Tag: panel

Signs It's Time to Replace an Electrical Panel

Hand interacting with an electrical panel and organized circuit breakers on a wooden wall.

Know When to Get an Electrical Panel Upgrade

An electrical or breaker panel is the central component of a household's electrical system. It distributes electricity to different circuits within the house. It consists of circuit breakers, which act as safety switches that trip when there is an overload or short circuit. This cuts off power to the affected circuit and prevents potential electrical hazards, such as electrical fires. Knowing when to replace an electrical panel is essential to ensuring the safety and efficiency of the electrical system in a home.

Your House Has a Fuse Box

fuse boxIf a house still has a fuse box, it’s a sign that a change might be needed. Fuse boxes are considered outdated since they stopped being installed around the 60s and 70s, meaning that if a home still has one, it’s old, and a new electrical panel installation is likely necessary. 

The biggest difference between fuse boxes and electrical panels is that panels have circuit breakers that can be reset when they trip. On the other hand, a blown fuse in a fuse box needs to be manually replaced each time it happens. It is recommended that an old fuse box be replaced with a modern electrical panel to improve convenience and home safety. 

The Electrical Panel Is Old or Corroded

old electrical panelLike any good piece of equipment in the household, the electrical panel is made to last a long time. That being said, eventually, it will need to be replaced. Electrical panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 40 years, so if a home has a panel in that range, it should be inspected to determine if a replacement is needed.

A common problem with aging electrical panels can be rust and corrosion. Corrosion and damage to an electrical panel can compromise electrical safety, so it’s crucial to call an electrician to inspect the panel if any damage, rust, or corrosion is spotted. A new electrical panel installation can help keep the home’s electrical system safe. 

Circuit Breakers Trip Often

Circuit breakers are the defensive mechanism of an electrical system. They are designed to trip or shut off the power if they detect an overload of electricity or a short circuit. So, if circuit breakers begin to trip more often or frequently, an electrician should be called to inspect them. 

It is something to be attentive to as it could be a sign that the panel is no longer adequate for the needs of the home. This could be due to adding new appliances that increase the house's electrical needs. So, frequently tripping breakers can mean that the electrical panel needs to be upgraded to match the home’s electrical demands.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a local family-owned business serving the Lansing area. They offer fast response, financing, and trusted technicians. Call them for electrical panel replacement and services in Lansing, MI. 

How To Know When To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

Smiling male electrician in hard hat and safety vest, using multimeter on electrical wiring in a service area.

When Is It Necessary To Upgrade the Electrical Panel?

A lot of people tend to see updated electrical codes as being unnecessary and irritating. However, updated electrical codes are necessary to keep modern buildings safe and ready to accept the new demands placed on them. As building technology gets better, it becomes necessary to implement new building practices to keep up with the times. Upgrading electrical panels is one of the things that is becoming increasingly more common as society continues to use more electricity.

Upgraded electrical panels remove some of the dangers that have arisen from outdated equipment of the past. Additionally, new electrical panels can replace old equipment with new equipment that is more user-friendly and safer. 

But knowing when to replace the panel can be a daunting decision. Luckily, there are opportunities to have a panel replaced without major interruptions in electrical service.

Old Wiring Problems

electrical panel

Whenever a home has wiring problems, they need to be addressed immediately. Wiring problems can run the range of inconvenient to hazardous. Wiring problems are most common in older homes that were built according to outdated codes with inferior materials. This means that the electrical panel is also likely outdated. Even if a newer home is having frequent wiring problems, these problems put extra stress on the electrical panel.

When an electrician comes to fix wiring issues, it is a prime opportunity to upgrade the service panel. Upgrading the service panel will ensure that the wiring and panel are compatible and that the home is protected from overcurrent and fire hazards. 

Installing New Appliances

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It is common to need an electrician's help when installing new appliances. New appliances may have different electrical demands than what was common when a home was built. As a result, the current wiring may be too small, and the overcurrent protection may be outdated. This means that the new appliance could present a hazard.

Having an electrician install appliances can ensure that the home's infrastructure can support the new appliance. During installation, the electrician can inspect the wiring and electrical panel to ensure it is safe and up to code. If it is not, they may recommend replacing the panel. 

Adding Circuits To a Home

fixing a panel

One of the best times to upgrade a panel is when a homeowner wants to add circuits to their home. In most homes, electrical panels are completely full, leaving no room for expanding service to the house. As a home demands more electricity with increased lighting needs, appliances, and room additions, it becomes necessary to get a bigger panel to serve the new circuits. 

Over the years, homes' demands for electricity have increased. People are using more electricity today than they were even 20 years ago, and the trend will probably continue. Furthermore, new codes are restrictive when it comes to combining certain loads on a circuit, so homes need more circuits than they used to. Therefore, by choosing to upgrade an electrical panel, a homeowner can more easily meet the demands they place on an electrical system and make expansion easier in the future. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Need help with an electrical problem? The electricians at Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical are ready to help. Serving the Lansing, MI area since 1984, they are available to offer cost-effective, expert solutions to electrical panel problems.