5 Common Causes of Electrical Panel Replacement
Your electrical panel is the control center for your home’s electrical system. It distributes power to every outlet, light switch, and appliance to keep your home running. However, even the most long-lasting electrical panels must be replaced to ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency.
Consider five common reasons homeowners in Webster or Rochester, NY should consider an electrical panel replacement.
1. Age of the Electrical Panel
Electrical panels typically last 25 to 40 years. If your home has an older panel, it might be time for an upgrade, especially if it contains fuses rather than circuit breakers. Fuses were the standard in homes built before the 1960s but are now considered an outdated fire hazard.
Modern panels use circuit breakers, which are much safer and more efficient. But over time, even these modern panels wear down. A licensed electrician can assess whether your panel needs to be replaced based on its age and condition.
2. Increased Electrical Demand
Older electrical panels were designed for homes with fewer appliances and devices. Today, home computers, gaming consoles, mobile devices, HVAC equipment, and large kitchen appliances are commonplace. Each item draws power from the electrical panel while in use or charging, and many older panels struggle to keep up.
Consider that homes built several decades ago usually have 60-amp panels. These are no longer sufficient for today’s energy-intensive homes. New houses typically have 150- to 200-amp panels to handle the increased load. If your household has grown or you’ve added high-demand appliances, upgrading your electrical panel is a good call.
3. Out of Electrical Compliance
Electrical codes evolve over time to improve safety standards. A panel that was compliant 30 years ago may no longer meet today’s regulations. Not complying with current building codes is a safety risk and may affect your ability to obtain or renew homeowners insurance.
An outdated panel also increases the likelihood of electrical failures, making it essential to hire a licensed electrician to inspect your system as often as once a year to ensure it meets all current codes.
4. Frequently Tripped Circuit Breakers
If you find yourself constantly resetting tripped circuit breakers, your panel may be overloaded. Circuit breakers trip as a safety measure when they detect more electricity than the system can handle.
Frequent tripping could indicate that your panel is poorly wired or struggling with your home’s electrical demands. Resetting the breaker temporarily fixes the problem, but continuous overloads could lead to electrical fires or appliance damage. Therefore, you should never ignore this problem.
5. Visible Signs of Wire Damage or Electrical Issues
Frayed wires, burn marks, hot circuit breakers, or buzzing sounds coming from your electrical panel are all red flags. These issues may indicate that the panel has loose connections, the wires are overheating, or the breakers are going bad, all of which pose serious safety concerns. Ignoring these signs could lead to electrical fires or system failures, so call an electrician as soon as you notice them.
Schedule an Electrical Panel Upgrade With Lon Lockwood Electric
If you’re experiencing issues with your electrical panel, it’s time to act. Lon Lockwood Electric has a team of licensed, insured, and highly trained electricians ready to perform your panel upgrade. With an A+ BBB rating, numerous customer accolades, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust us to provide top-notch electrical services in Webster and the greater Rochester area.
Contact us today to schedule your electrical panel replacement. Our expert team will make sure your home stays safe and fully powered.