Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system, distributing power to every room. Over time, your energy needs can outgrow the panel’s capacity, leading to potential safety hazards, inefficiencies, and power disruptions. Knowing when to upgrade your electrical panel can prevent costly repairs and reduce the risk of electrical fires. If you’re experiencing issues with your home’s power system or planning to expand your electrical usage, it may be time for an upgrade. In this blog post, the experts from Burley Electrical Services dive deeper into this.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
One of the most common signs that your electrical panel is outdated is frequent breaker trips. If your breakers constantly shut off when you use multiple appliances, it indicates that the panel is struggling to handle the load. While resetting a tripped breaker is an easy fix, persistent tripping suggests that your panel cannot keep up with your household’s electricity demands. Upgrading to a higher-capacity panel can provide the necessary power to support modern appliances without interruptions.
Use of Extension Cords & Power Strips
Older homes often have fewer outlets than modern households require. If you find yourself relying heavily on extension cords and power strips, it’s a sign that your electrical system is not designed for your current needs. Overloading outlets with multiple devices can cause overheating and increase the risk of electrical fires. A panel upgrade, along with additional circuits, can ensure your home has sufficient power access without overburdening the system.
Adding New Appliances or Home Upgrades
Home improvements such as installing a hot tub, upgrading kitchen appliances, or adding an electric vehicle charger can significantly increase your electricity consumption. Older panels, especially those rated at 100 amps or less, may not have the capacity to handle the additional load. Before making major electrical upgrades, it’s essential to assess whether your panel can support them. A professional electrician can determine if a panel upgrade to 200 amps or more is necessary.
Flickering & Dimming Lights When Appliances Run
If you notice your lights flickering or dimming when using appliances like the microwave, air conditioner, or washing machine, it may indicate an overloaded electrical panel. This happens when appliances demand more power than the panel can supply, causing voltage fluctuations. While this may seem like a minor annoyance, it’s a warning sign that your electrical system needs an upgrade to distribute power more effectively.
Your Home Has an Outdated Panel
Homes built several decades ago often have panels that are no longer considered safe. Fuse boxes, common in older homes, are outdated and unable to support modern energy consumption. Additionally, panels from certain manufacturers, such as Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco, have been linked to safety concerns and should be replaced immediately. If your home still has an outdated panel, upgrading to a modern circuit breaker panel can improve safety and efficiency.
Burning Smells or Scorch Marks on Outlets
A burning smell near the electrical panel, warm outlets, or visible scorch marks are serious signs of electrical issues. These indicate overheating, which can lead to electrical fires if left unaddressed. If you experience any of these warning signs, shut off power to the affected area and consult an electrician immediately. An electrical panel upgrade may be necessary to prevent further hazards.
Electrical Wiring Inspections & More in Pompano Beach, Imperial Point, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Lighthouse Point, Parkland & Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Upgrading your electrical panel is an investment in your home’s safety, efficiency, and functionality. If you notice frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or need additional power for new appliances, it may be time for an upgrade. Consulting Burley Electrical Services can help determine the best solution for your home, ensuring that your electrical system meets modern demands and provides reliable power for years to come. If you’re in need of an upgrade, call the professionals at Burley Electrical Services today.
