The electrical panel in your house is like the engine that drives the whole electrical system. It’s responsible for distributing the power that comes from the utility provider. You can’t turn on a single appliance or use your Wi-Fi without it. When everything is running well, most people don’t give much thought to the panel. But it’s very important to understand how it functions and when it may be failing. This will ensure you know when to schedule a repair or upgrade.
Average Lifespan of Electric Panels
Most electric panels will last anywhere from 25 to 40 years. Those that receive regular maintenance tend to last the longest. If your home has excessive energy demands, the panel might wear out faster. This is because the increased load generates more heat and stress on the components. There are several different electrical panel styles to choose from. Metal-clad versions usually last the longest because they offer better protection against wear, moisture and physical damage.
Homes With High Power Demands Put Extra Stress on Panels
Today’s houses use much more power than their predecessors did 30 or 40 years ago. Your electrical system gets a workout when you use large equipment like electric stoves, air conditioners and electric vehicle chargers. Panels installed before these items were widespread may wear out quicker than anticipated. The more electricity your home uses, the harder your panel has to work.
Just Because It Works Doesn’t Mean It’s Code-Compliant
Just because your electrical panel seems to work fine doesn’t mean it’s safe or up to code. Modern electrical codes mandate whole-home surge protection in all new constructions. This protects the entire home’s wiring and connected devices from voltage spikes and electrical fires.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance Can Extend the Panel’s Lifespan
The electrical panel in your home requires regular maintenance just like any other component. An electrician will inspect the panel for damage, overheating indicators and dangling wires by looking inside. Identifying loose connections or scorched wires early will save time and money. It will also keep the home safer by reducing the risk of electrical fires and system failures. Regular inspections and maintenance can extend the lifespan of your panel.
Component and Installation Quality Matter
Electric panels come in various qualities. Experts agree you can trust certain brands more than others. The panel’s longevity is heavily dependent on the skill of the installer as well as the quality of the internal components. A badly placed panel might cause premature wear or even pose a safety risk. A well-made and well-placed panel, on the other hand, can last for decades without any problems.
Signs to Call an Electrician Right Away
If your panel starts acting strange or making weird noises, don’t ignore it. Some problems need attention right away.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
If the lights fade or flicker when you run appliances, it might be because your panel can’t manage the required electrical demands. It could also be an issue with the wiring or a broken circuit breaker. An electrician will inspect the wiring and test each circuit breaker to determine the exact cause. If they find faulty wiring or overloaded circuits, they might need to rewire certain areas. When the flickering occurs as a result of an outdated panel, they’ll suggest replacing it with a more robust one.
Constantly Tripping Circuit Breakers
Overloaded circuits are the main reason circuit breakers trip. This is quite common when you plug too many appliances into one circuit or you run high-demand devices simultaneously. It also happens a lot when the wiring becomes outdated or damaged. If it keeps happening, your panel may eventually give out and not work at all. To avoid this, a technician will have to assess the electrical load and upgrade the wiring or circuits. Adding a dedicated circuit for high-demand appliances may fix the problem. If it doesn’t, they’ll recommend a full panel replacement.
You Smell Burning Near the Panel
A burning smell near the electrical panel usually means the wires are overheating. If ignored, it can lead to catastrophic circumstances. The best thing to do is call us right away to book an inspection. One of our technicians will replace damaged components to keep the electrical system from causing a fire.
You Still Have a Fuse Box
Traditional fuse boxes lack the security features of modern circuit breakers. If your home still has one, a technician will need to upgrade it with a new circuit breaker panel. The breakers are easier to reset and provide better protection against overloads and short circuits.
You Don’t Have Enough Outlets
If you find your house cluttered with power strips and extension cords, you need to have more outlets installed. However, to do this, the electrical panel must be able to handle the additional load. A technician can check its compatibility with the new circuits, which helps determine how many outlets can be safely added.
Your Home Still Uses 60-Amp or 100-Amp Service
Most homes need 150 to 200 amp service to keep up with the average family’s power demands. If your home has 60-amp or 100-amp service, it’s definitely time for an upgrade so that you’ll be able to run all your modern appliances and electronics without worrying about overloading your electrical system.
You’ve Added New Major Appliances
You should always schedule a panel inspection before adding new appliances to your house. Air conditioners, hot tubs and electric vehicle chargers all put significant strain on electrical systems. If you have an outdated panel, it will struggle to meet your demands. When a technician finds overloading or low amperage, they’ll upgrade the panel so all appliances run together safely without tripping breakers.
The Panel Makes Buzzing or Crackling Sounds
Crackling, buzzing or popping noises usually indicate a serious problem with the wiring or the circuit breakers themselves. There’s likely some type of overheating or loose connection, both of which are major safety hazards that need immediate attention.
You Have Double-Tapped Breakers
If there are two wires connected to a single breaker, this is known as a double-tapped breaker. It is very unsafe and has the potential to overheat or cause electrical arcing. It makes your electrical system particularly vulnerable to fire hazards. A technician will replace all double-tapped breakers with properly rated breakers or install a subpanel to keep your home safe.
Choosing the Best Electrical Panel
There are many factors that impact the best choice of an electrical panel for your home. If your house has high power demands, a high-amperage panel will work best. If it has limited space, a compact version may perform better. These types save room and simplify installation, which helps them fit better in tight areas. Another important factor is the panel’s material, which impacts durability and heat resistance. The technician will also consider future expansion needs since this affects how well the panel can support upgrades over time.
Potts Electric can answer any questions you have about electrical panels. We offer installations, repairs and maintenance for panels of all types. Call Potts Electric now to schedule a panel installation or electrical inspection for your home.
