The electrical panel in your home should last a long time but not indefinitely. The good news is that there are clear signs it’s time to replace the panel. Knowing when you need to do so is essential to keeping everything functioning as it should.
1. The Panel is Outdated
Many homes have panels with a split-buss design, which might not meet current needs with the number of devices that households use now. Another thing to remember is that many of these older panels are now off-market because of known safety issues, making upgrading to a newer option the better choice.
While they can last for up to 40 years, many start wearing down in half that time. Older panels may also use fuses instead of circuit breakers. You need to remove and replace the fuse every time it wears out instead of just flipping a breaker. If you bought your house and aren’t sure of the panel’s age, it’s better to replace it than to be sorry.
2. Your Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping
Breakers that trip frequently often indicate an overloaded circuit. Older panels, for example, might not be able to keep up with today’s appliances, TVs, and HVAC systems running simultaneously.
Most older panels have a maximum of 60 or 100 amps, which was sufficient for homes in the 1980s. However, newer homes have 200 amps, which makes it easier to meet most current needs without the breakers tripping and similar issues.
Upgrading to a higher-capacity panel that can accommodate your home’s electrical needs will prevent frequent tripping and provide uninterrupted electrical power and a smoothly operating electrical system.
3. Your Lights Dim or Flicker a Lot
One sign you can’t miss is that your lights dim or flicker. They normally only change when your power goes out and comes back or when a bulb isn’t screwed in all of the way. If your lamps or overhead lights keep flickering, it indicates a power surge. Frequent surges are a sign the panel can’t meet your home’s electrical demands.
Lights not on a dimmer switch should never grow dim. If your lights frequently dim when using appliances, the problem could be that your panel cannot meet your demands.
4. You Have Possible Fire or Water Damage
Electrical fires are very dangerous and can happen at any moment. Any of the following are signs of a fire threat:
- A warm panel
- Non-functioning outlets
- Scorched outlets
- A burnt smell
Bad smells might indicate charring from melted wiring insulation or scorched breakers. If there are signs of rust, there might be water infiltration. In either circumstance, a replacement panel is the appropriate solution.
5. You’ve Purchased New Major Appliances
Buying new appliances, such as central HVAC systems or washers and dryers, may come with increased power usage compared to your previous devices. An overloaded circuit box is risky, so you may benefit from an upgrade.
Before the days of multiple electronic gadgets and appliances, homes did not have as much need for the increased power and number of outlets required in most modern residences. Your existing electrical panel may not have enough capacity to meet your home’s demand. Suppose you have several locations in your home that rely on power strips or extension cords. That is a strong indication that you need an upgraded panel and additional outlets to handle your electrical needs safely.
Additionally, if your home’s outlets get hot, they are probably overworked or overloaded. If the outlet has any damaged or loose wiring, it may also feel hot. In either case, the heat is a safety hazard and can cause an electrical fire.
6. The Panel is Too Small
You might need a replacement if your home’s panel is not 200 amps or higher. You’ll be in a better position to see to your household’s electrical needs with time, and an upgrade of this kind may increase your home’s value.
Schedule This Important Electrical Inspection
By staying alert to these warnings, you can recognize whether your home has an outdated or overloaded electrical panel needing an upgrade or replacement. Having your panel inspected and upgraded ensures that your family and home stay safe and have reliable, stable electrical power. Don’t ignore the signs—consult with the professional electricians at Sun State Power LLC to inspect your Ocala, FL home’s electrical panel today!
