As a homeowner, a question you may find yourself asking is: when is it time to upgrade or replace my electrical panel? Your electrical panel is the heart of your electrical system, and you want to ensure it’s working to keep you and your family safe and comfortable. There are many signs to watch out for, and we list out six of them below.
1. Outdated Electrical Panels
If your electrical panel is more than 20 years old and/or you have a Federal Pacific Electric or Zinsco panel, it may be time to consider a replacement. Overtime, home electrical needs change and you need an electrical panel that can handle modern technology. For example, many older homes have a 60-amp electrical system as opposed to a 150 or 200-amp system that is needed for homes today.
2. Indoor Lights Flicker
When indoor lights flicker, especially when you use an appliance like a microwave or air conditioner, it’s usually because your lights aren’t receiving enough power. This is an indication that your electrical panel can’t meet the needs of your home and you should consider upgrading to a newer panel.
3. Home Renovation
With spring approaching, you may be considering home renovation projects. If so, you should also consider your home electrical needs. Older electrical panels were designed with specifical electrical demands in mind, and most likely those demands didn’t account for home add-ons or renovations. To keep you safe and comfortable, have an electrician inspect your current system and assess whether or not you need to replace or upgrade your panel.
4. Old or Faulty Wiring
Is your panel newer and up-to-date but you still experience flickering lights or burning smells? This is a sign your wires are old and faulty. Not only is this an inconvenience, it’s also a safety hazard and shouldn’t be ignored. In fact, faulty wiring is the leading cause of house fires in the United States. Have a professional electrician inspect the wiring in your electrical panel and around your home, especially if you are experiencing flickering lights, slight shocks when you touch appliances, burning smells, or sparking power outlets.
5. Circuit Breakers Regularly Trip
Are you needing to constantly reset your circuit breaker? This is another sign that your current electrical system isn’t equipped to handle your current electricity needs. While it may seem simple enough to just flip the breaker each time this happens, it can still cause damage to your appliances – which can be costly. In the long run, it may be less expensive to replace or upgrade your panel.
6. Burning or Melting
The smell of something burning or melting is never a good sign, especially when it comes to your electrical system. Burning is usually an indication there is a fire about to start. Do you smell burning from your electrical panel? Cut the power and call your local electrician as soon as possible.
Call Kanon Electric – Your Local Washington State Electrician
Serving the communities of Federal Way, Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Sumner and surrounding areas, Kanon Electric has been setting the standard for quality electrical services since 2006. We’re your local, trustworthy and qualified electrician. We are family-owned and operated, provide services that are on-time and on-budget, and are dedicated to setting higher standards while lowering your costs. Contact the pros at Kanon Electric for all your electrical panel needs today.