How Do I Know If I Need a Panel Upgrade?
The electrical panel in your home is one of the most critical parts of a safe and functioning household. It's crucial to know the warning signs and recognize when it is time for a panel upgrade.
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, smells burnt, or feels warm to the touch it is time for an upgrade. It's not only a nuisance but can also be dangerous.
Flickering Lights
Your panel is your home's point of entry for electricity, distributing it to all outlets, switches, and lights throughout the house. But over time, this vital component can degrade and create electrical problems. And it's not just an inconvenience: It can be dangerous. Fortunately, there are a few physical signs that you're well overdue for a panel upgrade.
Flickering lights are a sign that your current service panel can't handle the electricity load. Especially if the flickering is only noticeable when you turn on certain appliances, this is a clear indication that your system needs more power to function safely.
The electrical demands of your home are likely much higher than when the original panels were installed. With smart devices, continual charging, and screens in every room, there is a constant demand for power that your older systems simply can't meet.
You can also tell if your panel is overdue for an upgrade if you're constantly using extension cords to get by. Besides being a major tripping hazard, extension cords can overheat and cause fires in your home. It's important to remember that your breaker box is not designed to be a hub for extension cords.
If you're seeing signs of moisture in your breaker box or notice an unusual smell, it's likely time to call us for a repair or upgrade. These are all signs that you're dealing with an overheated circuit or a faulty connection. It's not only a safety hazard, but these conditions can also lead to a complete breakdown of the entire system.
The electrical panel is the first stop for incoming electricity, housing multiple circuit breakers that distribute power to each outlet in your home. But it's not indestructible, and like any other electrical component, it can begin to degrade over time or be overtaxed by newer appliances and technology. It's easy to overlook the electrical panel in your garage or attic, but this crucial part of your home is critical for ensuring safety and efficiency for years to come. Contact Electrician Fort Lauderdale today to learn more about our panel upgrade services and how they can benefit your home.
Unusual Noises
When a home is equipped with an outdated electrical panel, it can't keep up with the power demands of modern appliances. This can lead to frequent tripping of the circuit breakers or overloading of the panels, both of which pose serious fire hazards for homeowners. A panel upgrade is a smart investment that increases the safety of a residence and prevents expensive electrical problems.
When homeowners notice that their breaker box is making a popping, cracking or loud buzzing sound, it's a sign that they need to call an electrician for an electrical service panel upgrade. The sounds can be caused by a faulty electrical system, or by loose wires that are creating a spark when electricity jumps across them. Loose wires are a major fire hazard and should never be ignored.
Other signs that it's time to get a panel upgrade include the electricity turning on and off frequently or if you see a burnt smell when looking at the breaker box. These are both major signs that the breaker is overheating and should be replaced immediately.
An upgraded breaker can handle more current and prevent the circuits from overheating, which reduces the risk of fire hazards. This can also lower a home's energy bill. Whether you're planning to sell your home soon or just want to improve its value, a panel upgrade is a wise choice.
A panel is the "distribution point" that sends electricity to outlets and switches throughout your house. Located in your garage or attic, it contains circuits that carry power to light fixtures and appliances.
While older homes may have a functional fuse box, it's not a good idea to try to modify it with new fuses to make it more compatible with modern devices and electrical needs. Attempting to modify a panel can result in overheating and fires, which can be very dangerous for residents. In addition, a fuse can't shut off power to the entire house when it blows, which is a major fire hazard. In most cases, an electrician will need to replace a fuse with a new one and install a more powerful circuit breaker in the panel to meet your home's current needs.
Overloaded Circuits
If you find that you are frequently resetting your circuit breakers because they have been overloaded, it's a sign that your electrical panel isn't keeping up with your home's power needs. An upgrade is necessary to ensure that your panel can safely transfer electricity to outlets, lights, and appliances in your house.
The breaker boxes in your home are divided into dedicated and general purpose circuits, with each one designed to handle a certain amount of current at a time. The more dedicated circuits are meant for large-draw devices like furnaces, stoves, and built-in microwaves. The more general-purpose circuits are meant for devices like refrigerators and washing machines that use a relatively small amount of power. Putting too many of these devices on the same circuit can overload it, and this is one of the main reasons that you might be experiencing flickering lights.
Other signs of overloaded circuits include smelling burnt plastic, seeing sparks, or hearing crackling sounds coming from your electrical panel. If you experience any of these, you should immediately call a qualified electrician for a panel upgrade.
Overloaded circuits present a serious electrical hazard as they can raise the likelihood of wires arcing or frying, which can lead to fires and serious injuries like electric shock. Touching live wiring can cause burns, muscular spasms, and heart collapse, all of which are potentially fatal.
You can take steps to prevent overloaded circuits by moving a device off of the affected circuit, using only a single heat-producing appliance at a time (like toasters or hairdryers), not plugging any more than two devices into a power strip, and avoiding putting any heat-generating devices in an extension cord. You can also install a new dedicated circuit for the heavy-duty appliances that need it, but this may be a more expensive solution.
Upgrading your electrical panel can improve the safety of your home and help you get more value for your home when it comes time to sell. If you are considering a home renovation, it's a great idea to discuss a panel upgrade with us.
Extension Cords
The electrical panel is an essential component of your home, providing electricity and power for all of the appliances in your house. It takes in power from the city and routes it through various circuits to all areas of your house.
If you have an older panel, it may not be able to keep up with your current electrical demands. Large appliances, like a new dishwasher, air conditioning unit, or even a hot tub can require a significant amount of energy. If you find that your breaker frequently trips or emits a burning smell, this could be a sign that you need to upgrade your electrical panel.
Upgrading your electrical panel will allow you to add more outlets throughout your house, making it easier to use everyday electrical gadgets. It will also eliminate your reliance on extension cords and power strips, which are fire hazards if used for extended periods of time. Additionally, many cities require that you adhere to certain electrical codes, and having an outdated panel can put your home at risk of violating those rules.
When you upgrade your electrical panel, your electrician will help you determine the ideal number of breakers and the amount of amperage your home needs. Older panels typically have 60-amp breakers, which are insufficient for today’s technological demands. Upgrading to a modern 200-amp panel will ensure that your home’s electrical system has enough capacity for all of your household appliances and electronics.
It can be easy to ignore signs that your electrical panel is out of date, especially if the panel is still functioning properly and doesn’t seem to be causing any problems. However, failing to take action can lead to costly damages and safety risks for your family. By watching for warning signs, you can have a professional electrician install a modern electrical panel to protect your home. This will improve your property value, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that your home is safe from electrical fires. For these reasons, an upgrade is a smart investment for any homeowner. Fortunately, there are several signs that it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel.
The electrical panel in your home is one of the most critical parts of a safe and functioning household. It's crucial to know the warning signs and recognize when it is time for a panel upgrade. If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, smells burnt, or feels warm to the touch it is time for an…