An electrical panel upgrade at the right time is necessary to protect your home from several electrical accidents. The board connects to various circuits, each of which has a circuit breaker that distributes power to all the electrical components throughout a building. The breaker trips and disconnects the electricity supply when there's a surge of current, posing the risk of overheating the lines and catching fires.
When Do You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
The service panel is smart enough to automatically turn off the power supply when there's an overload or danger of overheating. Basically, it's the breaker that trips and cuts the connection. Nevertheless, it can be fickle and sensitive to various factors, and there could be other factors determining when you need an electrical panel upgrade.
Defective Wiring
A major percentage of residential fires in the United States happen because of faulty wires. The risk is proportionate to the age of the building. You should upgrade the system if the cables don't meet the standard code or the insulation and other parts deteriorate. The warning signs include flickering lights, minor shock or tingling sensation upon touching an appliance, sparks in the sockets, discolored power outlets, and a burning smell near electronics.
Fuse Panel
Older homes built before 1960 have a few circuits that rely on fuses. These fuses can only handle 30, 50, 60, or 90 amps for the entire house. Such system won't work in a modern residence that needs something between 100 and 400 amps of power. The fuses will only increase the fire risk. You will need to replace them with circuit breakers.
A Remodeling or New Appliance
Your energy requirement increases when renovating the living place or purchasing a new appliance, such as an air conditioner or hot tub, that consumes a huge amount of power. If the system's amp capacity doesn't meet the electrical needs, the circuit breaker will trip frequently and cut the power connection.
Extension Cords and Power Strips
It's better to go for an electrical panel upgrade if you don't have adequate outlets for plugging all the electronics. Excessive use of additional strips and cords increases the risk of fire hazards. Contact an electrical contractor to install new outlets and circuits to safeguard your home from electrical accidents.
Unusual Behavior of the Electrical System
When it's related to electricity, anything different than normal is worrying. It's necessary to take immediate action when your electronics don't run at full power or when the service panel makes crackling sounds. Sometimes, the breakers don't trip if there's a loose connection within the circuit. So, even if there's no apparent problem, you should conduct a safety audit at regular intervals.
Conclusion
Don't wait for the sparks to fly! Don't make yourself regret later by delaying an electrical panel upgrade. In addition, electricity is not something to be a part of your DIY project; never try to change or install anything unless you are an electrician.
If you got any extra tips, let us know in the comments section below!
And as always, if you need any electrical services, Life With Green Lighting is always here to serve you