An outdated panel is not only inefficient but also poses a significant safety hazard. Spotting the signs of a circuit panel that’s well past its prime can help you take proactive measures to maintain your home’s safety. Here are six signs that you need to upgrade your electrical panel.
1. Old Electrical Panel
Most electrical panels last 25 to 40 years. In most cases, panels older than 25 may fail to meet modern safety standards, so your homeowner’s insurance plan won’t cover them. Old models are prone to electrical shock, overheating, and fire. Performing an upgrade helps bring your system up to code, improving efficiency and safety.
2. Endless Circuit Breaker Trips
Frequently tripping circuit breakers are a safety hazard. While they are designed to trip when they detect a short or overloaded circuit, it may be time to upgrade your panel if they do so constantly. This shows that your breaker box can no longer handle the power demand from modern appliances and electronics. Circuit breakers that continually trip are also likely to wear out faster than anticipated, making them ineffective and exposing your home to the risk of electrical fires.
3. Rusted Electrical Panel
Don’t touch a junction box if you open its door and come across rust, water damage, or broken components. A panel can corrode due to excessive humidity or water intrusion, significantly compromising its integrity. Rust increases the risk of accidents and failures by weakening the metal components. During a panel upgrade, your electrician will replace the compromised parts to ensure a reliable and safe distribution of electricity.
4. Burning Smell or Scorch Marks
A burning smell can come from overheating electrical components or wires. Overheating is a serious warning sign you shouldn’t ignore since it can lead to an electrical fire. Scorch discoloration or marks are equally dangerous because they show that excessive heat is causing damage to internal wiring.
5. Dimming or Flickering Lights
A panel struggling to efficiently distribute power may lead to dimming or flickering lights when you use high-energy appliances like a refrigerator or air conditioner. When on, these appliances may cause voltage fluctuations by drawing more power than the panel supplies. While adding extra circuits can help solve this issue, your electrician may recommend a panel upgrade.
6. Fuses Instead of Modern Circuit Breakers
You may want to consider an upgrade if your breaker box contains fuses instead of circuit breakers. Fuses are often found in homes built before 1960 that still have their original panels in place. They blow easily and always require manual replacement. This increases the risk of homeowners using incorrect fuse sizes, leading to fires. Circuit breakers are more efficient and have advanced safety features.
Call for an Inspection Today
Upgrading an electrical panel improves safety, enhances energy efficiency, and ensures compliance with modern electrical codes. Call a qualified electrician for an inspection and possible upgrade if you notice any of these signs.
Keep your home safe, and increase its value — contact TNT today to find out more about a professional panel upgrade in Savannah, GA.
