What to Know
- Your electrical panel is the hub of your home’s electrical system, supplying power to every appliance and device.
- By knowing the signs of a failing electrical panel, you protect yourself from power supply problems, electric shock, or electrical fires.
- Service Lion can help protect and futureproof your home with comprehensive electrical panel upgrade services.
The Importance of Your Electrical Panel in Everyday Life
Your home relies on countless electrical appliances, such as your dishwasher, heater, or EV charger. An electrical panel (also known as a breaker panel or breaker box) safely powers these devices, dispersing your power supply into various circuits throughout the home. The panel also helps protect you from fires and electrical hazards by acting as a safeguard, breaking circuits in the event of an overload.
How do you know when electrical panel problems have gone from a mild inconvenience to a real home hazard, indicating it’s time for an electrical panel replacement? Explore the most common signs of an outdated electrical panel, your options for repairing or replacing a failing panel, and how professional electrical services can help keep your home and family safe.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Bad Electrical Panel?
What types of breaker panel problems should homeowners look for? Here are a few telltale signs that you may need to consider electrical panel installation in the near future.
Flickering lights
Constantly dimming or flickering lights throughout the day often indicate an electrical panel issue. Flickering lights occur when the load on their circuit is increased, which means your system might be almost overloaded when running certain appliances. A new panel ensures everything is getting the power it needs.
Constantly tripping breakers
Another sign of a faulty electrical panel is constantly tripping breakers. This is a protective failsafe measure to prevent overloaded circuits, indicating too much strain is being placed on the electrical system. The only real fix for breakers tripping frequently is to upgrade the panel to accommodate your needs.
Outdated panel (or fusebox)
If your home is older, there’s a chance your panel is only rated for 60 or 100 amps, which is typically insufficient for modern power needs. The same applies to fuseboxes, which are an outdated form of technology that can’t accommodate the appliances found in a typical home. Consider investing in an old fusebox replacement to ensure consistent power in your home.
Visible damage
If you see visible damage on your panel, such as rust or heat damage, or if you spot black scorch marks on electrical outlets, it’s a sign of a serious electrical problem. Replace the panel as soon as possible to ensure you don’t risk a hazardous electrical fire.
Buzzing sounds
A buzzing sound coming from your circuit breaker typically indicates a problem with the system that could result in disaster if left unaddressed. For your safety, have an electrical services provider inspect the system as soon as possible.
Burning smell
A burning smell from your breaker box is a serious problem that could result in a fire. If you notice any burning or smoky odors, shut off the power and call a professional immediately.
How Long Do Electrical Panels Last?
In terms of durability, an electrical panel can last anywhere from 25 to 40 years. However, there’s a good chance your panel will stop being useful before that point as your electrical needs increase. When to replace an electrical panel? If your panel is older than 25 years or is experiencing any of the issues above, it’s time to consider electrical panel replacement.
Replacing vs. Repairing: What Homeowners Really Need To Know
In most cases, panels aren’t repaired. For safety and code compliance, panels typically need to be replaced. A complete replacement protects you from fire and electrical shock and ensures your system is capable of powering all the appliances and devices you rely on every day.
What Happens During an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
When you work with the pros at Service Lion to upgrade your electrical panel, you can expect the following process:
- Step one: We begin with a thorough inspection of your home and system, determining the condition and type of your current electrical system (such as whether it’s a fuse box or a breaker panel).
- Step two: From here, we’ll help you choose a new panel that fits your needs, and pull the necessary permits to work on your electrical system.
- Step three: We’ll shut off the power, remove your old panel, and work on safely installing the new unit, ensuring all connections, ground rods, and other components are correctly placed and thoroughly tested.
- Step four: Once installation is complete, we conduct an in-depth test of the panel to check that it’s functioning properly.
While panel replacement is an important and often unavoidable task, we also know it can be a big expense. That’s why Service Lion offers flexible financing to make our services accessible to those who need them.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
Upgrading your electrical panel has several key benefits, including:
- Improved safety from electrical hazards and fires.
- Higher amp rating, allowing you to power more devices and appliances simultaneously.
- Room to add more devices or power-drawing appliances in the future without worry.
- Higher energy efficiency thanks to reduced strain on your system.
- Increased property value.
- Compliance with National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
Professional Electrical Panel Services in Orange County, CA
We’re proud to offer our electrical services across our Orange County service area, including in the following areas:
- Anaheim (92801, 92802, 92805)
- Brea (92821, 92823)
- Orange (92865, 92866, 92867, 92868, 92869)
- Fullerton (92831, 92832, 92833, 92835)
- Santa Ana (92701, 92703, 92705, 92706, 92707)
- Tustin (92780, 92782)
- Surrounding Orange County neighborhoods
Protect Your Home With a Professional Panel Upgrade
An electrical panel upgrade is an investment in the safety and efficiency of your home. Taking the time to upgrade your panel now helps ensure that your electrical system is ready to safely accommodate and power everything in your home, as well as meet your future electrical needs. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your electrical service appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my electrical panel is outdated?
Your panel is likely outdated if it’s more than 25 years old, is a fuse box, or is only rated for 60 or 100 amps. A modern panel offers safer, more consistent power to your home.
What happens when an electrical panel goes bad?
A bad electrical panel may lead to constantly tripping breakers, a lack of power to appliances, electric shocks from outlets, or even an electrical fire. Upgrading your panel before it reaches this point helps prevent these issues.
Why do my lights flicker when I use appliances?
If your lights flicker when you run the dishwasher or use a hairdryer, it means the circuit is being overloaded. This is caused by a failing or inadequate electrical panel, and should be addressed promptly by a professional.
