle the same amount of electrical load as a proper electrical outlet, which can lead to overheating and potentially cause a fire. If you rely on extension cords frequently, it may be time to upgrade your electrical panel to accommodate your household’s electrical demands. This will make your home safer and more convenient for everyday use.
Conclusion
An electrical panel upgrade is essential for your home’s safety and functionality, so it must be done when necessary. For this reason, you must have a professional electrician inspect and make the upgrades to ensure everything is done correctly. This way, your home’s electrical system is up to code and can handle your electrical demands without risks to your safety.
Turner On Services provides top-quality services for electrical panel upgrades. Our professional electricians will ensure your home’s electrical work is safe and up to code for maximum functionality. Call us today at 513-835-5149 to book an appointment!
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