We rely on electricity for nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from charging our devices to running our appliances and keeping our lights on. The electrical panel in your home plays a huge role in distributing power throughout your home. Often hidden away in a basement, garage, or utility closet, this box is the central hub responsible for safely distributing power throughout your entire home.
But what happens when electrical panels aren’t as safe as they should be? If you have an outdated or faulty electrical panel, you could unintentionally put your house and your loved ones at risk, often without obvious warning signs.
Maintaining and repairing your electrical panel ensures the safe operation of your home’s electrical system. At Absolute Electric, we empower homeowners in Virginia and Florida to learn more about their electrical systems so they can protect their families and properties.
Your Electrical Panel: The Heart of Your Home
When we think of residential electrical systems, we often compare them to the human body. Your home’s wiring is like the veins and arteries in the human body. It’s an intricate system that supplies power to everything in your home. Receiving power from the electrical company, your electrical panel then distributes that power throughout your house through a series of breakers.
The breakers connect to your lights, outlets and appliances. When your electrical panel is strong and healthy, it runs smoothly. However, if it’s struggling or compromised, it can lead to serious issues, including fire hazards, electrical shocks and damage to valuable electronics.
Today’s homes have vastly different electrical demands compared to those built decades ago. What does this mean if you live in an older home? Your aging electrical panel might not have the capacity to handle the sheer volume of power needed for today’s high-tech appliances, multiple charging devices and extensive lighting systems.
Signs Your Electrical Panel Might Be Unsafe
It’s easy to ignore your electrical panel. After all, it’s usually tucked away in a utility closet or the basement, but recognizing potential warning signs can prevent serious problems. Keep an eye out for any of the following.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
If lights in your home frequently flicker, dim, or go out when an appliance is used, you could have an overloaded circuit or an electrical panel struggling to supply consistent power. This is a sign you need to call an electrician.
Buzzing or Sizzling Sounds
Never ignore strange noises coming from the electrical panel. These sounds are red flags and often indicate loose wiring or arcing within the panel that can lead to electrical fires.
Burning Odors
Any burning odor coming from the panel is a red flag and a cause for immediate concern. Overheating wires or other electrical components shouldn’t be ignored, as there is a risk of a fire.
Heat
Your home’s electrical panel should never feel warm or hot. Any heat indicates too much current, a problem that can quickly turn into an electrical fire.
Breakers Trip Frequently
Your electrical panel’s breakers are designed to trip when overloaded. However, if the breakers trip frequently, this is a sign of an overworked circuit or an electrical panel with internal issues.
Outdated Panel Brands
Certain older panel brands, like Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok and Zinsco panels, are known to have design flaws that prevent breakers from tripping when they should. These panels can lead to dangerous overloads and electrical fires, so they should be replaced.
Age of the Panel
If your home’s electrical panel is more than 40 years old, it’s likely nearing (or past) its intended lifespan. It likely no longer meets current safety standards and can’t handle modern, daily electrical loads.
The Dangers of an Outdated or Faulty Electrical Panel
Ignoring the signs of an unsafe electrical panel can have severe consequences. For starters, faulty electrical panels can lead to fire hazards caused by overloaded circuits, faulty wiring and other situations that generate excessive heat. Electrical fires from these issues can result in fires in the wall or the panel. If your panel is outdated or faulty, you’re also at an increased risk of electrical shock when using appliances or outlets.
Damage to appliances and electronics is another real possibility. Homes with inconsistent power supplies or surges from a faulty electrical panel not only put your expensive electronics and appliances at risk of damage, but they can also shorten their lifespan.
Beyond safety, an old or undersized panel might not provide enough power for your home’s needs. Inadequate power supplies lead to constant inconveniences, such as the inability to use multiple appliances simultaneously and frequently tripped breakers.
Why You Need Professional Electrical Panel Inspections
You should never perform a DIY electrical panel inspection. You might think you’re saving money, but you’re not — not to mention you’re putting your safety at risk. The only safe and reliable way to assess your electrical panel’s condition is through a comprehensive inspection by a qualified, licensed electrician.
At Absolute Electric, our electrical panel inspections are done by trained professionals and include:
- Examining the panel for signs of corrosion, rust or water damage
- Checking the wiring for signs of wear and tear
- Verifying that all circuit breakers are functioning correctly
- Assessing the overall capacity of your panel
- Identifying any outdated or problematic panel brands
- Looking for signs of arcing or overheating
Our professional inspections provide you with peace of mind. Our electricians will ensure your electrical system is up to code and operating safely.
Contact Absolute Electric today!
Our Top-Rated Electricians Ensure Your Home’s Safety
At Absolute Electric, we provide the highest-quality electrical repair and installation services throughout Virginia and Florida. Our team of skilled and experienced electricians specializes in precise electrical panel inspections, expert panel repairs and upgrades. When you choose to work with us, we have unique local knowledge of your home’s electrical needs and are committed to ensuring your property is safe and continues to function properly.
Whether you’ve had an ongoing issue, are buying an older home and need an electrical panel inspection or you failed to have your electrical panel checked in years, our team of top-rated professionals is here to help. We prioritize your safety and deliver reliable solutions tailored to your specific situation every time.
Don’t leave your home’s safety to chance. A safe electrical panel is vital for the well-being of your household and the longevity of your property. We specialize in comprehensive electrical panel inspections, expert repairs, and fast electrical panel upgrades to ensure your home’s electrical system is safe, efficient and meets all your power needs. We believe in powering your home with absolute excellence every time.
Following our inspection of your electrical panel, you can rest assured that your panel meets all standards to keep your home electrical appliances running smoothly.
Live with total peace of mind that your home’s electrical system is safe and reliable. Contact Absolute Electric today for comprehensive electrical panel inspection in Virginia and Florida!
