The electrical panel in a home plays a crucial role as it houses all the circuit breakers or fuses, ensuring a safe and reliable power supply throughout one’s entire house. However, as a home’s electricity needs grow or the unit becomes outdated, the electrical panel one day will require an upgrade.
SiteTech Electrical provides residential electrical services and our team has put together this guideline outlining with the signs of when it’s time for an upgrade and when to connect with the professionals.
Electrical Panel Upgrade Signs
Do you know, on average, how long an electrical panel lasts? The answer is between 20-30 years. Over time, the panel will begin to wear down and one will notice more frequent breaker trips. Whether your electrical panel is beginning to fail because of old age, or you have recently added to or renovated your home, the home may be demanding too much electricity for what the panel can handle.
Warning signs of an electrical panel include:
- Scorched outlets or plugs
- Heating coming from the panel
- Switches or outlets creating a “Buzz” noise
- Panels that are warm to the touch
- Circuit breaker failure
- Lights dimming or flickering
- The smell of burning or melting plastic
- Regularly tripped breakers
- Outdated panel
- Insufficient power supply
- Visible signs of corrosion or rust
- Non-compliant with safety codes
Certain situations or changes to your house can also be indicating factors. These include:
- If you have recently renovated or added additional rooms
- If you constantly have to flip your breakers
- If you have purchased new kitchen appliances
- If you have installed tank less water heaters or central air/heat
- If you have a fuse-box (or equivalent out-dated electrical panel)
- If you use 240V tools in the garage
When to Connect With a Professional Contractor
If you have noticed any of the warning signs listed above, it’s best to call in a certified electrician. An electrician will be able to come in and effectively assess the situation. If you avoid the problem, you will leave your home at risk for potential fire hazards and safety issues. In Toronto and the GTA, our team at SiteTech Electrical is known as the go-to source for residential electrical services. Our team would be happy to come in and inspect your home’s electrical panel.
Do I Need an Electrical Panel Replacement or Upgrade?
To determine the next steps for electrical panel replacement or upgrade, a comprehensive assessment from an experienced electrician will be able to determine the specific requirements for your electrical system. A licensed electrician can conduct a thorough inspection, evaluating factors such as age, wear and tear, and adherence to current safety codes. A replacement will be considered when a panel is outdated, frequent issues are experienced, or the panel can no longer meet increased electrical demands.
How Our Electricians Can Help
In conclusion, recognizing the signs that indicate that it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient power supply in your home. Whether it’s a replacement due to aging or an upgrade to meet growing electrical demands, the guidance of a licensed Electrician is essential. Choose to hire the trusted experts from SiteTech Electrical to come in and inspect your home electrical panel as our team can provide quality recommendations. To consult with our team, give us a call at (647) 939-3239 today.
