Do You Need Electrical Panel Repair or Replacement? Here’s How To Tell

Brad Ormsby — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 16:41:23 +0000

An electrical panel, or a fuse box, controls the power supply and where the electricity goes in your home. While an electrical panel should last about twenty-five years, modern electricity needs are demanding more of power systems causing more wear and tear.

Are you wondering if your electrical panel needs repair or replacement? Here’s how to tell.

How Long Does an Electrical Panel Last?

Old electrical panels raise your risk of an electrical fire. They should last around 30-50 years, but as our electrical needs grow year over year, you may need to replace your panel.

We advise a regular inspection of your panel. This will ensure it is still working and is not a fire hazard.

5 Signs That Your Electrical Panel Needs a Repair or Replacement

There are a few signs that your electrical panel needs a repair or replacement. These include issues with your circuit breaker panel, flickering lights, old panels, and an electrical panel that is hot or smells odd.

Circuit Breaker Failure

A circuit breaker interrupts the electrical flow or breaks the circuit when it detects the electrical current is too strong.

However, a circuit breaker may fail. When this happens, it does not stop the electrical current’s flow when it is supposed to. Circuit breaker failure does not often require you to replace your electrical panel. Contact us so we can assess the situation and help keep you safe.

Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

If your circuit breaker regularly trips, it may be an issue with the breaker, your home’s wiring, or the fuse box.

When your breaker trips, you can typically reset it to resolve the issue. If it trips often, it is a sign you need to get an inspection to determine what the problem is.

Our licensed electricians can check it out for you. Call now for an inspection!

Dimming or Flickering Lights

If your lights flicker or dim while an appliance is on, it is a sign that you do not have the amperage to match your electricity usage. If your appliances seem laggy, it may be time for a fuse box replacement.

Outdated Electrical Panel Design

Outdated electrical panels use fuses instead of circuit breakers, which are far less effective at protecting you and your house. A fuse can only stop an overload of electricity once because they typically melt to stop it.

Older homes had only 60 or 100 amperage, which is considerably less than a modern home is wired with. You need to replace the panel to upgrade from fuses to circuit breakers or to increase your power capacity.

Warm Electrical Panel or a Slight Burning Smell From It

If your fuse box is hot or has a burning smell, you likely have a serious problem at hand. These both indicate that something is burning inside. Charring is a sign of fire, and rust is a sign of water damage. These may both cause an odd burning smell.

If your electrical panel is hot when you touch it or if there is a burning smell, contact an electrical expert right away!

Electrical Panel Repair or Replacement? We Got You!

You may have a serious safety issue if your electrical panel isn’t in its best condition. Our experienced electricians will assess your situation to determine if you need to upgrade or repair your electrical panel.
For safe and dependable electrical services, trust the experts from US Electric and contact us today!

5 Electrical Safety Upgrades You Can Make This Week

Brad Ormsby — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 02:22:00 +0000

Keeping your family safe is probably one of your top priorities. Many homeowners don’t realize that their electrical systems can become a source of danger without proper maintenance.

Thankfully, preventing fire hazards and other electrical issues is easy. Read on to learn more about five simple safety electrical upgrades you can make to keep your family safe.

Electrical Safety Upgrade #1: Home Standby-Generator

Outages are a costly issue. They cost a total of $70 billion each year to the U.S. economy, and experts believe blackouts will become more frequent as temperatures continue to rise.

A home standby generator can power all your important appliances during an outage. It’s a convenient option for keeping the lights on and cooking meals, but it can also keep your family safe by powering your AC on hot summer days if the power goes out.

On average, a household uses over 10,000 kWh each year. Your home might consume more or less, and it’s possible to find a generator adapted to the size of your home and your unique needs.

Electrical Safety Upgrade #2: Tamper-Resistant Outlets

Removable outlet covers can prevent children and even pets from hurting themselves with electrical outlets. Tamper-resistant outlets are a more permanent solution to keep young children safe. They’re also safer since you won’t have to worry about children removing the cover, which can turn into a choking hazard. Plus, it’s easy to forget to put the cap back on when the outlet is not in use.

Tamper-resistant outlets have built-in shutters that prevent children from sticking their fingers or inserting objects into the outlets.

Electrical Safety Upgrade #3: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Outlets (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Circuit Breakers

These two simple electrical components will make your home safer.

GFCI

GFCI or Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters trip circuits automatically when they detect a surge in the electrical current. These interrupters can prevent electrical incidents and even save your life. The adoption of GFCIs in the 70s resulted in electrocution numbers dropping by 83%.

Professional electricians often install GFCI electrical outlets outdoors and in areas where exposure to water is possible, including your kitchen and bathroom.

AFCI

An AFCI or Arc-fault circuit interrupter can detect arcing currents. Arcing currents are safety hazards that can result in electrical fires.

An AFCI can detect the presence of dangerous arcing conditions, for instance, if there is damage to insulation inside of a junction box or electrical panel.

AFCIs are a requirement for some circuits, and professional electricians typically install them throughout the house, except in the bathroom and kitchen.

Electrical Safety Upgrade #4: Structured Wirings

More homeowners are embracing the smart home trend. There are now over 258 million smart homes globally.

Structured wiring is an electrical upgrade that can facilitate the adoption of smart home products and technology. With structured wiring, a cabling infrastructure provides power and connectivity for different devices throughout your home.

You should also consider wiring upgrades if you have an older home. Aluminum wiring can also cause fires and call for replacement. Burying electrical power lines makes your home safer.

Electrical Safety Upgrade #5: Dual Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarms

Carbon monoxide can result from the incomplete combustion of fuels. If you have gas-powered appliances in your home, you need carbon monoxide detectors.

You can also have dual carbon monoxide/smoke alarms installed. These alarms use a CO sensor and smoke detectors to alert you.

Planning Electrical Safety Upgrades? We Can Help!

These five upgrades are a simple way of making your home safer. It’s best to have a professional with the right knowledge, tools, and experience install these different upgrades.U.S. Electric has a team of certified electricians who can help you make your home safer. Give us a call today to get a quote for your project!

electrical safety | US Electric