Is your house keeping up with the times? With the average life span of a home now greater than 35 years and technology’s rapid rate of progression, the answer is likely no. Today’s gadgets and appliances easily overload electrical systems in many of today’s older homes, causing issues that could easily be prevented with an upgraded electrical panel.
What is an electrical panel?
Your electrical panel helps provide electricity to the much-loved and well-used gadgets and appliances throughout your home. Power from your utility company flows into your home through this panel, where it branches out into major electrical branches, dwindling into smaller branches in order to distribute power. A properly functioning electrical panel is essential to the safety of your family and your home.
Where is the electrical panel in my home?
Electrical panels can be identified as a painted or gray metal box. They are typically mounted on the wall of your home in an easily accessible area such as a utility room, laundry room, garage, basement, or closet. However if you can’t find the electrical panel inside your home, it may be located outside.
Old Electrical Panels Can Result in a Myriad of Problems, Including:
- Flickering lights
- Breakers that constantly trip or fuses that frequently blow
- The need to turn off one appliance to use another
- Melted electrical wires
- Defective circuit breakers that fail to trip, resulting in shocks, overheating, and fire
- In short, old electrical panels result in danger to your family and property resulting from fire and electrical shock
Other Reasons You Should Consider an Electrical Panel Upgrade:
- The renovation of your home, particularly the kitchen, which is appliance-heavy
- You are adding a home addition
- The addition of a major appliance, such as central heating and air, stoves, spas, garage power equipment, and more
- You need/are adding outlets to your home
- To meet homeowners insurance requirements
- You’re in need of a 240-volt circuit
- You need to add a sub panel
For an electrician who can help with all your electrical service upgrades, contact Greg Fuller at GA Fuller Electrical today for a free estimate!