Signs a Home Needs a New Electrical Panel
Electricity is essential to daily life but can be dangerous if used improperly. The electrical panel is the heart of the electrical system, so if it has a problem, the whole house has a problem, and electrical hazards can occur. This blog post will explain some signs that indicate an electrical panel should be replaced or upgraded.
Fuse Box
Though people occasionally use fuse boxes and electrical panels interchangeably, there is a big difference between the two. Fuse boxes are an older technology that stopped being installed in new homes around the 1960s and 1970s when it was replaced by electrical panels.
So, if a home still has a fuse box, it is likely outdated and needs to be replaced with an electrical panel. Electrical panels contain circuit breakers that can be reset when a circuit breaker trips. However, fuse boxes contain fuses that can only be used once and must be replaced when a blown fuse occurs.
It’s Damaged or Old
A damaged, corroded, or older electrical panel can be a problem, leading to electrical hazards, and should also be replaced. They typically have a lifespan of around 25 to 40 years, so if a home's panel is within or exceeds that range, it should be inspected by an electrician to see if it needs replacing.
If the electrical panel is damaged or shows signs of rust and corrosion, it's another signal an electrical panel replacement is necessary. These issues can affect the panel's safety and the safety of the electrical system since a damaged, rusted, or corroded panel can be a fire hazard.
Circuit Breakers Trip Regularly
If a homeowner frequently has to reset the breakers in their electrical panel, then an electrician should be called to inspect the system and determine the best solution, whether the panel is outdated and needs replacing, outdated wiring that needs to be updated, or there is a circuit overload, often due to the addition of appliances.
If the household's energy consumption is too high, causing overloaded circuits, an electrical panel upgrade may be needed to add a new circuit to provide the proper energy supply for the household’s needs. Homeowners should have their electrical systems evaluated by a professional when circuit breakers trip often to ensure the correct solution is implemented.
About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.
Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is a plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical company serving the Wenatchee area. They offer flat-rate pricing, financing, and same-day service. Call them for electrical panel replacement and repair services in Wenatchee, WA.