Even though you may live in an older home, you may know that your electrical system is up to current housing codes. However, if it has been a while, you may wonder whether the electrical panel is still working properly.
Since the electrical panel holds the circuit breakers that feed electricity throughout the house and regulate its current, any problems with the panel have the potential to cause issues, such as power surges and even an increased danger of fire. Below are a couple of signs that your home needs to have a new panel installed by a professional.
1. Circuit Breakers Trip or Lights Flicker When Using Your Household's Normal Amount of Electricity
One sign that your home needs a new electrical panel is when the breakers trip or the lights flicker while using your household's normal amount of electricity. You may find that if you turn on the television while a couple of lamps are on, the lights flicker or the power goes out completely.
If this is the case, the breakers within the panel cannot handle even the smallest increase in electrical load. If this problem is happening throughout your home, the entire panel will need replacing.
2. Panel Has Rust or Black Areas on the Surface Accompanied by a Burning Odor
If you are having issues with tripped breakers and flickering lights, the next sign to look for can be found on the panel itself. Look for excess rust on the surface or areas that are black and charred.
When the exterior of the panel has been compromised, the breakers may start shorting out, which can create a fire hazard. If you also catch a whiff of something that smells like it is burning, a short already exists within the panel and is burning wires, metal, and/or the wood around the panel.
If you have noticed that the lights have started flickering or the circuit breakers are tripping under your household's normal electrical load, the panel itself may be the problem. This is especially true if rust or black areas are present and the panel is giving off a burning odor. Because the issues behind these signs present a fire and safety hazard for your home, contact an electrician in your area who installs residential electrical panels to have them assess the condition of the current panel to see if it needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Contact a local electrical company, such as Shocking Difference LLC, to learn more.
Share23 November 2022
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