Electrical panels distribute power throughout businesses and homes. They protect electrical circuits, regulate voltage, and prevent overloads. Over time, your electrical panel may not be able to handle the electricity demands of your household or business. Here are some signs that professional electricians at Loveland Home Solutions need to upgrade your panel:
Frequent Breaker Trips
When a circuit exceeds its holding capacity, the related breaker will trip. Occasional trips could happen and not be an issue, but more frequent tripping might indicate overloading. Modern homes use more power due to entertainment systems, smart devices that need charging, and high-energy appliances. Older panels might not handle these various electrical demands at one time.
If you find that you are constantly resetting breakers, it may be beneficial to get a panel upgrade. Upgrading allows for additional circuits and more power availability. The electricians at Loveland Home Solutions will assess your panel to determine if it needs an upgrade.
Persistent Lighting Issues
If your lights flicker or dim when you run appliances, your electrical panel may be struggling to distribute power. Large appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators use significant power to turn on. An older panel will not have a stable enough voltage to provide sufficient power to your appliances and the lights, causing them to flicker or dim. After an electrician upgrades your panel, you can avoid lighting fluctuations and gain consistent performance.
Burning Smells Near Outlets
Pay close attention to any burning smells coming from areas of your wall near outlets or panels, as they might indicate overheating. This overheating and the resulting smell could be caused by damaged breakers, overloaded circuits, or loose wiring. If the burning smell persists and is not addressed, an electrical fire could start.
Humming or Buzzing Sounds
An efficient electrical panel should operate without noise. If you hear a buzzing or humming sound coming from the panel, it can indicate a problem inside. A failing or loose breaker could cause the sound due to overheating if it is struggling to trip. Loveland Home Solutions has electricians trained in diagnosing sounds emitting from electrical panels.
Warm Panel Surface
If the surface of your electrical panel feels warm or if the breakers are hot, your system could be overloading. The heat generated by an overloaded system could cause wire degradation and eventual electrical failure. If an electrician does not address this issue promptly, it can also increase the fire risk.
Lack of Circuits
Electrical panels contain a set number of circuit breaker slots available for use. If you have new home additions or appliances that require power but the panel is full, an upgrade is advisable. When multiple wires share a single breaker, tripping and overheating issues can occur. To prepare for future expansions, upgrade to a larger panel to prevent safety or power efficiency issues.
Choose Our Electricians for an Upgrade
An electrical panel upgrade will improve your home’s safety and help prevent power instabilities. A licensed electrician has the training to assess your system and recommend an upgrade based on your needs. Connect with Loveland Home Solutions today to learn more.