With continuous advances in home technology, you’ll need a reliable electrical panel to safely and efficiently manage your home’s electricity flow. With this in mind, it’s crucial to ensure that your electrical panel is up for the task. If your system is inefficient, it can result in power surges and even electrical hazards.
When the time comes, upgrading your electrical panel is a good decision. Below, our electricians at Kolb Electric discuss some signs that indicate the need for an electrical panel upgrade and how it will benefit the overall functionality of your home.
5 Signs You Need To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
It’s important to keep an eye out for electrical mishaps as they can signify electrical panel issues. Some of the most common signs that an electrical panel upgrade is needed include:
Outdated Electrical Panel
In general, electrical panels are good for roughly 25 to 40 years. If your system has surpassed this time frame, it’s time to consider an upgrade. It’s likely that your old, outdated panel can’t keep up with your electrical needs, and there’s a chance that it’s no longer up to code.
Frequently Tripped Breakers
While it’s not uncommon for circuit breakers to occasionally trip, frequently tripped circuit breakers are a sign of an underlying electrical issue, likely an overloaded panel. This happens when your panel can’t handle your home’s electrical demands. Upgrading to a more advanced and powerful electrical panel is needed.
Flickering Lights
Flickering, dimming, or blinking lights may not always seem like a huge issue, but they should be addressed if the problem persists. This is another indicative sign of an overloaded panel, and upgrading your panel is the best option to resolve it.
Burning Odors
If you often smell burning or rotten egg odors, there’s a bigger problem with your electrical system. These smells can mean your wiring is burnt or melted, which happens due to loose or overheated connections. This requires prompt attention and a panel replacement.
Rust or Corrosion
Rust or corrosion in or on the electrical panel usually indicates moisture or excessive humidity, which is dangerous when in contact with electrical components. Be sure not to touch your electrical panel and contact a professional for assistance.
Benefits of an Electrical Heavy Up
Whether it’s simply adding a few additional circuit breakers or replacing your entire panel, there are several long-term benefits of an electrical heavy up that include:
- Improved electrical system performance: A more efficient electrical panel can meet your electrical capacity demands, meaning your appliances will work more efficiently and reliably.
- Increased safety: An advanced electrical panel will heighten safety by preventing hazards such as shocks, electrocution, and electrical fires.
- Future expansion: If you upgrade your electrical panel now, you’ll have more room for adding outlets, circuit breakers, and more.
Call Kolb Electric for Professional Electrical Panel Services
Founded in 1925, Kolb Electric has a century of experience handling the electrical needs of our Maryland, Virginia, and DC communities. Family-owned and -operated, we will always prioritize the well-being of you and your home, and we offer 24/7 emergency services for this reason.
When you’re ready to improve your home with an upgraded electrical panel, reach out to our team for expert services.
