As a homeowner, it's crucial to ensure your electrical panel is in optimal condition to meet your household's power demands. An outdated or overloaded panel can lead to various issues, including safety hazards and electrical malfunctions.
In this blog post, we'll discuss the seven signs that indicate you need an electrical panel upgrade for your home.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping
If your circuit breaker trips frequently, it's a clear indication that your electrical panel is struggling to handle the load. This can occur when you add new appliances or devices to your home or if your panel is outdated. Upgrading to a higher amperage panel will provide the necessary capacity to prevent frequent tripping.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Do your lights flicker or dim when you use certain appliances or turn on multiple devices? This could be a sign of an overloaded electrical panel. Upgrading to a modern panel with increased capacity will ensure a stable voltage supply, eliminating flickering or dimming lights.
Outdated Fuse Box
If your home still has a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel, it's time for an upgrade. Fuse boxes are outdated and pose a higher risk of electrical fires. Upgrading to a circuit breaker panel will enhance safety and provide better control over your electrical system.
Insufficient Outlets
If you find yourself relying heavily on power strips and extension cords due to a lack of outlets, it's a sign that your electrical panel may need an upgrade. Adding more circuits and outlets during the panel upgrade will improve convenience and reduce the risk of overloading.
Overheating Panel
An electrical panel that feels hot to the touch or emits a burning smell is a dangerous situation. It indicates that the panel is overloaded or experiencing a faulty connection. Upgrading to a modern panel with better heat dissipation capabilities will eliminate the risk of fire hazards.
Inconsistent Power Supply
If you notice an inconsistent power supply, such as lights flickering or appliances not receiving sufficient power, it's a sign of an inadequate electrical panel. Upgrading to a panel with higher capacity will ensure a consistent and reliable power supply throughout your home.
Home Renovations or Additions
If you're planning a home renovation or adding new appliances, it's essential to evaluate your electrical panel's capacity. Upgrading to a larger panel will accommodate the increased power demands and prevent overloading.
Don't ignore these signs as they can lead to safety hazards and electrical issues. Contact Sylvester Electric, Inc. today to schedule a professional assessment of your electrical panel!