Signs That You May Need to Hire an Electrician to Replace Your Electrical Panel
Your home’s electrical panel is one of the most important safety components of your electrical system. It controls and distributes power from the utility lines to the outlets and appliances in your home. Over time, issues like corrosion, damage, outdated technology or increased electrical load can indicate it’s time to replace that panel. Here are some signs to watch out for that you may need to hire an electrician Salem Oregon-based to replace your electrical panel.
Your Fuses Keep Blowing or Breakers Are Tripping Frequently
If you find yourself constantly resetting tripped breakers or replacing blown fuses, your panel may be overloaded. Today’s homes have considerably higher electric demands than those built decades ago. If the panel doesn’t have enough capacity for safe operation, it requires replacement with a larger, updated panel.
Your Lights Dim or Flicker Frequently
Dimming lights or flickering when large appliances turn on or off can indicate your panel needs replacement. That likely means there is weakness or deterioration in the electrical flow that should be steady and consistent. Flickering also suggests potential fire hazards you’ll want to address promptly by hiring an electrician.
You Have an Old-Style Fuse Panel
If your home still has an outdated fuse panel, an upgrade to a modern circuit breaker panel is essential. Breakers are safer and more reliable than old fuses that heat up and may fail to trip. Breakers instantly cut power when there’s an overload or short circuit. Replacing that antiquated fuse panel reduces fire risks.
There’s Moisture Damage or Rust
Moisture and rust damage pose big safety issues for any home’s electrical system. If you notice rust, corrosion, water leaks or moisture damage around your older panel, hire an electrician immediately to inspect and likely recommend replacement. Wet electrical components increase risks for fires, shocks and electrocution.
You Have No Room for Additional Circuits
If your panel is already full, and you need to add a new major appliance or another high-wattage device like an EV charger, there’s no room to safely expand. A new larger panel will be required to add new branching circuits to power those new additions. Don’t assume it’s okay to simply plug more devices into existing outlets and overload those circuits.
Your Home Still Has Knob and Tube Wiring
This antiquated wiring from the 1920s or earlier poses major fire and electrocution hazards. Upgrading from knob and tube wires built into the walls requires replacing the electrical panel too. No modern protective devices can operate safely with those older wires. Complete rewiring packs a big price tag but eliminates those dangers.
An Inspection Found Safety Issues
During an inspection for a home sale or refinance, the evaluator may discover significant problems with an outdated failing panel or other major electrical hazards. It’s wise to follow all recommendations for repairs and upgrades to ensure safe, reliable power. DIY is not an option for panel replacement.
Replacing an outdated failing electrical panel provides vital safety upgrades. Don’t ignore warning signs of trouble. Hiring a professional electrician ensures the new equipment meets building codes and provides protection from fires or shocks. While it’s a major investment, there’s no price tag on safeguarding your home and family.