How Do I Know My Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade?

Customers often ask if they should upgrade their electrical panel. Some reasons are obvious, but others may not be immediately so. So a visit from a professional electrician can help you determine if an upgrade is necessary. They can troubleshoot and evaluate electrical panels and components as well in many cases.

If you’re not sure whether your panel should be upgraded, here are some clues: 

Sparking

A sparking electrical panel is unsettling at the very least. Sizzling, popping, crackling, and static sounds are hard to miss. If a circuit breaker is sparking, turn off the main breaker to avoid further damage. Sparking is caused by breakers not properly contacting metal bars within the panel. Metal can start to melt, and other parts could be soon to follow. With proper maintenance and an upgrade, you can avoid this and possible fires that can destroy your home. 

Age

Homes built 20 or 30 years ago may have 60- or 100-amp panels. If your house still uses fuses, upgrade your system to a panel with circuit breakers. All you need to do is reset them if they trip, rather than replace a fuse when it blows. Newer 200-amp panels accommodate higher demands for electricity, supporting the smart TVs, appliances, and computers in most households. 

The Panel Frequently Trips

There may be too many appliances plugged in, but perhaps the panel is overloaded. Cutting the power is a safety measure. It prevents wires from becoming too hot. In some cases, one or more breakers may need to be upgraded. A crackling sound from the panel is a cause for concern. Consult with your electrician as to whether the whole panel should be replaced.

Your Appliances Don’t Reach Full Capacity

If your refrigerator, air conditioner, computer, or other device doesn’t have enough power, circuits may be overloaded, or the panel may be faulty. Have a professional electrician check it out. An updated panel may be needed to handle the current load.

The Panel Is Warm

An overloaded panel is taking on more than it was designed to handle. The electrical panel could be defective, or maybe there’s an issue with how it was installed. If so, the unit will feel warm to the touch when you’d expect it not to be.

There Is a Burning Smell

A burning smell indicates a circuit breaker problem or a bad wire connection. If it smells like plastic is burning, call an emergency electrician right away. The next thing you know, you may be dealing with an electrical fire that could have been prevented. 

Your Lights Are Acting Up

Flickering or dimming lights are not normal. Random changes, even when the weather is fine, or when you turn on appliance, mean your electrical system could be overloaded. An electrical component or your wiring could be failing. There may also be a loose connection.

You’re Plugging in the Power Strips

If power strips are the solution to getting more power, you could be putting your home, and safety, at risk. More outlets don’t mean more capacity. You need to upgrade the panel, so it can supply more power to run additional appliances and electronics. 

Your Electrician Says So

When you notice problems with your panel, or are considering an appliance upgrade or home addition, contact an electrician to determine if an electrical upgrade is needed. A local Los Angeles electrician can help you find the right solution and safely install the components you need. Express Electrical Services specializes in all kinds of electrical repairs, installations, and upgrades.