When Should Homeowners Get an Electrical Panel Replacement?

Signs a Home Needs a New Electrical Panel

Electricity is essential to daily life but can be dangerous if used improperly. The electrical panel is the heart of the electrical system, so if it has a problem, the whole house has a problem, and electrical hazards can occur. This blog post will explain some signs that indicate an electrical panel should be replaced or upgraded.

Fuse Box

fuse boxThough people occasionally use fuse boxes and electrical panels interchangeably, there is a big difference between the two. Fuse boxes are an older technology that stopped being installed in new homes around the 1960s and 1970s when it was replaced by electrical panels.

So, if a home still has a fuse box, it is likely outdated and needs to be replaced with an electrical panel. Electrical panels contain circuit breakers that can be reset when a circuit breaker trips. However, fuse boxes contain fuses that can only be used once and must be replaced when a blown fuse occurs.

It’s Damaged or Old

old electrical panelA damaged, corroded, or older electrical panel can be a problem, leading to electrical hazards, and should also be replaced. They typically have a lifespan of around 25 to 40 years, so if a home’s panel is within or exceeds that range, it should be inspected by an electrician to see if it needs replacing.

If the electrical panel is damaged or shows signs of rust and corrosion, it’s another signal an electrical panel replacement is necessary. These issues can affect the panel’s safety and the safety of the electrical system since a damaged, rusted, or corroded panel can be a fire hazard.

Circuit Breakers Trip Regularly

If a homeowner frequently has to reset the breakers in their electrical panel, then an electrician should be called to inspect the system and determine the best solution, whether the panel is outdated and needs replacing, outdated wiring that needs to be updated, or there is a circuit overload, often due to the addition of appliances.

If the household’s energy consumption is too high, causing overloaded circuits, an electrical panel upgrade may be needed to add a new circuit to provide the proper energy supply for the household’s needs. Homeowners should have their electrical systems evaluated by a professional when circuit breakers trip often to ensure the correct solution is implemented.

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is a plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical company serving the Wenatchee area. They offer flat-rate pricing, financing, and same-day service. Call them for electrical panel replacement and repair services in Wenatchee, WA.

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The Right Time To Upgrade the Electrical Panel

Upgrading the Electrical Panel

Like the HVAC unit and hot water heater, electrical panels often go unnoticed unless they stop working. Electrical panels, however, should be checked from time to time. If homeowners wait until these panels are screaming for attention, they could have a significant problem on their hands. It’s important to replace them when they’re ready, not when they demand it, to avoid any disasters.

Upgrade If They Notice Faulty Wiring

electrical panel

Faulty wiring is one of the most dangerous elements that warrant the replacement of the electrical panel. Suppose that wiring is sparking, misfiring, or not turning on the appliances. In that case, homeowners need to immediately shut off the electricity to the house and fix their electrical panel. When they fix the panel, they’ll be able to change the wiring simultaneously and ensure a safe and functional job.

Faulty wiring can cause sparks to occur behind the panel and create a fire that starts inside the home walls. By replacing the panel, homeowners address the faulty wiring and ensure everything is up to code. The best way to go about this is to contact a professional, as these replacementscan be dangerous.

Upgrade When Installing New Appliances

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If they have older electrical panels in the home, it’s good to keep in mind that they were installed to handle appliances requiring a certain amount of electricity. As homes are upgraded or remodeled and new appliances are created, homeowners could benefit from upgrading their electrical panel. This way, newer appliances won’t have an issue integrating with the electrical system, and the panel will handle it. 

No one wants a panel dealing with a surplus of power and constantly throwing the breaker. The one way to ensure that this doesn’t happen is by upgrading the electrical panel to handle the greater degrees of power required by newer appliances.

In general, homeowners need to plan on replacing the electrical panel every 25-40 years on average to keep up with their house’s needs. If they’re moving into a home or currently live in one with a panel of this age, it would be a good idea to replace it before they start running into problems.

Upgrade When Adding Circuit Breakers

fixing a electrical panel

Circuit breakers function as a way to keep the home safe while using electricity. If homeowners have an electrical current that gets too high, the circuit breaker will trip, preventing electricity from flowing to their home. It’s a safety feature that they can’t live without.

If they find themselves installing or adding circuit breakers to the panel, it could be good to upgrade the entire panel instead. By upgrading the panel, homeowners provide their homes with the ability to access the energy flow they need without causing circuits to trip or appliances to cease working. 

An upgraded panel is key to enjoying a house with all the electricity homeowners need daily.

Local, Expert Electricians

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. proudly provides electrical services in Wenatchee, WA. They offer comprehensive diagnoses, personalized recommendations, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For any plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work in the home, their local experts will provide trustworthy recommendations and quality workmanship to get their customer’s life back on track.