Your electrical panel is responsible for managing the main electrical circuits in your home. It’s perhaps the most important part of your electrical system, but it doesn’t last forever and will need to be replaced at some point. Here are some common signs that will tell you when that time has come.
1. You Have an Old Electrical Panel
The first thing to consider with your electrical panel is its age. Electrical panels generally last between 25 and 40 years, but panels more than 25 years old may not be able to keep up with the energy demands of most households. If your panel is at least 25 years old, consider upgrading your electrical panel to something new, especially if you notice the other signs on this list.
2. Your Breakers Trip Frequently
Your circuit breakers are designed to trip and break a circuit when it overloads. It’s an important safety feature, and it’s usually a minor annoyance when it happens. All you need to do when it happens is reset the tripped breaker to restore power to the circuit. This shouldn’t happen too often, however. If it does, it means that your electrical panel isn’t equipped to deal with your household’s energy needs. Your breakers are more likely to trip if you run devices like space heaters or large appliances that use a lot of energy.
If your circuit breakers regularly trip multiple times a month, it’s time to upgrade to a new electrical panel. What seems like a minor annoyance now could turn into a serious problem later on, and the issue goes deeper than just getting some electrical repair work done.
3. You Notice Flickering or Dimming Lights
If your lights flicker or dim when you turn on other devices or appliances, your electrical panel is likely outdated. You may be able to solve the problem by installing new circuits in your house, but you’re probably better off with a whole new panel that can handle your home’s energy needs.
4. You See Signs of Overheating
Overheating is always a serious problem when it comes to your electrical system. Signs of overheating include a burning smell coming from your electrical panel, scorch marks on or near the panel, or circuit breakers that are hot to the touch. You might also notice these signs in some of the electrical outlets or switch plates in your house. In any case, this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible, so contact an electrician about upgrading to a new electrical panel.
5. You Hear Strange Sounds Coming From Your Electrical Panel
Sounds such as buzzing, humming, or popping coming from your electrical panel usually indicate a bad connection or a faulty circuit breaker. An electrician may be able to fix the problem, but it may be better to get a new electrical panel if you notice it happening too often. This is a potentially very dangerous situation, so don’t touch the panel or try to fix it yourself.
6. You Plan to Renovate Your Home
Finally, you should consider upgrading your electrical panel if you’re planning to renovate your home. This is particularly vital if you’re building an addition to your house. You’ll need additional wiring and circuits for your new space, which will likely require a new panel. You should still look into an upgrade even if you’re just remodeling your existing space, though. An upgraded house usually requires upgraded energy needs, so factor a new panel into your home improvement budget.
Call CMC Electric for All of Your Electricity Needs
If you notice these signs or otherwise suspect that you need an upgraded electrical panel, we at CMC Electric will be happy to assist you. We’ve proudly served as the go-to residential electrical company in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding areas since 2005. Our commitment to excellent customer service drives everything that we do. Not only do we provide top-notch electrical panel services, but we also offer EV charging station installation services, electrical inspections, landscape lighting, generator services, and much more. We’re available 24/7 for emergency repairs, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us whenever you need our help.
Our skilled electricians are ready to assist you with all of your electricity needs. For more information about our services, call CMC Electric in Raleigh today.
