Welcome Back! If you’ve been tracking with us recently then you know we are in Part 3 of a 4-Part Series Entitled Your Electrical Panel.
Over the past few weeks we have explored the History of Electrical Panels (Part 1) and Reasons Your Panel May Fail (Part 2). By now you are probably anxious to learn the warning signs that your panel may need replaced. The wait is over…continue reading to learn more!
Warning Signs it May be Time to Replace Your Electrical Panel
Your home’s electrical panel and meter base serve as the backbone of your electrical system. When functioning correctly, they provide reliable service without issue. However, as these components age or become overloaded, they can pose serious safety hazards. Including power failures, electrical malfunctions, and even fire risks. Recognizing the warning signs early can help prevent costly repairs and protect your home. Below we will explore 7 of these warning signs.
Water Damage or Rust
Water exposure and rust around your electrical panel or meter base can be extremely dangerous. Moisture can corrode connections, leading to short circuits, electrical failure, and potential fire hazards. If you notice rust, discoloration or any signs of water damage, it is crucial to have your system checked. And, if necessary, replaced.
Your panel has a cover on it, preventing you from seeing what is going on inside the panel. The picture on the left is an example of your panel without the cover. The one on the right is an example of a panel with the cover.
We do not advise you take the cover off to inspect for water damage, that should be left to a trusted electrician. However, pay attention to what is happening around and on the outside of your panel. If you see signs of water damage on the walls around your panel, rust on the sides of your panel or discoloration anywhere, contact a trust electrician. Remember, it is always better to be safe rather than sorry especially when it comes to water and electric.
Make sure to check back for Part 4 of our Series where we will discuss some things we do to try to prevent moisture from getting into panels.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
If your lights flicker or dim when using certain appliances, it could indicate an issue.
These fluctuations in power may be caused by outdated wiring, an overloaded panel, faulty connections or be a result of water damage. Replacing your panel can ensure consistent and reliable power flow, protecting your home’s sensitive electronic devices.
If your home experiences flickering or dimming lights when very little electric is being used, it is a warning sign of a bigger problem. Contact a trust electrician immediately to troubleshoot the cause of the problem.
Partial Power or Inconsistent Electrical Performance
Do certain areas of your home have no power while other areas are functioning normally?
This can be a sign of an overloaded or failing panel, loose wiring or issues with the meter base.
Inconsistent power distribution can lead to inefficient appliance performance, frequent resets, and potential safety hazards. If you experience this issue, an electrician can determine whether a replacement is needed to restore full, stable power throughout your home.
Buzzing Sounds or Warm Panel
Have you ever walked past your electrical panel and heard a buzzing sound? Or needed to reset a tripped breaker and the panel feels warm to the touch? These are two warning signs you do not want to ignore, as they may lead to electrical failures or fire risks. A professional evaluation can determine whether a replacement is necessary.
Just like swelling in your body is an indication that something is wrong, buzzing sounds and warmth are signs that something is wrong with you panel. We understand the desire you have to investigate what may be causing the problem but we strongly suggest you contact a trusted electrician and leave the investigating up to them.
Burning Smell or Scorch Marks
A burning smell or visible scorch marks near your electrical panel are serious warning signs of overheating or electrical arcing. These issues can lead to electrical fires if not addressed immediately. If you notice these signs, turn off power to the affected area and contact a licensed electrician immediately.
Frequent Breaker Trips
Do your breakers frequently trip, interrupting your daily routine?
This may be a sign that your electrical panel is struggling to handle your home’s power demands.
Remember, a breaker tripping is not a bad thing. Just like a fever is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong and needs attention, a breaker trips preventing damage to a circuit or worst case, a fire.
If you are tripping breakers because you are overloading circuits, it may be time to consider upgrading your panel to accommodate modern day power demands. Modern appliances and devices require more electricity than older panels were designed to handle. To learn more about the history of electrical panels installed over the years, check out Part 1 of our Your Electrical Panel Series.
If you are tripping breakers and it isn’t due to overloaded circuits, contacted a trust electrician who can troubleshoot the severity of the problem.
Outdated Panel Model
We talk about this in our previous blog post but it deserves mentioning again.
Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels are known to have safety defects, including breakers that fail to trip during an overload. And as we just learned, you want breakers to trip in the event of an overloaded circuit or other electrical issues (short circuit, ground fault, faulty appliance, etc) in order to prevent overheating and fires.
If your home is equipped with an outdated panel, upgrading to a modern system will provide better protection and efficiency.
Time to Replace or Upgrade?
If you are experiencing any of the the first six issues mentioned above, contact a trusted electrician TODAY to look at your panel and advise if it should be replaced.
If you have a Federal Pacific (FPE) or Zinsco panel but aren’t experiencing any of the other six issues, you are should have your panel replaced for peace of mind but you can plan for this expense.
Not Experiencing any Warning Sign
If you aren’t experiencing any warning signs that your panel is failing, you may still consider replacing or upgrading if any of the following are true…
Insufficient Amp Capacity: Many older homes still operate on 100-amp panels, which are inadequate for today’s energy demands. With the increased use of high powered appliances, HVAC systems and electric vehicle chargers, upgrading to a 200-amp panel ensures your home can handle the necessary load without risking electrical failures or hazards.
Home Renovations or Additions: Planning to remodel your kitchen, install a home office or add new appliances? Additional power requirements may exceed the capacity of your current panel. An upgrade will ensure your electrical system can support these improvements without compromising safety or performance.
Did you know that there are Energy Tax Credits available for upgrading or replacing your panel? Visit EnergyStar.gov to learn more and to see the requirements for receiving the tax credits.
Why Upgrade Your Meter Base Too?
Your meter base is the entry point for electricity into your home. If it is outdated, corroded or incompatible with a new panel, it may not function efficiently or safely.
Did you know, if you upgrade the amperage of your panel, you have to upgrade the amperage of your meter?
The Bottom Line
Upgrading your electrical panel and meter base enhances your home’s safety, increases electrical capacity, and ensures long-term reliability. If you have noticed any of these warning signs or are planning a major home renovation, contact us. Our experienced team is dedicated to keeping your home safe, efficient, and powered for the future.
Be sure to check back for Part 4 in our series where we share a recent Meter Base and Panel upgrade and there is a special offer you won’t want to miss if you are considering replacing or upgrading your panel!
