Telltale Signs You Need to Replace Your Electrical Panel
An electrical panel is a key component in your home's electrical system. This service box connects the main power line to your home and distributes electricity throughout your home. In case of power surges or overcurrents, the panel has circuit breakers and fuses that disconnect circuits to prevent fire or damage to your electrical devices and appliances.
If your electrical panel is old, damaged, or malfunctioning, you risk fire hazards, power outages, damaged electronics, or electrocution. To prevent such risks, replace your panel when necessary. Replacing the electrical panel in time will increase your home's safety, meet increased power demand, and offer a more consistent power supply.
But does your electrical panel need a replacement? Read on to learn the common signs you need to replace your electrical panel.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
While circuit breakers should trip in case of power overload and surges, regular tripping could signal the need for a panel replacement. An old or worn-out electrical panel is prone to power surges causing regular power disconnections.
Since the panel can't support your increased power demand, the breaker will keep tripping, especially when you turn on power-hungry appliances such as the HVAC system, water heater, or clothes dryer. Frequent trips can be annoying and inconvenient because you'll have to flip the breaker back on every time it trips.
If regular breaker trips have become a nuisance in your home, you may need to replace the electrical panel to remedy the problem. Schedule an inspection with a reputable electrician to determine if the panel is the issue and whether a replacement can help.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
If your lights flicker or dim every time you plug in an appliance, the circuit breaker or the electrical panel could be faulty. This interference mainly occurs since the power draw exceeds the panel capacity. If you've experienced the issue, contact an electrician immediately since it could signal major electrical problems.
The electrician will determine whether the issue emanates from the bulb, plug, switch, wiring, or the electrical panel. If your panel is the culprit, the expert may suggest a repair or replacement to solve the issue.
Signs of Electrical Fire
Do you smell a burnt odor from inside your circuit breaker box? Perhaps you've noticed burned or scorched spots around the breakers, wires, or panel. Or maybe the panel feels warm, and the wire insulation is melting.
If yes, these warning signs indicate small electrical fires in the panel and the need for replacement. Reach out to an emergency electrician immediately as delay or ignorance could cause a fire breakout in your home.
Strange Noises
Electrical panels, especially the high-amp ones, produce a slight humming sound which is very normal. However, if you hear loud popping, crackling, hissing, or any other strange sound from the panel, something is very wrong. For instance, a loud buzz or hum could indicate electrical overload, but the breaker hasn't tripped as it should have. Also, faulty wiring or loose connections could cause a strange popping or crackling noise.
Regardless of the cause for the noise, the best action is to call an expert to replace the panel. Such noises could indicate your panel is failing, which could be hazardous.
Live in An Old Home
If the electrical panel in your home is decades old, you should replace it now. The breakers in old panels may be faulty and fail to trip in the event of a power surge or overload. In such cases, the risk of an electrical fire in your home is high. Even if your old electrical panel is still functioning, have an electrical inspection to ensure the device is in good condition.
While an electrical panel is vital in your home, it can present numerous electrical hazards. For a safer and more efficient home, ensure timely replacement of your old, faulty, or defective panel. Contact Beckstoffer-Welsh Inc. for professional electrical panel inspection, repair, or installation.
