When should you Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
17 Jun 2021 Electrical Safety
Electrical panels are vital components for any home. In addition to providing electricity to all connected devices, they help keep your home safe from various electrical hazards. To ensure optimal functionality and safety for your home, it is important to know when you should upgrade your electrical panel. As leading providers of commercial and residential electrical services, the team at BNR Electric understands the importance of a quality electrical panel. That is why their team has compiled a list of signs that it is time to upgrade your electrical panel.
What are the signs that you need to replace the wiring in your house?
Signs you Should Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
As a general rule, electrical panels should be replaced or upgraded by a professional electrician every 25-40 years. This range will vary based on consumption, environment, and other factors in the home. In addition to age, the following are some key indicators that you should upgrade your electrical panel:
Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers
While occasional breaker tripping is normal, frequent tripping and blown fuses can represent a severe problem with your electrical panel. Frequent tripping can be caused by an overloaded electrical circuit, an electrical fault in the circuit, or undersized electrical wiring. If your breaker is tripped multiple times per week, it may be time to replace your electrical panel.
Undersized Electrical Panels
Electrical panels usually have a power rating that directly correlates with the size and how many circuit breakers they can accommodate. Some of the first electrical panels were rated for 60 to 100 amps, but this is considered insufficient for modern homes. Most modern electrical panels are rated for 200 amps, so it may be worth upgrading.
Bad, Damaged, or Old Wiring
Old wiring can pose many safety hazards for homeowners including electrocution and electrical fires. Oversized circuit breakers, ungrounded wires, messy wiring, and aluminum wiring are all examples of systems that should be replaced alongside your electrical panel.
Dimming or Flickering Lights
Do your lights constantly flicker or dim throughout the day? This is a common sign that your electrical panel needs to be upgraded. Lights tend to flicker due to a lack of power provided by the panel and is more common with modern lighting systems.
Increased Power Consumption
If your home is utilizing multiple power strips or running many appliances at the same time, your outdated electrical panel may not be sufficient. Outdated electrical panels may not have enough circuit breakers or dedicated circuits to safely run these appliances. To ensure that your electrical panel is suitable for your power consumption, consult a professional electrician.
To learn more about our residential electrical services or to inquire about your electrical panel, get in touch with BNR Electric. Their team can be reached through their online contact form and will work with you to deliver the perfect solution for your needs.
