3 Signs That You Need to Change Your Electrical Panel

The electrical panel, which is the white or grey box installed on an exterior wall, is very important to your electrical system. It is the central part where every electrical activity happens. The panel is responsible for taking in power and distributing it all over your home. Sadly, very few people pay attention to this vital tool, and they may have no idea whether their electrical panel is in good condition or not. 

Ideally, you should call in an electrician to inspect your electrical system from time to time to ensure it operates at its optimum capacity. If the electrician declares that your electrical box is too damaged or too old to function, you'll need to replace it with a new one. But, how can you tell it is time for a replacement? Take a look at the signs below so you can prepare ahead of time.

1. You Still Have Fuses on Your Electrical Panel Instead of a Circuit Breaker

This situation is common in older homes. While fuses can still do what the circuit breaker does, they may not be reliable. Furthermore, fuses cannot handle most of the modern electrical appliances available in the markets today. Also, it is good to note that your electrical needs often change, which is why you need a power box that can adapt to these changes. By allowing an electrician to upgrade your current panel, you will keep yourself and your loved ones safe from electrical hazards.

2. Your Lights Keep Flickering or Dimming

If you are experiencing flickering or dimming lights, do not ignore them. Instead, hire an electrician to take care of it. That sign usually indicates a need to change your current electrical panel. It mostly happens whenever you plug in an appliance since your electrical panel cannot transmit the power needed to run it. By upgrading to a new system, you never have to worry about such an issue again. 

3. Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping more than usual, then something is crucially wrong. It could happen when you try to plug in an appliance in the socket. Note that the circuit breaker is only meant to break whenever there is an overload and not when performing the usual electrical tasks. Your electrician might recommend an upgrade to resolve this issue. 

In the above situations, you need to upgrade your electrical panel to protect yourself from serious electrical hazards like fires. Therefore, call an electrician if you notice any of the signs mentioned above. A commercial electrician can provide more information. 

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