Your electrical panel controls all the electricity in your home. It’s the switchboard for you to control your home’s power, but it also functions to keep your home safe and your electrical system running efficiently. So, how do you know when it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade? Here are a few signs to look out for.
You Have Fuses, Not Breakers
If your home was built before the 1970s, then it may have a fused-based electrical system. While circuit breakers and fuses perform the same function, it’s important to note fuses are outdated. Fuses also don’t trip when they’re overloaded and will melt, blow, or short-circuit instead. Because of that, they can be a major fire hazard. If your home uses fuses, it might be time to update your system.
When the breaker trips regularly, that’s a sign of either an overloaded circuit or a malfunctioning circuit breaker.
Circuit Breakers Trip Frequently
Circuit breakers are designed to trip when detecting inconsistencies in the flow of electricity and prevent the system from overheating and causing a fire. If your system is working the way it should, then the circuit breaker shouldn’t interrupt the electrical flow and trip often.
Trips can happen, but when the breaker trips regularly, that’s a sign of either an overloaded circuit or a malfunctioning circuit breaker. Regardless of what the issue is, this sign means it’s definitely time for an electrical panel upgrade.
You Use Extension Cords…A Lot
Using a few extension cords in your home isn’t cause for alarm. But if you have them plugged into most of your home outlets, it’s about time to get an electrician over to inspect your electrical panel.
One or two extension cords won’t hurt your system in the long run, but it’s important to know it does demand more electricity through that outlet than the outlet was originally designed to give. If you use a lot of extension cords throughout your home, it can lead to damaged outlets, tripped breakers, or even a fire. Instead of turning to more extension cords, turn to an electrician to update your system and install a few more outlets.
Make sure your electrical panel is upgraded so you have the power necessary for your new home to function properly.
A Remodel is on the Horizon
If you’re going to be remodeling your home, take this as your sign to do an electrical panel upgrade! After all, you need to make sure you have the power necessary for your new and improved home to function properly.
Even if your system isn’t old, it’s a good idea to take a look at your electrical system. If you’re creating an entirely different layout, that could require you to update the wiring for your convenience and safety.
Your Home is Older
Old homes have charm and appeal that draw people in. Old electrical systems are not part of the draw, however. If your home is old, it’s about time to update your electrical system, especially your electrical panel.
As we live in our older homes, we get newer, bigger, and smarter appliances to help make our lives easier. But outdated systems have trouble providing the electricity needed to keep them running. And old systems aren’t quaint – they’re can potentially be hazardous. Keep your charming old home safe and up-to-date with an electrical panel upgrade sooner rather than later.
Not Just About Convenience
Upgrading your electrical panel isn’t just about getting the power you need for your modern appliances. It’s also important to upgrade for the sake of safety. If you’re thinking about upgrading your system, get an electrician who will take the time to make sure it’s done properly. If you’re ever in need of an electrical inspection or other electrical services, Speck Family Electric is happy to lend a hand. We service those in Sparta, Chattanooga, Cookeville, Crossville, Gallatin, Lebanon, McMinnville, Mount Juliet, Murfreesboro, and Smithville.
