Your home or business’s electrical panel supplies the right amount of power to each space. While typically reliable and safe, electrical panels can begin to show signs of wear and tear. If flickering lights or strange smells have left you wondering whether you should upgrade your electrical panel, you’ll want to browse through our top nine signs that warrant having an electrician take a look.
Out of sight, out of mind: manufacturers design electrical panels to keep out of view. It’s easy to forget about them until a serious issue demands our attention.
Electrical panels connect the main power line and distribute electrical currents accordingly. Without them, homes and businesses are at risk for serious electrical problems and even fires.
Please note that upgrading electrical panels is dangerous and should only be handled by a professional electrician.
The following indicate a need for a new electrical panel:
- Crackling sounds emitting from the electrical panel
- Corrosion or rust on the breakers or panel
- Overheating electrical service conductors
- The use of multiple extension cords
- The need for additional outlets or two pronged (non-grounded) outlets
- Computers that are not on a dedicated circuit
- Electronic devices that do not operate at full power
- The installation of new equipment such as copiers, printers, computers, servers, projectors, and more which require dedicated or specialty outlets
- Additions or renovations to your business
- The need for a 240 volt circuit
- The addition of a sub panel
- Your business utilizes a fuse block or split bus panel (no main breaker) – technology which is far outdated and unsafe, posing both fire and electrocution safety risks
- Your insurance company requires a new electrical panel upgrade
