Do you have an old or outdated electrical panel in your home? It may be time to replace it with a new one. When your electrical panel is running properly, your power will be shut off if too much electricity flows through the system, which prevents overheating issues and fires.
Outdated electrical panels increase the risk of safety hazards by not working as intended. If you have an older panel in your home, it might not be equipped to handle the power demands that modern homes typically have. Let’s look at some of the signs that indicate your electrical panel needs to be replaced.
You Have an Older Home
Electrical panels are designed to last for anywhere from 20-40 years if they are well-maintained. However, not all panels are made with the same quality components, which is why there are multiple signs that you should be on the lookout for.
If your panel is at least 20 years old or you notice other signs, you should start having it inspected and maintained regularly. If you have an older home that was built before the year 2000, you may need to replace your electrical panel.
Panel Manufacturer No Longer Exists
Over the past few decades, numerous electrical panel manufacturers have become defunct. When one of these brands shuts down, it’s usually the result of the panels having a faulty design that causes too many electrical fires. Some of the old brands that are now outdated and should be replaced include the following:
- Pushmatic
- Sylvania
- Zinsco
- Federal Pacific
Seek a replacement if you have a panel from one of these brands in your home.
Circuit Breakers Regularly Shut Off
The purpose of circuit breakers is to shut off power when a short circuit or overload occurs. If, however, your power shuts off regularly, there may be an issue with your electrical panel. The solution to this problem can involve anything from replacing the circuit breaker to installing a new electrical panel. Our electricians can help you find the right solution for your Orlando home.
Appliances Overheat
Malfunctioning electrical panels sometimes distribute too much electricity to appliances, which can lead to them overheating. When an outlet is overloaded with electricity, your appliances can overheat and stop functioning altogether. This issue is also caused by poor wiring insulation and bad connections. Your electrical panel may be causing this problem if multiple appliances overheat.
You Hear Crackling Sounds
If you hear a humming noise from your electrical panel, it shouldn’t be cause for concern. When electricity travels through your system to power up appliances, the wiring vibrates, which can cause you to hear soft humming noises. You may need to request an inspection from an electrician if you notice louder crackling or hissing sounds.
If it sounds like the stove is on when you put your ear close to the panel, one of your circuit breakers may be malfunctioning. These sounds can also be caused by a loose connection or faulty wiring. In many cases, these loud sounds take place shortly before a total panel malfunction occurs. Keep in mind that faulty panels are also a fire hazard, which is why this issue should be addressed immediately.
Home Is Outfitted with Fuse-Based Panel
Electrical panels can be made with circuit breakers or fuses, the latter of which can be dangerous. When a circuit breaker is tripped, it can be reset and reused. In comparison, fuses can’t be reused after they are tripped.
Most of the panels that are made with fuses don’t meet modern electrical power standards, which is why you may need to have your entire panel replaced. While some homeowners attempt to install more fuses in their panels to account for this problem, this is a temporary solution that often increases the risk of an electrical fire or overload. Switch to a circuit breaker panel to avoid this issue altogether.
Lights Flicker Often
Lights typically flicker when the weather is bad. If the winds have started to pick up or a storm is rolling through, you shouldn’t be surprised by flickering lights. Your lights should remain solid when the weather is perfect outside. If your lights start to flicker more regularly, your electrical system may be faulty. This problem can be caused by a single breaker or the entire panel. Your panel needs to be replaced if your lights flicker nearly every time they are switched on.
Whether you have an old electrical panel or notice that your lights are flickering, it’s a good idea to have a reputable electrician inspect it. Here at Mister Sparky Electric, our goal is to deliver premium solutions with modern equipment to make sure the electrical system in your home runs flawlessly.
We offer comprehensive inspections, repair services, and maintenance to accommodate your electrical needs. If you believe that your home’s electrical panel is outdated, call our electricians immediately to schedule service for your Orlando home.