Three Signs of Electrical Panel Malfunction You Should Never Ignore

How to Know When to Replace the Electrical Panel

Electrical panels, also known as breaker boxes, are essential to the function of the electrical systems of modern homes. No piece of home hardware lasts forever, and at some point, it is time to replace that old electrical panel. In this blog post, our expert electricians give a brief overview of three warning signs that an electrical panel needs to be replaced. 

A malfunctioning electrical panel can be a serious hazard. When the breaker flips a switch, and the power shuts off, it is to prevent a power surge from damaging the system and causing sparks to fly. Sparking electrical wires could result in an accidental house fire. For this reason, electrical panels are very important to the safety of a home’s electrical wiring. Without a working breaker box, homes are susceptible to electrical fires. 

Flickering Lights

Most people brush off a flickering light fixture as a bulb needing to be changed, but sometimes a flickering light indicates a problem with the electrical panel itself. The electrical panel controls the currents of electricity distributed throughout the home. If it’s not working correctly, it can cause lights to act unusually by flickering or dimming at random times. 

Homeowners should take notice of changes in the lighting around the house and call in for the opinion of an experienced electrician if they suspect that there could be a problem with the electrical panel. An unusual number of flickering or dim lights throughout the house are a tell-tale sign of an issue with the electrical panel, especially if the panel is old. 

Burning Smell

Homeowners should never ignore a burning smell coming from the electrical panel. One of the biggest hazards of a malfunctioning electrical panel is the risk of a fire. The smell of something burning usually comes from either a wire burning or the breaker box itself burning. 

Whenever there is a burning smell coming from the breaker box, homeowners should shut off the power and call an electrician as soon as possible. The breaker box is designed to prevent heat and sparks from power surges, so any sign of fire is a sure sign that the electrical panel needs replacing. 

Outdated Electrical Equipment  

Electrical panels do not have to be replaced often, but they do not last forever. An average range for electrical panel replacement is every 25 to 40 years. The exact lifespan of each electrical panel varies depending on the model. Routine electrical maintenance can improve the longevity of the electric panel.

Using outdated electrical equipment can be dangerous and inefficient. Breaker boxes today are far safer and more energy-efficient than they were 20 years ago. Upgrading to a new electrical panel can protect the household from accidental electrical fires, save money on power bills, and increase the home’s value. 

About JDV Electric

JDV Electric is a family-owned and operated company providing its neighbors in the Lansdowne, PA area with affordable electrical services from expert electricians since 2005. They offer transparent pricing, financing, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for electrical panel repair or replacement in Lansdowne, PA.