The electrical system of your home is very important as it helps to ensure you have the power to use lights, fans, and all the modern electrical appliances and products that you want. One important part of the home electrical system is your electrical panel. The panel, which is often referred to as the circuit breaker box, is needed to receive and send electricity from the main power supply to various circuits, outlets, and switches throughout your home. While this can last a long time, there are signs that you are in need of a full electrical panel replacement.
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Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
Anyone who owns a home will eventually need to reset a tripped circuit. However, if circuit breakers frequently trip or fuses blow, it is usually a sign that the existing panel and electricity system are not able to handle the load. This may be a sign of an overloaded panel or faulty components. It could also be a sign that the system is too old and need to be upgraded to manage the needs of a modern home.
Age of the Panel
You should also consider the age of the electrical panel when determining if you will need to have it replaced. An electrical panel can be one of the most durable features and parts of a home. However, just like anything else, it does have a shelf life that will come to an end eventually. If your electrical panel is more than 25 to 40 years old, depending on the model of the panel, it could be time to replace it. If you wait much longer than that, it can start to have failure issues that could require further replacement.
Poor Capacity
An electrical panel will only be able to handle so many wires and watts at any given time. If you are looking to add space to your home, or modernize a room, you may find that you do not have enough space and capacity to accommodate it. In these situations, you may need to upgrade the electrical panel entirely to ensure you have space and capacity for it.
Odd Smells and Signs of Overheating
One of the risks of an electrical panel that you should always take seriously is the risk that it is overheating. If an electrical panel is overheating, it could easily cause a fire that can lead to serious safety risks and hazards. Some signs that the electrical panel is overheating can include if you smell something burning coming from it, there are scorch marks, it is hot to the touch, or there are other signs that something was burned. When this occurs, you should shut off the electricity immediately and call an electrician.
Safety Concerns and Out of Compliance
Another factor to consider when determining if your electrical panel needs to be replaced is if it has safety concerns or is out of compliance. No matter where you live, you are bound to have electrical system requirements set by your zoning board. Generally, you will not be required to upgrade an electrical panel just because the local code has changed. However, if your electrical panel is now out of code, it can be a sign that it should be upgraded. You may be required to replace the electrical panel if you are trying to modernize your home and need approval for something unrelated.
The electric panel of your home is a very important part of your overall home’s electrical system. While these panels can last for a long time, they do eventually need to be replaced. Delaying this service for too long can also result in higher electricity bills, wear and tear on the electrical system, and even potential safety hazards. There are various signs to look out for which can indicate that you are in need of a replacement service for your electrical panel.
