You might be surprised to find out that the electrical panel in your home has a lifespan of about 30-40 years. However, older electrical panels are at a higher risk of developing detrimental electrical problems over time. To help you keep your family safe, we have created a list of the main signs your circuit breaker panel needs to be replaced.
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When to Replace Your Circuit Breaker
Replacing a circuit breaker panel can put a dent in your wallet—especially if you replace it prematurely. However, if you wait too long to replace it, you risk harmful damage to your home like starting a house fire. We’ve put together this guide to help you spot the signs for a malfunctioning circuit breaker and when it’s time to finally replace it.
1. Your Circuit Breakers Are Tripping
Have you ever been in a morning rush as you try to microwave your breakfast, brew your coffee, and dry your hair at the same time, only to lose power in half of your home? This is called a tripped circuit breaker. Circuit breakers trip as a way of shutting themselves off to prevent overheating when things get a little too overwhelming for your electrical system.
Ignoring a tripped circuit breaker can lead to a house fire. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), electrical fires account for an estimated 51, 000 house fires yearly. Instead of switching your circuit breakers off and on again, schedule a service with a licensed electrician.
2. Your System Operates on Fuses
Old electrical systems that run on fuses are outdated and unsafe. In fact, you can get penalized by your insurance company for using an outdated circuit breaker. To save your home and wallet, get in touch with a professional to safely change your circuit panel.
3. Your Panel Is Old
If you have an old home, you should check your circuit breaker panel. Generally, circuit breakers should be replaced every 30 years. So, if your home still has avocado green appliances and linoleum kitchen flooring, it’s probably time to replace your circuit breaker.
Technology is constantly advancing; homes designed a decade ago even have a hard time keeping up with our devices. Defend your home from electrical overloads and house fires by hiring one of Gold Medal’s technicians to get your home’s electrical system back on track.
4. Incorrect Amp Wiring
You don’t have to be an electrician to determine the number of amps going through your wiring. Most of our homes are modernized to fit our technological needs, so unless you are living like it’s 1999, your home should have 200 amps to function properly.
Many older homes are set for 60 amps, which is far too low to keep up with today’s technological demands. If you are living in an older home and need to change your amp wiring, today is the day to get in touch with an experienced electrician in your area.
5. Breaker Trips When Using Specific Appliances
Is your breaker tripping every time you plug in your hair dryer? If your circuit breaker is tripping when you use a specific appliance, this is a sign your circuit breaker panel needs to be replaced. Small issues can lead to severe safety hazards, so it’s smart to eliminate those issues before they become a disaster. If you have one appliance giving you trouble, you need to call a certified electrician to diagnose the problem.
6. There Is Excess Rust
Rust is a four-letter word that nobody wants to hear. A rusty circuit breaker panel is a fire risk, so if you notice any rust forming on the panel, then it’s time to replace it.
The professionals at Gold Medal are experts at circuit breaker replacement. Chat about your options with an experienced electrician today and schedule a service.
7. There Is a Burning Odor
What is that burning smell? The odor may be coming from your old circuit breaker panel. Your circuit breaker should never emanate a pungent, burning odor. If you notice a strange smell in your home, you may need to hire a professional to replace your electrical panel to prevent a fire hazard in your living space. A burning odor coming from your circuit breaker is not an issue to ignore.
8. The Panel Is Warm
Your circuit breaker should never be hot to the touch. If it is, this means that there is a major problem happening within your electrical system—and it poses a huge fire risk.
Don’t let a fire break out in your home. Keep you and your family safe by scheduling a service with the professional electricians at Gold Medal. Talk to an expert about replacing your circuit breaker today.
Why Circuit Breaker Maintenance Is Important
As a homeowner, you should familiarize yourself with your circuit breaker. After all, your circuit breaker plays a crucial part in keeping your home safe.
Circuit breakers are pretty smart. As we mentioned, circuit breakers will shut off to prevent your electrical system from overheating and potentially sparking a fire. Without regular maintenance, your circuit breaker has a higher chance of causing an electrical fire based on an issue that could’ve been fixed. The professionals at Gold Medal can help diagnose your circuit breaker issues and keep your home safe—so you can make your coffee and blowdry your hair in peace.
Electrical Repair Services From Gold Medal
Are your circuit breakers constantly tripping in your home? How about any bad odors or hot circuit panels? If you are encountering issues with your circuit breaker panel, give our team of electricians a call by phone at (732) 638-4317 to receive assistance. Our professional electricians offer innovative electrical panel installation services for homes in New Jersey and New York. Our team of electrical professionals is available 24/7 to handle your issues. In addition, our technicians provide other types of electrical repair services such as wiring replacement, light fixture installation, ceiling fan replacement, and generator installation. Our staff of electricians will help you upgrade and maintain your electrical system.