When is the Time to Consider Electrical Panel Replacement?

Most of the time, we don't give much thought to our electrical panels unless we must flick a breaker. Your building's electrical wiring begins at your electrical panel and supplies electricity to each space and piece of equipment that needs it.  

 

As the panel ages, it becomes more susceptible to power surges, increasing the frequency with which circuits disconnect. You should conduct electrical equipment maintenance as soon as equipment shows indicators of electrical aging to avoid significant failure.  

   

Here's when to fix or replace the electrical panel 

 

The Design of the Panel Is Outdated   

 

Over the years, electrical panel designs have changed, and many of those no longer fulfill current electrical requirements. For a split-buss panel, a replacement may be in order because it uses six breakers instead of one primary breaker. With today's power demands and the number of gadgets now being powered by these panels, this design is no longer sufficient for newer buildings.   

 

Due to a long list of serious safety concerns, some older panels manufactured by businesses have been unavailable for over a decade. If you think your electrical panel is one of these old models, contact an electrician immediately to discuss replacing it.  

The Panel Generates Unusual Noise  

 

An electrical panel should only sound when you pop a circuit breaker. However, there are occasions when people report hearing buzzing or hissing sounds coming from their electrical panel.  
 

A broken wire or a sloppy electrical connection is usually the cause of those strange noises, so don't disregard them. Faulty wiring can cause harm to your electrical panels if left unchecked for an extended period.  

 

Flickering or Dimming Lights in the Home 

Lighting in your property should only dim if it connects to a dimmer switch: any other dimming or flickering points to a problem with your electrical panel or utility company. As a result of severe weather or blown transformers, some utilities may experience brownouts or reduced availability. You should be able to tell if these are the root of your problem by making a simple phone call to your utility company.  

You need to replace your electrical panels if they often dim when specific equipment is in operation. Find out whether your home's electrical panel is still capable of delivering the power you need or if it's time for an upgrade.  

When the Breakers Fail  

Circuit breakers protect your facility's electrical system from overloaded circuits and short circuits, which can be dangerous. When they detect one of these two problems, the breakers go into action and stop the flow of energy.  

Even though they operate automatically, circuit breakers can malfunction by failing to prevent current flow in the event of a dangerous condition. Typically, you can repair a panel with just a few broken circuit breakers. Instead, call an electrician to fix or repair the broken breaker.  

Circuit breakers frequently trip  

When a circuit breaker begins to malfunction, it's time to do an inspection. In most cases, you may reset and restart your electrical system once a breaker trip. Breakers that frequently trip, on the other hand, indicate a more severe problem, such as a faulty circuit.  

 

Traditionally built homes over 30 or 40 years old may have had a different set of electrical standards. Even though this doesn't always mean that your electrical system is unsafe, it can mean that it doesn't meet your modern needs. When many gadgets like air conditioners, HDTVs, and washing dryers are running at once, older electrical panels may struggle to keep up.  

 

In most cases, an electrical panel replacement is necessary when circuit breakers often trip on overloaded circuits. Talk to an electrician if you want to know how much electricity your building needs. There's much room for future expansion in newer buildings' electrical panels, which often contain 200-amp panels, compared to older homes' 60- or 100-amp panels.  

The electrical panel feels hot when you touch it 

   

In most cases, an electrical panel that feels warm or has an odor of burning is an early warning sign of an impending disaster. A frayed or exposed wire is to blame for these troubles. If you notice any damage or exposed wires in your facility's breaker box, you should replace your electrical panel as soon as possible.  

 

Before installing a new electrical panel, a certified electrician will remove the old one and inspect the wiring for any issues. You may ensure the safety of your facility's electrical system by replacing the panel and seeking expert advice on the quality of your wiring.  

Final Thoughts 

 

Electrical access panel replacement costs little but provides safety and convenience. The perfect time for repair or replacement will depend on various factors unique to your building. A good maintenance schedule can considerably extend the life expectancy and reduce the failure rate of all electrical equipment. To avoid any electrical problems in the future, consider replacing your old electrical panel.  

   

Find a reliable, trustworthy, and experienced supplier with Best Access Doors today by calling our hotline at 1-800-483-0843. You can visit our blog page if you have questions but are unsure what to ask first.