Electrical panels, also called breaker boxes, are the central control for your home’s electrical system. These panels can experience wear and tear like all components and eventually need replacing. Electrical panels can pose dangerous risks when they experience wear and tear or become outdated. Here at Magic Electric, Plumbing, Heating + Air, we want you to know when to replace your old electrical panel. Upgrading to a more modern electrical panel increases your electrical system’s safety and performance. You should always rely on professional electricians to handle electrical panel replacement services to protect against electrocution and fire risks.
1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
Frequent circuit breaker trips are a clear sign of electrical panel problems. Overloaded circuits, short circuits, ground faults, and faulty wiring can all cause circuit breaker trips. Frequent tripping is more likely to happen with an outdated electrical panel that cannot handle modern appliances and electronic demands.
The electrical panel shuts off the electricity to a circuit that becomes overloaded or short-circuited to protect against overheating and fires. If your electrical panel is warning you of problems with frequent trips, you should immediately shut off your electricity and seek professional repairs or a replacement.
2. Dimming and Flickering Lights
You can trace a single flickering or dimming light to a bad bulb or socket. However, if all the lights in your home flicker or dim frequently, this is a sign of electrical panel problems. Widespread flickering lights mean poor power distribution, a problem you should always pay attention to, no matter how subtle.
Lights will flicker or dim when running multiple high-drain devices. It’s important to have your electrical panel inspected by a licensed electrician to determine the cause of flickering and dimming lights. A panel replacement will ensure even power distribution and protect against electric shock and fires.
3. Burning Odors and Scorches
You may smell a burning odor emitting from your electrical panel box. Often, it smells like burning plastic. There is a definite problem if you see scorch marks inside or outside the panel. In severe cases, the electrical panel may begin to send out a shower of sparks or catch on fire.
Burning smells and scorch marks indicate wire overheating. You may notice some of the wiring has a melted appearance. It is vital to shut the electricity off and wait for repairs. Overheating wires are a major fire hazard you should never ignore.
4. Panel Rust, Corrosion, or Moisture
Moisture and electricity should never mix. Rust, corrosion, or moisture in the electrical panel box can occur because of leaks or high humidity. Poor seals can cause leaks when it rains. If your home has a high humidity problem, you may notice rust and corrosion inside and outside the box. Moisture exposure can increase the risks of short circuits and electrical shocks.
It is important to find the source of the moisture and take care of it immediately. Rust and corrosion indicate the electrical panel is starting to deteriorate and may need a replacement.
5. Frequent Power Surges
Power surges occur with a brief electrical voltage spike. These surges can sometimes happen because of power grid problems or lightning, but they can also have internal causes. Frequent power surges in your home indicate a potential problem with your electrical system, including your electrical panel.
Internal causes of power surges can include faulty wiring, overloaded electrical panels, and poor grounding. A licensed electrician will need to perform a complete inspection of the panel to determine whether it needs repairs or replacement.
6. Outdated Fuse Boxes
If your home’s electrical system still operates on fuses, it is time to upgrade. Fuse boxes can be a hazard in modern homes because they lack the power to handle high-demand appliances and electronics. The increased electrical current can cause the fuse panel to wear down over time.
Homes built before the 1960s typically have fuse boxes unless the owner has upgraded to an electrical panel. Unlike electrical circuit breakers that trip and are reset, fuses blow and must be replaced. Electrical panels are safer and can handle higher-demand appliances and electronics.
7. Renovations and Major Appliance Additions
Renovations to your home may require a new electrical panel to ensure you have enough power to operate new outlets, switches, and lights. You must consider upgrading to a new electrical panel when adding high-drain appliances like new HVAC systems, hot tubs, or electric car chargers. A new electrical panel will help you avoid overheating, fire, and electric shock hazards, preventing endless breaker trips.
How to Determine if You Need a New Electrical Panel
It is important to take immediate action if you notice any of the above signs. Waiting too long to seek electrical panel repair or replacement could result in serious injuries from electrocution or fires. Consider these steps.
Consult With a Licensed Electrician
It is vital to always work with a licensed electrician with extensive electrical panel knowledge who can perform the panel upgrade promptly. An electrician will inspect the electrical panel and its components. They look for signs of damaged wiring, including frays and melting. Electricians will also check for signs of rust and corrosion from moisture and scorch marks. Testing and inspections can confirm if you need an electrical panel upgrade.
Evaluate Your Home’s Electrical Load
It’s important to regularly evaluate your home’s electrical load. Modern appliances and electronics demand higher energy, and if your electrical panel is not up to par, these appliances and electronics can produce unsafe performance. Consider all the major appliances and electronics in your home. Ask your electrician for help determining your needs.
Consider Investing in Long-Term Safety
An electrical panel upgrade is critical for your family’s long-term safety. Upgrading the panel helps stabilize voltage levels, reducing the risks of overheating, surges, electric shock, and fires.
Licensed Electricians Handle Electrical Panel Upgrades
Electrical panels can last 25 to 40 years but may need a replacement long before their lifespan ends. Damages caused by wear and tear, moisture, and overheating can lead to dangers. In addition to upgrading a failing electrical panel, it is also essential to determine the reason for the failure so it does not happen again. Our expert electricians have the tools, parts, and knowledge to handle electrical panel upgrades in Magic Valley and surrounding areas.
Contact Us Today
Magic Electric, Plumbing, Heating + Air is a full-service electrical, plumbing, and HVAC provider that offers hassle-free scheduling, upfront pricing, and clean and professional employees. Our electrical services include wiring, generators, panels, lighting, and outlets. The technicians in our HVAC department offer installation, maintenance, and repairs for all heating and cooling systems, including air duct repair. Our plumbing team offers water heater, drain, piping, filtration, and gas services. We stand behind our work 100% to guarantee your complete satisfaction. We also offer fair prices and specials on our website to help you save on our services.
Call our expert licensed electricians at Magic Electric, Plumbing, Heating + Air in Boise and Twin Falls, ID, today if you need a new electrical panel.
