When it comes to your home's electrical wiring, safety is crucial; Electrical distribution systems are the third leading cause of home fires in the United States. This is one of the many reasons why it is so important to regularly check your home's electrical systems and keep them updated. Electrical panels are particularly important. Outdated electrical panels are one of the most common electrical hazards in homes and businesses, along with damaged wiring and used appliances.
These panels, also known as circuit breaker panels, house the individual breakers that supply electricity to different parts of your home, as well as the “main” breaker that controls power to the entire home. The main circuit breaker will also display your home's amperage, which is usually 200 or 400 amps.
But, if you're not an expert, how do you know when it's time to change your home's electrical panel?
Here are some things to look for to determine if it's time to replace your circuit breaker panel.
1. Your age
Generally speaking, electrical panels need to be replaced every 25 to 40 years. Therefore, if you live in an older home, there is a greater likelihood that you will need to replace your circuit breaker panel.
A good way to tell if your electrical panel is too old and needs updating is if your home doesn't have an electrical panel, but rather a fuse box. Fuse boxes are especially common in older homes and pre-war apartments and typically do not meet modern safety standards. Fuses are also much less convenient than circuit breaker panels; When a fuse blows, it needs to be completely replaced. In electrical panels, when a circuit is turned off, you simply turn the breaker to turn it back on.
2. Burn marks or other physical signs of damage
When looking at the electrical panel, do you see burn marks, smoke, or any other signs of physical damage? If the answer is yes, this could be a sign of melted or damaged wires, which is a significant concern: One melted wire could set your entire house on fire. As an owner, you have a responsibility to be aware of these physical signs and take action if you see them. If you see these signs, unplug your devices and disconnect the power before calling an electrician.
3. Burning odor
Your nose can also tell you if it's time to upgrade. If you smell a burning smell coming from the dashboard, it means you should replace it urgently. However, the first step in this situation is to act quickly, turning off and disconnecting all electrical equipment in the house. This is not something to be taken lightly, so make sure you do this as soon as possible. After turning off and unplugging your devices, turn off the main power supply and call an electrician to take a look at your system.
Be sure to look out for all of the above signs when determining if it's time to upgrade your electrical panel. If you notice any of them, it's time to call an electrician to replace them. Maintaining this awareness will save you from potential dangers in the long run, improve the value of your home, and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
