Is Your Panel Box a Safety Hazard?

Older homes were not designed with today’s reliance on electrical devices. Luckily, an electrical panel upgrade can fix the problem. According to Home Depot, anything beyond eight to ten outlets per 15 am circuit breaker is considered dangerous. Is your electrical panel safe? Here are some signs it may not be.

1. The Wall Is Warm

If you feel the wall around your electrical panel, it shouldn’t be hot or warm. If you feel the wall around your electrical panel, and it is warmer than other parts of the wall, you likely need an electrical panel upgrade to keep your home safe. Warmth around the panel can indicate overheating.

If you notice a burning smell when you get near your electrical panel, that is another indicator that your panel is overheating. If you notice either of these signs, it’s essential that you contact an electrician to install an upgrade. You are overtaxing the system that is in place.

2. Circuit Breakers Trip Frequently

If you notice that you are blowing fuses or the circuit breakers frequently trip in your panel box, it can be an indicator that your electrical panel is not suited for your needs. Fuses and circuit breakers are in place for your protection. When they cut off power frequently, resetting them doesn’t fix the problem.

If your fuses are blowing or your circuit breakers are cutting off, it's an indicator of an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. It is a safety issue and an indicator that you need an electrical panel upgrade.

3. There Is Corrosion and Damage

If there is visible damage to the electrical panel, like rust spots, your electrical panel may be on the verge of becoming unsafe. Corrosion and damage to the exterior or the interior panel box can be dangerous. It’s essential that your panel box is stable.

Of course, corrosion can easily spread and affect the wiring in the box. If your panel box is not in good condition, this is a sign that it’s not safe. Our team notes that older homes with aluminum wiring are at a much higher risk of electrical panel failure.

An electrical panel upgrade can ensure the safety of your electrical panel and that you have the power you need to match your lifestyle needs. A certified electrician, like us here at Dickinson's Electric, can check your panel for safety issues. Give us a call today!