Spring cleaning often means clearing out clutter and freshening your home. It’s also a great time to check on critical systems such as your electrical panel. That gray box in your basement or garage might be hiding a potential problem. If your house is old, or you notice certain issues, it could be time for an upgrade.
Signs That You Need a New Panel
One clear sign of an outdated panel is the presence of fuses instead of breakers. Fuses are old technology — they blow out and need replacement. Modern breakers simply trip and can be reset. If you frequently replace fuses, it’s a red flag. Another clue is if your lights flicker or dim when you use appliances. This happens when the panel can’t handle the load.
Overloaded circuits are a fire hazard. Also, listen for buzzing or crackling sounds from the panel. If you smell burning plastic, turn off the main breaker and call an electrician immediately. A panel that is warm to the touch is another sign of problems. Further, if you have added several new appliances and your panel is old, it might be at its capacity. If you have a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco panel, it is time for a change. These panels have a history of failure.
Benefits of Upgrading
Upgrading your electrical panel brings numerous benefits. First, it increases safety because modern panels are designed to handle higher loads and have better safety features. Breakers trip faster than fuses, and this reduces the risk of fire. Second, upgrading improves efficiency. A new panel can handle modern appliances without overloading circuits and causing flickering lights and tripped breakers. Third, upgrading increases the value of your home. Potential buyers appreciate a modern, safe electrical system. Adding new circuits for electric vehicle chargers or a home office is much easier with a modern panel.
The Upgrade Process
This is not a DIY process. You need a licensed electrician for your panel upgrade. They will assess your current panel and determine the appropriate size for your needs. The new panel will be installed, and all circuits will be connected. The electrician will then test the system to ensure it’s working properly.
Electrical work is dangerous and requires expertise. A permit is usually required, and an electrician will know how to obtain one. Proper grounding is also essential to protect your home and appliances from electrical surges. An inspection is usually done by the local authority after the work is complete.
Spring cleaning is a great time to evaluate your electrical panel. If you spot any signs of an outdated system, consider an upgrade. It improves safety, efficiency, and adds value to your home.
For an electrical panel upgrade, contact our experienced team at Assurance Power Systems in Delray Beach, FL today.
