An essential component of your home’s electrical system is the electrical panel. Your home is at risk of fire, and the entire system could malfunction if your panel is old or not functioning properly. When looking for ways to enhance the comfort and safety of your home, keeping your electrical panel updated and maintained should be one of your priorities. Watch for indications that you need panel upgrades. You can also immediately hire our certified West Lake Village Electricians whenever you need quick and dependable service for your home’s electrical system.
Whatever type of electrical panel you have, there are several warning signs that you should be aware of that point to the need for an upgrade;
- Flickering Lights
You could sense impending doom when you see your home’s lights flashing ominously. However, flickering or fading lights are only a warning that it’s time to repair the electrical panel. It’s best to wait a little before taking action when your lights flicker for the first time. Flickering lights are frequently just the result of a strong thunderstorm or another power outage unrelated to the electrical equipment in your home. However, if you frequently find your lights dimming or flickering, you probably need to upgrade your panel.
- Melting or Burning
Any indications of burning or melting on any component of your electrical system, whether on the panel or close to power outlets, should be an immediate red flag that warrants an urgent call to your electrician.
- Breaker Tripping with Appliance Use
Most people had experienced having both their hair dryer and microwave abruptly switched off when they were using them simultaneously. An occasional rush of electricity will trip your circuit breaker if everything is functioning properly, cutting off power to that specific region. It doesn’t matter, but you might need a new panel if a specific device or the microwave consistently trips your breaker when you plug it in or turn it on.
- New Appliances or Home Add-Ons
When installing a thrilling new gadget, you could forget about your electrical panel out of excitement. Adding a new jacuzzi or a set of contemporary washers and dryers could significantly impact. Adding a new bathroom or bedroom in your home is no different. You should also budget some money for a new circuit breaker panel when estimating the cost of these things.
- A Breaker that Won’t Reset
A tripped breaker should ideally be simple to reset so that you may continue with your day. However, you might need to update if you attempt to reset a tripped breaker and switch it off again immediately. Typically, this kind of malfunction indicates an issue with your circuit breaker.
- An Old Electrical Panel or Fuse Box
You should consider changing your panel if you still utilize a fuse box. Additionally, if your house or electrical panel is 20 years old or older, consider upgrading. Modern homes require more electricity than older homes, and older panels probably cannot provide this additional demand.
- Excessive Power Strip Use
Having one or two power strips around the house is not a big deal, but having too many of them or too many extension cords can strain the electrical system and the panel. It could be time to consider panel upgrades if you frequently use extension cables to support the number of appliances you have in your home.
- A New Member of the Household
Increased electrical demand may be caused by welcoming a new family member or resident into the house. A service update may be required even after the birth of a child. Despite not taking up much room, the combined impact of the bottle warmer, the baby monitor, and the additional loads of laundry may be sufficient justification for buying a new electrical panel.
If you notice those signs, you need to immediately look for a reliable company for the services you need for excellent panel upgrades.
Is Upgrading The Electrical Panel The Same Thing as Rewiring a House?
A panel upgrade is a separate task from rewiring a house; the latter is a considerably bigger undertaking. When it comes time to install a new panel, the rest of the wiring will typically still be in good condition and not require replacement. Since replacing the panel is required to fulfill the new regulations, rewiring a house nearly invariably includes it. Ask us to perform an electrical check if you are worried about your home’s wiring in addition to the panel.
Is Upgrading The Electrical Panel Easy to DIY if I Get The Right Parts?
If you’re a homeowner, you might be wondering if you can replace the electrical panel on your own. You can do it yourself, but if you are already a qualified, educated, licensed, and experienced electrician.
It’s crucial to follow safety precautions, have the appropriate equipment, and know how to replace a panel. Calling for a professional is preferable if you don’t have prior electrical work experience.
Upgrading an electrical panel is not a simple task; labor makes up a significant portion of the cost. The panel is the foundation of your entire home’s electrical system, so this is not an area you want to skimp on.
Is An Upgrade Necessary To Remodel My Home?
You will have to deal with some electrical systems when upgrading your home. In fact, upgrading your electrical system is probably necessary for safety if you reside in an older house. You may save time, hassle, and money if you upgrade the electrical system concurrently with the remodel.
Therefore, if your remodeling project involves anything electrical, whether it be little upgrades or major remodeling, wait to start until you’ve spoken with our Northern Virginia Electrician team. Hiring a qualified, bonded, and insured electrician who is familiar with the area and has a good reputation is essential during the planning phase so that your home, you, and your family stay safe and get the best bang for your buck during your remodeling.
What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of An Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel can last longer years. There is a large range of variability because of several factors, including:
- Power surges
- Wear and tear
- Manufacturer defect
It is a good idea to get an electrical inspection performed by one of our electricians to ensure everything is in working order; if you don’t want to, replace it because the panel might be fine for another year.
Are There Any Specific Panels To Watch Out For?
The electrical panel serves as the system’s beating heart. Because of the following, outdated and unsafe panels have no place in your house: Your home’s electrical system functions similarly to the human body. Circuits and cables distribute energy throughout the home, similarly to how veins and arteries deliver blood to organs and limbs. Our homes run on electricity, whereas blood keeps our bodies alive.
To enjoy the conveniences of television, laptops, and refrigerators, to name a few, we must have an electrical panel in good working order.
Let’s look at some hazardous panels in certain older houses. These panels, whether recalled or out-of-date, need to be fixed right away:
- Zinsco (GTE-Sylvania)
- Federal Pacific Electric (FPE)
- Challenger (Eaton/Cutler Hammer)
- Pushmatic
- Fuse box
Any faults with the electrical panel in the home should be immediately fixed by a certified electrician, just as any cardiac condition in your body would call for prompt attention from a doctor.
If you decide to update, feel free to get in touch with us today by sending us a call or filling out the form. You can also check our blog articles to learn more about electrical panel upgrades.