Are you concerned about the electrical safety of your home? If so, one of the things you should be looking at is your electrical panel.
An outdated or faulty electrical panel can be dangerous for you and your family.
In fact, if your home is more than 40 years old, chances are you need to upgrade your electrical panel.
Many homes built during that period were only wired to handle 60-amp service, which isn’t enough to power today’s appliances and electronics.
Today, most homes require at least 100 amps.
To ensure maximum safety, you’ll need to upgrade your electrical panel. Here are the signs you need an upgrade.
1. You’re Having Trouble With Your Breaker Tripping
One of the most common signs that you need to upgrade your electrical panel is if you’re constantly having trouble with your breaker tripping.
This can be extremely frustrating, especially if it’s happening multiple times a day. If this is something you’re dealing with, it’s definitely time to upgrade to a new panel.
You should note that circuit breaker tripping is often a sign that you’re using too much energy in your home.
And, if this is the case, you should take action before an electrical fire breaks out.
To protect your home, consider getting an electrical panel upgrade in Westwood, MA from experienced experts who’re licensed and reputable.
2. Your Lights Are Flickering or Dimming
You may also need to upgrade your electrical panel if your lights are flickering or dimming.
This can be a sign that there is too much demand on your current electrical panel, and it isn’t able to handle it. Flickering lights can also be a sign of an overloaded circuit or a loose wire.
Dimming lights can also be a sign of an issue with your home’s wiring.
If you notice either of these things happening, you should call an electrician to come and take a look.
If you have older lighting fixtures in your home, it might be time to upgrade to newer, more energy-efficient fixtures too.
3. You’ve Had an Electrical Fire in Your Home
If you’ve had an electrical fire in your home, it’s a pretty clear sign that you need to upgrade your electrical panel.
An electrical fire is usually caused by faulty wiring, power surge, or other electrical faults, and if your electrical panel is old, it may not be up to code.
Upgrading your electrical panel will help to prevent future fires and protect your home and your family.
Don’t assume that small electrical fires are harmless.
They can cause a lot of damage to your home and even put your family at risk.
If you’re seeing electrical sparks or smoke when operating any appliances in your home, it’s time to call an electrician and have your whole-house electrical system inspected.
4. You Have Outdated Fuses Instead of Circuit Breakers
Outdated fuses are one of the most common signs that you need to upgrade your electrical panel. Fuses are made of metal and glass, which can easily overheat and cause fires.
On the other hand, circuit breakers are made of plastic and trip when they sense an overload in the system, preventing fires.
New electrical panels even come with smart technology that can monitor your energy usage and give you real-time feedback.
A whole-house surge protector is also recommended to keep your appliances and electronics safe from power surges.
Combine these two upgrades for ultimate peace of mind.
5. Your Electrical Outlets Feel Hot to the Touch
If your outlets feel hot to the touch, this could indicate that they’re overworked.
Your outlets shouldn’t be hot unless you’re using them to heat something up.
If they are, it means that they’re working overtime to try and distribute the electricity running through them, and this could lead to a fire.
If you have an old electrical panel, it could be a fire hazard. Upgrade it now to avoid an electrical fire down the road.
Considering that we interact with electrical power outlets daily, it’s important to be able to feel confident that they’re safe and not overloaded.
A Safe Electrical System is a Priority
While most people don’t think about their home’s electrical system until there’s a problem, it is actually a very important part of your home that needs regular maintenance and upgrades.
So, consult with an electrician to ensure your electrical panel, wiring, lighting fixtures, and outlets are up to date and in good condition.