It’s easy to take electricity for granted until the power goes out, and then you realize how much your household depends on electrical power. A faulty or overloaded electrical panel can lead to power outages, fire due to overheating, and other issues. If you have a family member who relies on electricity to power life-sustaining equipment, the circumstances of a failed electrical panel can become dire. If you have noticed any of the following warning signs, you might need to have your electrical panel replaced.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping
If your circuit breakers trip frequently, this is a vital sign that you need a new panel. Constantly tripping breakers usually indicate that the panel is overloaded or faulty. If you find that the circuit breaker won’t reset or immediately trips again right after resetting, this is a sure sign that your panel has an issue and might need replacing.
Circuit breakers can also trip due to a power surge or electrical storm. If this happens and you do not have a surge protector, your panel may be compromised and need replacement.
Signs of Overloading
Speaking of overloading, with the increased use of electronic devices and appliances today, many homes have electrical panels that struggle to keep up with the higher demand. The problem is exacerbated when people add rooms to their homes and need to update their electrical panels to handle the additional electrical demands from other lighting, devices, and more.
Signs that your electrical panel might be overloaded and in need of an upgrade include:
- Dimming or flickering lights from an inconsistent power supply
- Buzzing or crackling noises caused by loose connections or electrical arcing
- Excessive heat on your panel, which is a fire hazard
- Burning smells coming from your electrical panel, which indicate overheating and are sure signs of potential fires
- Corrosion or rust, which can lead to loose connections and other issues
An Old or Outdated Panel
Older panels often have fuses instead of circuit-breaker switches. Fuses do not provide the same level of protection as circuit breakers and can burn out often if your home’s electrical needs exceed the panel’s capacity. Some people replace fuses with higher amperage, which can overload circuits, causing overheating and fire risk.
Frequently blown fuses are inconvenient and are not as simple to fix as resetting a circuit breaker switch. As fuses are being phased out, you may have trouble finding the fuses you need to keep your outdated panel operating.
Time to Upgrade Your Electric Panel?
If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned, you may be at risk of power outages, damage to your home, and other consequences of a failing electrical panel. You must schedule an inspection with a qualified electrician as soon as possible to look at the panel and upgrade it if needed. An upgraded panel can provide the additional electrical capacity you need while keeping you and your loved ones safe from the risk of fire and power outages.
Don’t risk your family’s safety in your home. Schedule an appointment with the professional electricians at Circuit Doctor in Waldorf, MD today; we can help with your panel repairs and replacement.
