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Stainless steel electrical circuit box open with circuits named by hand in basement on rough concrete block wall with conduit and ceiling and other pipes overhead painted black with dust on them

Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade

The heart of your home’s electrical system is an electrical panel, a breaker box, or a fuse box. It’s responsible for distributing power to all the electrical circuits in your household. It also safeguards against electrical fires by tripping or breaking the circuit during an overload. However, your electrical panel can become outdated or damaged over time, leading to various problems. Here are some signs that you may need an electrical panel upgrade.

Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping or Fuse Blowing

If your circuit breaker or fuse is tripping or blowing frequently, it could be a sign that your electrical panel is overloaded or that there’s a problem with one of the circuits. An upgrade to your electrical panel can distribute the power more evenly and reduce the likelihood of tripping or blowing. Also, an upgrade to a larger electrical panel with additional breakers will help to protect against overloads and circuit damage.

Old or Outdated Electrical Panel

If your electrical panel is more than 20 years old, it may need to be updated so that it can handle your household’s electrical demands. An upgrade to a newer, more modern panel can improve the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. Additionally, many newer panels feature improved circuit breakers that protect against overloads and electrical fires.

Lack of Capacity for New Appliances or Devices

If you’re having difficulty adding new appliances or devices to your electrical system, it may indicate that your panel is at capacity. Also, if you’ve recently added a new air conditioner, pool heater, or other large appliance, your electrical panel may need help to handle the increased load. That’s where an electrical panel upgrade can come in handy. An upgrade to a larger capacity panel with additional breakers will help ensure your home’s electrical system is up to the task.

Rust or Corrosion On the Electrical Panel

Rust or corrosion on the electrical panel can be dangerous and lead to electrical fires. These two signs indicate that your electrical panel may have reached the end of its lifespan and that an upgrade is necessary. A new, modern electrical panel will help ensure your house is safe from electrical fires.

Flickering or Dimming Lights

When lights in your home start to dim or flicker, it could indicate an issue with your electrical panel. A malfunctioning circuit breaker can cause the lights to dim or flicker. An upgrade to a new electrical panel with improved circuit breakers can help to correct the problem.

Conclusion

An electrical panel upgrade is an important investment in the safety and efficiency of your home. If you ‘re experiencing any of the above signs, it’s important to have your panel inspected by a licensed electrician. An upgrade to your panel can provide additional capacity, improve the functionality of your electrical system, and reduce the risk of electrical fires. Contact a professional electrician from Burnett Electric for any electrical repairs or upgrades in Reno, NV. We’ll ensure the job is done safely and correctly.