5 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Home’s Electrical Panel
Your home’s electrical panel is the heart of your electrical system, distributing power to all circuits throughout your house. Over time, as technology advances and your electrical needs grow, your panel may become outdated or insufficient.
An outdated electrical panel can lead to safety hazards, inefficiency, and power issues. Here are five key signs that it’s time to consider upgrading your home’s electrical panel. Contact Sonner Electric at 661-728-0126 to take the first step.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
If your circuit breakers trip frequently, it’s a clear sign that your electrical panel may be struggling to handle your home’s power demands. Circuit breakers are designed to trip when they detect an overload or short circuit, protecting your home from electrical fires. However, if this happens regularly, it could indicate that your panel is outdated or insufficient for your current electrical usage. Upgrading your panel can provide the capacity needed to prevent these disruptions.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Do your lights flicker or dim when you turn on large appliances like the dishwasher, microwave, or air conditioner? This could be a sign that your electrical panel is overloaded and struggling to distribute power effectively. Flickering lights may seem like a minor annoyance, but they can indicate a more significant problem within your electrical system. An upgraded panel will ensure a stable and consistent power supply throughout your home.
Use of Multiple Power Strips and Extension Cords
Relying heavily on power strips and extension cords to accommodate all your devices and appliances is a sign that your home lacks sufficient outlets and electrical capacity. This can overload your circuits, creating a potential fire hazard. Upgrading your electrical panel, along with adding new circuits and outlets, can help distribute power more safely and efficiently, reducing the need for temporary solutions.
Outdated or Insufficient Panel Capacity
Many older homes still have electrical panels with a capacity of 60 to 100 amps, which is inadequate for modern households that rely on numerous high-powered appliances, electronics, and smart devices. If your panel is outdated or you still have a fuse box, it’s time to consider an upgrade to a 200-amp panel or higher. This will ensure your electrical system can handle current demands and support future upgrades, such as electric vehicle chargers or home automation systems.
Signs of Electrical Panel Damage or Wear
Physical signs of damage, wear, or overheating in your electrical panel are serious red flags. Look for signs such as burn marks, rust, corrosion, buzzing noises, or a burning smell near the panel. These issues can indicate faulty wiring, loose connections, or internal damage, posing a significant fire risk. If you notice any of these signs, contact a licensed electrician immediately to assess the situation and recommend an upgrade if necessary.
The Importance of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
Upgrading your electrical panel is not just about meeting your current power needs; it’s also an investment in your home’s safety and future. A modern panel improves energy efficiency, reduces the risk of electrical fires, and ensures your home is compliant with current electrical codes. It also adds value to your property, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs or are unsure about the condition of your electrical panel, contact Sonner Electric at 661-728-0126. Our team of licensed electricians can assess your electrical system, provide expert recommendations, and perform professional panel upgrades to keep your home safe and powered efficiently.