Is It Time to Upgrade Your Home's Electrical Panel?
Your electrical panel serves as the heart of your home’s electrical system. If it experiences trouble, safety concerns could arise and your daily routine could be disrupted. To make sure your home’s electrical system is running safely and efficiently, consider these signs that may suggest that you need an upgrade.
Age Takes a Toll
Over many years, wires and other electrical components can break down and show signs of damage, increasing the risk of fire. Some electrical panels start to wear down after 25 or 30 years. Electrical panels could last longer than that, but some may show vulnerability before that mark. If your electrical panel has been working hard for at least 20 years, you could consider upgrading it.
Signs That Your Panel Needs an Upgrade
Many situations could indicate that it’s time to have your electrical panel upgraded. For example, if your breakers frequently trip, your system might not be optimized to provide you with enough power for your needs.
If you don’t have any breakers, it’s likely time to make a change. Before the 1960s, homes used fuse boxes rather than panels with breakers. If you live in an older home, your fuses might be connected to exposed wiring and may have trouble meeting modern power demands.
You can look for other signs as well. Lights that frequently dim or flicker, sparks flying when items are plugged in, and a burning odor coming from your walls or electrical panel can tell you that your current system has been pushed to its limits and that it’s time for an upgrade.
Benefits of an Upgraded Electrical Panel
Overloaded circuits and damaged or exposed wiring can increase the likelihood of an electrical fire. By upgrading your system, you can greatly reduce safety hazards. Once you’ve done so, you’ll find that you won’t have problems providing all of your equipment with plenty of power. A new electrical panel will be custom-designed with your needs in mind.
While an electrical panel can last for some time, there comes a point when it needs to be replaced with a newer one. Making this change can keep you safe and give you all the power you need. Contact London Electrical if you’d like to learn more.
