If your home is equipped with a faulty or outdated electrical panel, then it is very likely in danger. Your electrical service panel is where the main power line from outside your home enters, where it is then routed through the electrical system. The panel also disconnects circuits if excess electricity flows through them, by tripping circuit breakers. If this panel is overloaded, however, then you risk shutting down all electricity to your home, as well as starting an electrical fire.
It’s important then, if you have an older electrical panel, that you pay attention to the indicators that it might need to be replaced, before it fails completely. If you do suspect or detect any of the below signs, be sure to give our professionals a call.
Constantly Tripping Circuit Breakers
When your electrical panel begins to wear down, it becomes more susceptible to power surges through the wires. As a consequence, it will begin to disconnect circuits more and more often. This may also occur because your home energy needs have surpassed the capacity of the electrical panel.
If you find yourself resetting your breakers a few times a week, when previously you rarely had to rest them more than a few times a year, then chances are your panel is in need of serious repairs, or an upgrade.
Evidence of Electrical Fires
Wires that wear down inside your electrical panel can reach a point that they can ignite a fire. Fortunately, they often burn themselves out, however they’ll leave behind signs that they’ve happened. If you notice an acrid smell coming from the panel or notice charring and discolored marks around the circuit breakers, then chances are an electrical fire occurred.
Breakers Won’t Remain Reset
Resetting a tripped breaker should usually take care of the problem. However, if you resent a circuit breaker in the panel that won’t stay reset, or it doesn’t restore power, then chances are very likely that you have a faulty electrical panel.
For exceptional electrical panel services throughout Cincinnati, OH and beyond, contact Servall Electric Company today.
