The electrical panel is the power and control center for the electricity that enters your home from the street power lines. However, electricity does not appear in your home anywhere. Rather, electricity is generated at a power plant near you. Power plants generate electricity at extremely high voltages. These concentrations are more than enough to kill someone.
Whether you own or rent your home, being able to identify electrical panel problems is a valuable skill. However, electricity is hazardous. So, if you need reliable panel upgrade services, you can trust West Lake Village Electricians.
When your panel functions properly, everything is fine. But, as you may have guessed, it goes really wrong when something goes wrong with your electrical panel.
The following are the most common electrical panel issues:
- Overcrowding
Overcrowding is likely in electrical panels that provide only 100 amps of power. A 200-amp electrical panel is likely in your home if it is new or has been extensively remodeled within the last 10 to 15 years. A 200-amp panel is sufficient to meet the power requirements of the average family home. Check out the following signs of overcrowding.
- The panel seems to be disorganized. There are no open slots for future circuit additions. Instead of being neatly fastened inside the panel, wires are crossed and tangled.
- You notice two-tapped breakers. With a few exceptions, circuit breakers should have only one wire connected to them. A double-tapped breaker is formed when two wires are connected to the same breaker. This is a violation of the code. These wire connections are more likely to become loose over time, resulting in electrical arcs and fires.
- Insufficient capacity
Electrical panels are rated for a certain amount of power. When the panel is too small for the house, you will experience issues such as power surges and flickering lights.
Here are some more indications that your panel is too small:
- Overloaded wires and circuits emit a significant amount of energy in the form of heat. A warm or hot panel indicates that the power load on the panel is excessive.
- A circuit breaker that trips now and then does not usually cause an alarm. Call an electrician if the same breaker trips repeatedly or immediately after reset.
- Corrosion
Water and electricity do not mix. Have an electrician inspect the main service panel for any signs of rust, water damage, or corrosion. Even if your electrical panel is not near a body of water, humidity can cause corrosion.
If you have no idea what is wrong with your electrical panel, it is time to call a trusted professional.. An experienced electrician can tell you if your panel is safe.
Six (6) Signs that You Need to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel at Home
An electrical panel is an important part of your home. When you think about it, an electrical panel is in charge of many things, including keeping your HVAC system running, lights on, and water running. While electrical panels can last many years, an upgrade is sometimes necessary. Read more about the signs that your electrical panel needs to be upgraded.
- Burning or Melting
Any signs of burning in any part of your electrical system, whether on the panel or near power outlets, should raise an immediate red flag and prompt you to contact your electrician. Burning or melting could indicate faulty wiring or a faulty circuit breaker and pose a serious risk of fire or electrical damage.
- You’re Renovating Your Home
Home improvement projects can be enjoyable, but there is much to consider regarding electricity in your new space! When you renovate your home, updating your electrical panel can save your home from regular flickering and circuit breaker trips and protect your expensive equipment from potential fire hazards. When remodeling or renovating, your current electrical system must be upgraded to meet today’s safety standards.
- Flickering Lights
Flickering or dimming lights indicate that the electrical panel needs to be replaced. It is sufficient to wait a few moments after you notice your lights flickering before taking action. Flickering lights are frequently the result of a heavy thunderstorm or another power outage unrelated to your home’s electrical system.
- Odor or Discoloration
Burnt odors, such as melting or burning, or a warm panel to the touch are never a good sign. These could be signs that you are at risk of an electrical fire. Neglecting this could endanger you and your family.
- A Breaker that Won’t Reset
A tripped breaker should be simple to reset, allowing you to continue your day. However, if you try to reset a tripped breaker and it immediately switches back off, you may need to upgrade. This type of failure usually indicates a problem with your circuit breaker.
- An Old Electrical Panel or Fuse Box
While fuse boxes serve the same purpose as newer circuit breakers, there is some risk in using one. They are not only more dangerous than a circuit breaker in terms of fire, but they are also much more difficult to maintain. When a surge burns out a fuse, the fuse must be replaced. A simple switch is turned on in a circuit breaker, which immediately restores power.
If you still have a fuse box, consider upgrading your panel. Consider upgrading if your home or your electrical panel is 20 years old or older. Older panels do not account for the increased amount of electricity used in modern homes and are unlikely to support them.
So, if you want to experience the best home safety electrical services, call our team at West Lake Village Electricians and schedule an appointment.