Every electronic device or appliance in your home depends on your electrical panel. It takes electricity from the grid and distributes it throughout your property. Electrical panels can also break overloaded circuits to protect your home from fires. Unfortunately, outdated panels are prone to problems. In some cases, they can even turn into fire hazards. It’s essential to watch old electrical panels for signs of damage.
1. Excessive Loads
Electrical panels have a limited capacity for electricity. Modern homes use more power than older ones, and old panels often struggle to meet the demand. If the panel is in good condition, an overload will trip the breakers and stop the flow of power. On the other hand, the breakers can fail in faulty systems, which allows the wiring to overheat. That is a significant fire hazard, especially in homes that use a lot of power.
Overloaded panels are relatively easy to recognize. Dim lights are usually the first sign of trouble. They can also make buzzing noises or release sparks. In some cases, you will be able to smell burning or melting plastic. Frequent power failures may also indicate an overloaded panel. If you notice any unusual electrical activity, you should contact an electrician to ensure that your panel is safe.
2. Damaged Wiring
Wires are relatively fragile, and damaged ones are hazardous. As wires age, they wear out, fray, and lose their protective covering. Rodents can also break wires by chewing on them. Those faulty wires are dangerous because they can get hot enough to start a fire.
If your home has damaged wires, your outlets may feel warm to the touch. They may also give off sparks when you plug your devices into them. Unreliable wires can even waste energy and increase your power bills. While the wiring damage is often in your electrical panel, it may be in a different part of your home. An electrician can help you pinpoint the problem and get it under control.
3. Rust and Corrosion
Moisture is a major threat to your electrical panel. If water enters the system, it will cause rust and corrosion. That damage will compromise your panel’s integrity and destroy vital components. It will also create areas of high electrical resistance, which can overheat your system. We always advise our neighbors to replace corroded electrical panels because even a small patch of rust can cause a fire.
Call a Local Electrician Today
Keeping an eye on your electrical panel will help to protect your household from electrical fires. You can minimize the risk by fixing problems as soon as you notice them. Our team will take the stress out of that process. We will assess the situation, reveal hidden issues, and help you find a simple solution. If your home is in the Reno, NV area, reach out to Burnett Electric for electrical panel repair and replacement services.
