Homeowners often don’t think about their electrical panels until there’s a problem, but that’s a mistake. A proactive approach can save you money and hassle. It can also help protect your family and make your home more efficient, functional, and convenient. Let’s explore the indications that you need to upgrade your panel or replace it altogether.
Your Panel Is on a Recall List
As with many products, there’s the potential for a recall. In fact, one brand had to recall 1.4 million panels in 2022. That was one of the largest panel recalls of all time. You should find all the information you need on the panel door. This includes the manufacturer, model number, and date codes.
Once you have that information, navigate to the Consumer Product Safety Commission website. If there is a recall on your panel, contact the manufacturer for a replacement. You’ll also need to contact an electrician to set up the installation.
Your Home Was Built Before 2023
The National Fire Protection Association updates the National Electrical Code (NEC) every few years. Although there is no legal obligation to upgrade alongside the NEC, it’s a good idea when major changes affect safety and energy efficiency. One such example is whole-house surge protection.
The NFPA added it to the NEC in 2023. Most homes built before then don’t have a surge protection device (SPD). SPDs protect against indirect lightning strikes and internal surges, such as those from air conditioners. You don’t need a full replacement if your panel is otherwise modern and in good condition.
Your Electrical Panel Is 25 Years Old or Older
A modern electrical panel that’s well-maintained can last for 40 years. That said, if your current panel is 25 years old or older, you should probably replace it. This is especially true if you haven’t scheduled regular inspections and maintenance.
Over the last several decades, panel manufacturing has become much more refined, and the technologies have become more sophisticated. The NFPA has also substantially upgraded the standards for panels.
Not Enough Outlets
Do you find that you never have enough outlets in the rooms you use the most? Are you using multiple power strips and adapters to accommodate your devices? Would you like to add more lighting? If you’ve answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may need an upgrade.
If your panel has room for more circuits, an electrician can add more up to the panel limit. If the panel doesn’t have room, you can’t overload the existing circuits. In that case, upgrading to a newer panel that fully meets your needs is better.
You Still Have Fuses
Circuit breakers have largely supplanted fuses. The advantage is that they trip rather than break, and you can reset rather than replace them. There are scenarios where fuses are still better, such as with sensitive electronics. Still, the average home doesn’t need fuses.
If you still have fuses rather than circuit breakers, it’s time to upgrade. Similarly, if you have some breakers but also an auxiliary panel with fuses, it’s time to upgrade.
Your Panel Provides Inadequate Amp Coverage
The power demands of the average U.S. household have grown considerably over the years. The NEC requires a minimum of 100 amps. Despite that, most U.S. households need at least 150 amps. Many require 250 amps or more.
It’s not unusual for older homes to have a panel rated for less than 100 amps or even as low as 40 amps. If you’re unsure whether your home has enough amp coverage, schedule a panel inspection as soon as possible.
You’ve Experienced a Short or Fire
A short is an event in which a live wire touches a neutral wire or grounded surface. If a shortage occurs, experts recommend replacing the panel. There can be widespread damage that is difficult to detect. It can increase your risk of additional problems and electricity usage.
A short and other events can lead to an electrical fire. No matter how seemingly minor the fire was, you shouldn’t seek to reuse a panel. The potential dangers going forward simply aren’t worth the risk.
Visible Rust or Other Corrosion
Any rust or other corrosion should never be visible on an electrical panel. It indicates that there was excess moisture at least once. The cause could be a leak or long-term exposure to high humidity. The moisture problem could even be ongoing.
The first step is to determine whether you still have a moisture problem. If so, fix the problem and repair the damage. Then, replace the panel.
Burning Smells or Scorch Marks
Scorch marks indicate that there was a fire at one point. It may have been small, and you might not have noticed it at the time. Still, the concern going forward is real. The best way to be safe is to replace the panel with a new one.
You also shouldn’t ignore burning smells or odors that you would describe as plastic or chemical. They can indicate damaged wiring, loose connections, faulty components, or overloaded circuits.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
An isolated trip is usually not cause for concern, but multiple trips do indicate a problem. If the trips happen on one circuit, it may be a bad breaker or an issue with an appliance or device. If you experience trips across the array of breakers, that indicates a panel problem.
Likewise, if a breaker is difficult to reset, it could be that breaker alone. If the issue is more widespread, it’s likely the panel.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Dimming and flickering lights can indicate a problem with the receptacle. They may also suggest a loose connection, faulty wiring, or an overloaded circuit. If you experience this issue throughout the home, it could mean that the panel is failing.
Odd Noises From Your Electrical Panel
Hearing a light hum or feeling a light vibration while standing near your electrical panel is normal. Any louder noises or excessive vibrations are not normal. Any loud noise is a concern. Loud buzzing may indicate damaged wires, loose connections, or overloaded circuits. Sizzling or crackling may be a sign of arcing between terminals.
Unexplained Rising Energy Consumption
Older and malfunctioning electrical panels contribute to excessive electricity consumption. Schedule an electrical inspection if your electricity usage is rising, and you don’t know why. Issues like overloaded circuits and worn wires can cause you to spend more than you should.
Electrical Panel Upgrades and Replacements in Beckley
Childers Air Plumbing & Electric has been inspecting, installing, and servicing electrical panels in Beckley, WV, since 1951. Our licensed electricians specialize in rewiring, outlets, indoor and outdoor lighting, whole-home surge protection, and standby generators. We perform home energy audits that help our customers achieve greater comfort and efficiency.
Our licensed plumbers clean drains, fix leaks, and repair or upgrade sewer lines. We specialize in kitchen and bathroom fixtures, water heaters, water softeners, water filtration systems, and sump pumps. You can count on our HVAC technicians, too. We install and service ductwork, thermostats, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, ductless mini-splits, air purifiers, UV lights, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers.
To schedule an appointment, call today or contact us online.
