Electrical panels are often forgotten about, and yet they determine the amount and quality of your electricity flow! Do you know why your breaker keeps tripping? Are you adding a significant load to your existing electrical system? It’s time to have your panel evaluated and upgraded!
The good news is that Champion Electric is your stellar source for San Antonio electrical panel upgrades. Our team of licensed electricians know how to assess your current load and recommend the safest and most efficient solution for your breakers and electrical panel. Keep reading to learn why your breakers trip and when the best time is to consider a panel upgrade!
What Is A Tripped Breaker?
Your electrical panel consists of different circuits or systems of electricity that power different areas of your home. When a breaker trips, it’s because that area of your home is demanding too much electricity. The breaker has to protect the circuit from overheating under the demand of so much power, so it trips and shuts off the flow of electricity. Although tripping an occasional breaker is common, frequent tripped breakers is one of the most common signs of an overloaded electrical panel.
5 Reasons To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
There are many good reasons to have your panel inspected and upgraded for more electrical load. Some are just for convenience, but make sure you’re aware of the situations in which upgrading your panel affects the safety of your home!
Age
If your home is older than 25 years old, you need to consider having it replaced soon. As the National Electric Code changes and technology advances, we have access to safer and more reliable electrical panels. Living with an older panel can become dangerous once it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. Plus, you are more likely to see other problems with your panel the older it gets.
Strange Sounds
Since your electrical panel handles electricity, it’s normal to hear a humming coming from your panel. However, any other noises — like buzzing or sizzling — indicate something is wrong. You could have wires burning or mechanical components loose that will make it difficult for the panel to do its job safely and dependably. It’s best to have a professional look at the panel to see if it can be repaired or if it needs to be upgraded.
Heat
Similarly to hearing a hum, your panel will create a little heat from having electricity running through. This is completely normal as long as the heat remains confined to the electrical panel. If you notice the heat spreading to the areas around the panel box, something is wrong. You need to consider the advice of a professional electrician.
Renovations
If you have recently had or are planning to have any renovations done to your home, an electrical inspection is a really good idea. Adding or changing the original electrical demands of the home can easily overload your existing panel or cause dangerous consequences. An electrician will be able to tell you if your panel needs to be upgraded to handle the new demands of the home.
Installations
Even something as simple as a new appliance could potentially overload your electrical panel if the breakers are not set up correctly or if your panel can’t handle the new load. Make sure you are aware of the changes you are expecting to make when you install large appliances like refrigerators, HVAC systems, water heaters and others.
Have Your Panel Evaluated During Your Free Whole-Home Safety Inspection!
One of the best ways to keep up with your electrical panel’s capabilities is to have it inspected. Luckily, Champion Electric offers whole-home electrical safety inspections for free. That means your entire home can be secured and protected by top industry professionals! If you’re ready for total home protection, give Champion Electric a call!