The average modern family puts more demand than ever before on the electrical service in the home. Thanks to more advanced appliances, security systems, and a wide variety of electronics, those original panels are often not up to the job. Keeping yours current is critical to both getting the service you need and preventing dangerous overloads.
Your home electrical panel or breaker box is designed to safely distribute electricity to outlets and appliances whenever something is plugged in or turned on. At the time it was installed, it could not only handle the expected demand, but also was structured to allow for additional circuits. If a circuit is overloaded, the breaker trips to cut power before a fire can occur. With the increased demand for power, however, that old panel likely needs an upgrade. Newer breaker boxes allow for many additional circuits and are often 200 amps rather than the minimum 100 amps required by the National Electrical Code.
Inspect and replace your breaker box
Even if your electrical panel has been sufficient for your home, a professional inspection is a good idea, especially if you are remodeling, adding a room or an appliance, or considering selling your home. Signs that your breaker box may need an upgrade include:
- Your lights flicker during peak use times.
- You have experienced breakers tripping frequently or when certain appliances are in use.
- You have power strips and adaptors on multiple receptacles to allow for more electronic devices.
- The panel or the wall around the panel feels warm to the touch.
- The panel is more than 30 years old.
A burning smell or any sign of scorching around an outlet should be checked immediately by an electrician. If your electrical panel uses fuses rather than breakers, or you see evidence of knob-and-tube wiring in your older home, consult a professional right away about upgrading your electrical service.
The electrical panel is the power source for everything electrical in your home or business. Don’t take a chance that it can’t provide the service you need. An inspection every three to five years will ensure your panel is in good working order and is upgraded when demand for power increases beyond its capacity.
Contact the team at Villers Advanced Electric for an inspection and consultation on upgrading or replacing your electrical panel.