Electrical Panel Replacement: Knowing When It's Time for an Upgrade




Each year, many buildings are destroyed by fires that are caused by electrical problems. As we need electricity even more and our dependence on electrically-powered devices becomes greater, the electrical panels of our homes and businesses may be overburdened by the demand and this can be a fire risk.

An electrical service panel is where the main power line enters your building and is distributed throughout your whole electrical system to the plugs, lights, and appliances. Circuit breakers whose role is to disconnect circuits in case of power surges are contained in the electrical panel and protected by security access doors. This is to keep the excess electricity from burning your gadgets and appliances. If you have an old, faulty, or malfunctioning service panel that does not fulfill its functions properly, there is a risk of suffering blackouts, burning electronics in your place, or even electrical fires. To avoid such risks, you should always be on the lookout for warning signs that your electrical panel is in need of replacement before it fails. Here are some key indicators that you may need to replace your electrical panel.

  1. Tripping Circuit Breakers

When your electrical panel starts to wear down, its susceptibility to power surges increases. Regular episodes of disconnected circuits may be experienced if this happens. Another reason for tripping circuit breakers may also be because your electrical use extends beyond the current capacity of the panel. If you keep resetting your breakers several times a week when this wasn’t the case before, then it probably is a good time to schedule an electrical safety check and get your panel replaced or repaired. 

  1. The Breakers Don’t Reset

Resetting a circuit breaker that has tripped usually solves the problem. However, if the breaker doesn’t reset long enough for you to resume your activities, or if resetting it still does not restore power to the application, then there could be a faulty electrical panel. Have it inspected as soon as possible and ensure that proper remedial action is taken before the problem becomes even bigger.

  1. Electrical Fires In The Panel

Unfortunately, even the wires inside your electrical panel will also wear down. These exposed wires quickly burn out so you won’t even notice except when you are around the panel. The signs of electrical fires in the panel are noticeable such as distinct odor coming from the panel, and some charring or burn marks around the circuit breakers. Once you start noticing these signs, then it is time for you to have an emergency electrical service.

  1. You Still Have An Old Fuse Box

If you have an old building whose electrical system has not been upgraded ever and still uses a fuse box instead of the modern electrical panel with multiple circuit breakers, make sure that you replace it as soon as possible. A circuit has multiple outlets that are connected to a single wire that is operated by one fuse or circuit breaker. They improve electrical safety by tripping and disconnecting the power transmission when there is an electrical overload and at risk of heating up and burning. Older electrical systems don’t trip even when overloaded and if not replaced, it may be a great risk to your building.

  1. Lights Dim Or Flicker When Other Appliances Operate

If your energy needs are exceeding what is available, dimming lights when operating high-voltage appliances can happen. Remember that updating the electrical system is one way of improving safety. Many old buildings only have a few circuits that are not adapted for modern high energy needs. Updating your panel will be able to solve this problem as well as increasing the number of outlets and circuit breakers for better power management.

For more information on security access doors that are perfect for your electrical panel, or for any other construction project, visit https://www.accessdoorsandpanels.com/blog/ 

 

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