How Do You Know If You Need an Electrical Panel Replacement?
When it comes to the inner workings of your home, the electrical panel, also known as the fuse box, is the heart of your home’s electrical system. This panel works to effectively distribute power across the home to each room and appliance.
Over time, your electrical panel may deteriorate and become less effective or even completely ineffective, resulting in the need for a completely new unit. If you’re unsure of how often they need to be switched out, or if your panel needs some extra care, you’re in the right spot! Join us as we walk through various signs that your panel may need to be replaced.
Signs it’s time to replace your electrical panel
In the event that one or more of these conditions have presented themselves, consider calling an electrician for immediate assistance. Below we’ve listed out some of the most common ground rules that indicate that it may be time to invest in a new electrical unit:
Flickering lights
Have you noticed the lights flickering? Newly developed flickering, or consistent flickering throughout the home will warrant the need for a closer inspection as it can often be indicative of a poor connection or even overloaded circuits.
Breakers keep tripping
Breakers are established within your electrical panel as a safety measure. In the event that the system is being overexerted, the breakers will trip in order to avoid permanent damage and the potential for a fire. While breakers can trip occasionally, repetitive tripping is not normal and should be investigated as soon as possible.
Fuses instead of circuit breakers
Older properties may still have fuses installed instead of circuits. Fuses, once a standard, are outdated and cannot keep up with the demand of modern households. In the event fuses are still present, it is time to swap out your panel.
Older electrical panel
Is your home 20 to 30 years old with the original electrical panel still installed? It may still be functional, but for how much longer? Older panels can be inefficient or even fail under the demand of modern households. Being proactive about changing your electrical panel can prevent unnecessary loss and damages to your equipment.
Incorrect amp wiring
Power surges or the development of an electrical fire could mean the amp capacity of your home is not rated and wired appropriately. If you’re not sure, bring in an electrician to verify.
Undersized electrical panel
Having a smaller panel for a larger home with plenty of electronic devices can lead to system failures and inefficiencies. Choosing to add more circuits to a small unit could lead to fires or failure. Be sure to confirm that your main electrical panel has enough circuits to support the electricity needs of your household.
Overloaded circuits
Notice frequent overheating, short circuits, or tripped breakers? Your panel could be overloaded. In the event your panel is not equipped to handle your day-to-day home needs, it’s time to upgrade. Failure to do so may result in equipment damages or even a fire. Be sure to have a professional use a meter to read your electrical systems and their stability.
New appliances
Modern appliances can often demand more from your electrical system, putting additional strain that leads to failures. If you furnish your home with smart refrigerators, hot tubs, and other high-demand equipment, your electrical panel will most likely need to be evaluated.
Replacing vs upgrading your electrical panel
Have you noticed issues with your panel? Think it’s time to do something about it? Below we’ve provided a guide to help you understand when to upgrade or replace your electrical unit:
Cost
While upgrading your unit may cost less upfront (when comparing the cost to completely replace it), upgrading old and outdated panels may not be a sound investment in the long run. Other units should be evaluated and potentially replaced to avoid additional issues.
Time
Both upgrading and completely replacing your panel will take a few hours to a day to complete. While upgrading may take slightly less time, the duration of the job just depends on the skill level of the professional you hired, the location of the unit, as well as the intricacies of the electrical system already installed.
Electrical needs
Lastly, it is essential to assess your home's electrical needs. Taking a moment to ponder what the current electrical demand is, as well as what it could be moving forward, should help you choose what path to take,
How long do electrical panels last?
On average, homeowners should expect their panels to last anywhere from 25 to 50 years. Although fifty years is well past the recommended lifespan, it is possible that your system can last that long, but operate with diminished effectiveness.
Young Cardinal is here to help with your electrical panel replacement
Hoping to finally service your electrical panel or sub-panel unit? Looking for electrical assistance from professionals who aren’t looking to over charge you?
Our electricians at Young Cardinal Electric are happy to help you electrify your home with nothing short of outstanding customer service. For more information on what we can do for you, give us a call and we’ll have you covered!