Electrical
Don’t Risk it: 5 Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
The electrical panel serves as the core of your home’s electrical setup, regulating the distribution of electricity across your living space. If it malfunctions, it can cause significant safety risks and power failures.
However, many homeowners overlook the importance of their electrical panels and neglect to upgrade them when needed. In this article, we’ll discuss the common signs that your electrical panel must be replaced.
What Is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel, also known as a breaker box or fuse box, is a metal box that houses the circuit breakers or fuses that control the flow of electricity throughout your home.
The panel receives power from the utility company and distributes it to the various circuits in your home. It also protects your home from electrical overloads and short circuits.
Why Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
Upgrading your electrical panel is essential to ensure your home’s safety and functionality. An outdated or overloaded panel can lead to electrical fires, power outages, and damage to your appliances and electronics.
Upgrading your panel will also increase your home’s electrical capacity, which is essential if you plan to add new appliances or remodel your home.
Common Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs to be Upgraded
1. Frequent Tripped Breakers
If your circuit breakers are frequently tripping, it could be a warning that your electrical panel is overloaded or outdated. Circuit breakers are created to trip when they detect an electrical overload, a safety feature that prevents electrical fires.
But if your breakers are tripping too often, it could indicate that your panel is not functioning correctly.
2. Flickering Lights
Whenever your lights flicker or dim when you turn on an appliance or device, it signals that your electrical panel is not providing enough power to your home. This could be due to an overloaded circuit or a faulty electrical panel.
Upgrading your electrical panel can provide more power to your home and prevent these issues.
3. Burning Smell or Burning Marks
Once you notice a burning smell or burn marks around your electrical panel, it must be inspected immediately. Burning smells and marks may indicate an electrical fire, posing a significant risk to safety.
It could be caused by an overloaded panel, loose wiring, or a faulty circuit breaker.
4. Outdated Panel
If your home was built before the 1980s, it’s likely that your electrical panel is outdated and may not meet current safety standards. Older panels are more prone to electrical fires and may not have the capacity to handle the electrical demands of modern appliances and electronics.
5. Buzzing Sounds
When you hear a buzzing sound coming from your electrical panel, it could suggest loose connections or damaged wiring. The buzzing sound means that electricity is arcing or jumping across a gap.
This can cause electrical fires, and it is essential to have a licensed electrician check your electrical panel immediately.
Conclusion
Your electrical panel is a crucial component of your home’s electrical system, and upgrading it when needed is essential to ensure your home’s safety and functionality. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s best to have an electrician inspect your electrical panel and determine if an upgrade is necessary.
Panel services, electrical inspections, and electrical panel installation are all services that electricians offer to ensure your home’s electrical system is functioning correctly and safely. Don’t neglect your electrical panel; it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Experience the difference with Coup Electric Co.! Let our best electricians in Estero, FL, bring quality and safety to your home. From panel upgrades to under-cabinet lighting, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to us now and schedule a thorough consultation, and let us be your trusted residential electrician in Florida!
