Also referred to as load center, server panel, breaker box, or breaker panel, your electric panel is the box in your utility closet or garage that connects external wires to the internal wires in your home. Your electric panel is what supplies your appliances and lights with electricity. Depending on the amount it needs to handle and how many circuits have been added, the average electricity panel has 100, 150, or 200 amperes. Your electric panel also houses the circuit breakers for the electrical outlets in your home. These circuit breakers limit electrical capacity to prevent your wiring from overloading during power surges and keep it at a safe level. So, how do you know when to replace your electric panel? Here are seven warning signs that you shouldn’t ignore.
*This is a collaborative post. Image Source
*This is a collaborative post. 1. Tripping Breakers
If you’re constantly opening your electric panel box to flip the circuit breaker back on, you may need to replace it with one of the best federal pacific breakers, or you may need to replace the entire electric panel. Tripping breakers after purchasing a new appliance is a common occurrence because they cannot handle the load. Neglecting to replace the breaker or electric panel puts all other appliances relying on that circuit at risk because it can damage their electric circuit boards.
2. Higher Utility Bills
If you haven’t used any new appliances but your electricity bills have been noticeably higher than usual, you may need a new electric panel. Weak or rusted wiring results in appliances pulling more electricity from the electric panel, which can cause your utility bills to skyrocket.
3. Dimming Lights
Your lights should never randomly dim unless you’re experiencing electrical outages or have loose bulbs. If your lights dim when you’re using appliances like air conditioners or microwaves, it is often a sign of a loose connection or that something has failed inside your electric panel.
4. A Burning Odor
One of the most common and alarming signs that you need to replace your electric panel is when it smells like it is burning. If you notice a burning odor coming from your electric panel, you must act quickly to prevent it from overheating and causing an electrical fire.
5. Odd Sounds
If your electric panel makes popping, crackling, or sizzling sounds, don’t ignore them. These sounds signify electricity is trying to move from one connection to another over loose wires. Neglecting to take action when your panel makes these sounds is dangerous because a spark over loose wires can create a fire hazard.
6. Corrosion and Rust
Call an electrician immediately if you spot corrosion or rust on any cables, wires, screws, doors, or circuit breakers.
7. An Older Home
Call an electrician to inspect your electric panel if you have an older home. Your electric panel and its components won’t last forever. So, whether you’ve lived in a house built before 1995 for years or you’ve just moved in, get your panel checked by a professional as soon as possible.
Putting Off an Electric Panel Replacement is Dangerous
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above that indicate your electric panel is overloaded, don’t ignore them. At best, you could damage your home’s electrical wiring, expensive appliances or devices, and outlets. At worst, an overloaded electrical panel poses a risk of a fatal electric shock, a fire, or electrical arcing.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
