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    Electrical Panel Replacement: Is It Worth the Investment?

    by VitalStorm Marketing on September 18, 2020

    Electrical Panel Replacement

    In many homes, the electrical panel (also called the breaker panel) is hidden somewhere you wouldn’t generally look – for example the basement or a hall closet. Most homeowners aren’t concerned with the electrical panel and prefer that it is located in a concealed place. However, it’s important not only to know where it is located, but how to use it – and whether it’s time to replace it.

    If you have been experiencing issues with your home’s electrical system, you might need to replace your electrical panel. Though replacement can be expensive, the safety that it provides for your home is priceless. The expert technicians at Kanon Electric are here to explain why it might be time to consider replacing this essential safety component.

    Points of interest: The argument for replacing your electrical panel

    Keep your home safe

    Let’s be honest, the most basic reason for replacing your electrical panel is for the safety that it provides. In the event that there is a problem in the performance of your electrical panel, an electrical fire might result. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI), home electrical fires account for around 51,000 fires every year. The devastating results include nearly 500 deaths and 1.3 billion in property damage. Circuit breakers, which are housed in your electrical panel, are essential for keeping your home wiring from overloading.

    Stay powerful (and powered)

    Older electrical panels are not equipped to handle the amperage needed to run cutting edge electrical equipment and the high tech needs of a modern household. Without sufficient power, you are bound to overwhelm your circuits and experience constant tripping from your breakers. Instead of attempting to work around an ineffective panel by constantly monitoring your energy use, having a professional technician update it with save you both money (in the long run) and inconvenience.

    Additional Circuits

    Some electrical boards don’t have enough space to accommodate extra circuits, which is the easiest solution when adding amperage to an area for a new appliance or electrical equipment. However, this is not always possible with older panels; many of which were not designed to add additional circuits. Panels in homes 50 years or older will most likely need to be replaced is additional circuits are needed new appliances or renovations.

    When Replacing Your Electrical Panel Is Absolutely Worth the Investment

    There are some obvious signs that your electrical panel should be replaced. Many of these signs should be taken seriously, especially if you are experiencing constant tripping with the same circuits. If using your outlets in a certain room requires the juggling of electronics, it’s probably time to replace your panel – or at least have a full assessment by an expert electrician. An unsteady circuit board could potentially harm an appliance or worse, start an electrical fire.

    The electrical board is warm

    If your electrical panel is working appropriately, it should not be warm to the touch. If there is a problem with the amperage load in certain circuits, it can cause the panel to heat up. A warm or hot electrical panel should be taken care of immediately.

    Fuse based electrical board

    While there isn’t anything wrong with a fuse box, fuses are an older technology and not as efficient as circuit breakers. When a fuse blows, it needs to be replaced altogether – and if you are experiencing constant problems with your fuse panel, replacing it with a new circuit breaker panel would be a smart idea. Modern circuit breaker panels are designed to handle more amperage – and are easier to modify when renovations are made to your home.

    Noise originating from panel

    If you hear any humming, clicking, or buzzing sounds originating from the circuit panel, that can mean there is something seriously wrong with the outlets, wiring, or electrical board. An examination by one of our technicians can help figure out where the issue lies.

    Home is more than 25 years of age

    Electrical panels can last between 25-40 years depending on several factors. However, if you live in an older home and have never had your electrical system checked, it’s a good idea to schedule maintenance.  and rarely need to be for the most part are aren’t changed except if required. Thus, if your house is more than 25 years of age, the time has come to have your electrical board checked and conceivably supplanted.

    Odd smells from panel

    Odd smells that originate from or around your electrical panel could mean that there are problems happening in concealed areas. Wires might be heating up or dissolving, which can often lead to the smell of burning plastic or an unpleasant sulfur odor.  If you smell anything odd in or around your electrical panel, call a technician immediately.

    Call Kanon Electric for Electrical Panel Replacement Today

    Should you experience any one of these signs, the time has come to bring in Kanon Electric. Our experienced technicians are experts at repairing and replacing electrical panels. Call 253-302-8199 to schedule an appointment today!