Electrical panels are the heart of the electrical system, they are where everything starts and stops and are one of the most neglected yet essential components of a safe working home, “Well the lights and outlets work, so it must be fine.” However there are a few warning signs that get ignored.
How Old Is Your Panel?
The first thing that should be discussed is how old is the home and has the panel been replaced? Breaker panels have an average life span of 25-40yrs and this is due to the fact that electricity is constantly flowing through the breakers and connection points within this panel and while power is flowing the wires and connections heat up and cool down causing expansion and contraction and could eventually lead to loose connections which will lead to flickering lights, power loss, and eventually damage to the panel or property if left alone for too long.
Is My Panel Obsolete or a Safety Concern?
There are a few panels that are major safety concerns and have been recalled and some insurance companies won’t cover you if you have these panels. If you do have one of these panels and get it replaced your insurance company may even give a discount since you now have a home that is a little safer. Examples of obsolete panels are Federal Pacific (FPE Stablock), Zinsco (GTE, Sylvania), Split Buss, Push-Matic and old fashioned fuse panels. These panels were used from the 1950’s to the 1970’s far before electrical safety was fully understood.
What Is The Condition of the Panel?
Is there visible rust, burn marks, damaged spots etc? If there are any signs of this on the outside of the panel this typically means the interior of the panel is the same or worse condition which could lead to more serious issues.
Are You Experiencing Constant Breaker Trips?
A breaker is made to trip if there is a short circuit or overload so the occasional tripped breaker is a sign that the system is working as designed; however if this is a constant issue then there is an issue either in the panel or on the specific circuit if it’s the same circuit each time. If a circuit breaker is constantly reset this will lead to some irreversible damages to the panel as well as the wiring and devices on the circuit.
Are Your Lights Dim or Flickering?
This may be cool around Halloween but is actually a sign of a potential serious issue if spread throughout the home and not isolated to one room or one light. If this is throughout the home the problem most likely is in the breaker panel or sometimes before the panel at the utility connection. This is typically due to a loose or loss of connection in the panel and caused by the fluctuation of voltage going to the panel and if left alone can lead to damages to appliances and electronics not to mention the heat caused by a loose connection creating damages to the panel.
We’re Here To Help
Don’t ignore the warning signs of an electrical panel problem and risk a costly replacement down the road. If you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above, take action before the problem gets worse! Visit NCHomeElectric.com to schedule an onsite consultation with one of our licensed, professional electricians. We’ll inspect your main breaker panel, subpanels, and utility connection to identify potential issues, explain your options, and recommend the best solutions for your home. Whether you need a repair, a panel replacement, or preventative measures to help avoid future electrical problems, our team is here to help you keep your home safe and your electrical system running reliably. Don’t wait until a small warning sign becomes a major headache, contact NCHomeElectric.com today!