Ooh, springtime — the weather may be warmer, the grass may be greener and your mood may be brighter, but if your service panel is no spring chicken, then now is the time to spring into electrical action. Not only can an old service panel create frustrating (minor) issues, but it can also lead to dangerous (major) issues. Fortunately, the electrical repair experts at Raynor Services are here to brighten your day with five ways to tell when it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade!
1. A Tripping Circuit Breaker Means You Need to Nip It in the Bud
As electrical service panels age, they become more susceptible to power surges. Because of this, you may find yourself constantly having to reset your break multiple times a week. If this is a norm for you, then you have a different problem (i.e. your home needs to increase its electrical capabilities); if this isn’t the norm for you, then it’s time to schedule a fuse box replacement appointment.
2. When the Breaker Doesn’t Reset Things Are NOT Fine and Dandy
In a perfect world, resetting a circuit breaker after it has tripped should be the easy fix to get it back up and running. However, when this doesn’t work, it’s a sure sign that it’s time for an upgrade. In some situations, the circuit breaker may reset temporarily but not long enough to actually resume normal electrical usage; in others, the circuit breaker reset won’t resolve the power issue at all. In either of these situations, it’s best to bring in an electrical repair expert.
3. The Electrical Panel is Showing Signs That It’s Wilting Away
Like with all other electrical equipment, your electrical panel will begin to show its age. For example, the wires inside of your electrical panel will begin to burn out, resulting in a strange smell or burn marks. If you smell or see these signs, it means your system is experiencing small electrical fires, and in order to prevent a large fire, schedule an electrical panel upgrade appointment ASAP.
4. Your Fuse Box is No Longer as Fresh as a Daisy
Whether you recently moved into an older home and don’t know when the electrical system was upgraded or you’ve been living there awhile and haven’t upgraded the system, now is the time to do so. Old electrical systems often don’t trip when they’re overloading, putting you, your loved ones, and your home in danger. This can be avoided by upgrading your electrical panel, and you’ll enjoy a safer home AND better electrical capabilities.
5. Using Other Appliances Creates a Seedy Light Situation
When a home’s energy usage exceeds its electrical capabilities, turning on a high-voltage appliance can impact other electrical elements in your home, such as the lights dimming or flickering. Although this may just be a nuisance right now, it’s a sure sign that it’s time to replace the fuse box. Plus, small electrical issues that are happening now can lead to bigger ones later, so it’s best to nip them in the bud as soon as you can.
If you know your service panel is no spring chicken — or you’re not sure and would like some guidance — the electrical repair experts at Raynor Services in Mount Holly, NJ are always here for you! To schedule your electrical panel upgrade appointment, contact us today.
