If you’ve ever experienced a power outage (and you almost certainly have) you know exactly how life comes to a screeching halt without electricity. It’s the way we keep everything running, the way we stay connected to others and the world, and even the way we stay safe, with things like carbon monoxide detectors and home security systems.
Despite how critical electricity is to our lives, we don’t always pay much attention to how it gets to our various appliances and electronics. But we should! Your electrical panel keeps things flowing safely and effectively, so everything that needs power gets what it requires. How long has your electrical panel been doing this job? Is it having problems? Would you even have noticed? What should you do about it? We’ve got the answers.
An electrical panel that is out of date, over capacity, or experiencing trouble will show some signs that you can spot if you pay attention. Here’s what to be aware of.
- Age: An electrical panel can theoretically last at least 25 years, and perhaps as much as 40. But if you remember what life was like decades ago, you’ve surely noticed that we use a lot more electricity these days. With all our computers, charging stations, robot vacuums, and more, an older electrical panel simply wasn’t made to handle modern electrical needs.
- Manufacturer: Federal Pacific and Zinsco were manufacturers of electrical panels which are no longer considered safe. If your panel was made by one of these companies, you need an upgrade.
- Fuse Boxes: An electrical panel has switches that flip when a circuit is overloaded. A fuse box has round fuses which need to be replaced if a circuit is overloaded. Fuse boxes were phased out decades ago, because electrical panels are safer and more effective. If your home still has a fuse box, you need an electrician to put in a proper electrical panel as soon as possible.
- Lighting Issues: Do your lights flicker and dim? Has anyone suggested that your house might be haunted? Don’t worry—it’s not ghosts. If your electrical panel is struggling with the demands of your home, it can cause problems with your lights.
- Switch and Outlet Issues: Have you ever been shocked by a switch or outlet? Have you seen sparks at an outlet when you plug something in? Do any switch plates feel hot to the touch? Are there blackened or scorched spots? Get help from an electrician before you end up with an electrical fire!
- Issues at the Panel Itself: Take a good look at the electrical panel regularly. Do you see any scorch marks? Any rust or corrosion? Do you hear anything, such as buzzing or clicking? Do you smell anything, like heat, melted plastic, or fish? (The fish might seem like an odd thing to mention, but both dead fish and electrical fires generate ammonia, so they can smell similar!)
When you’re concerned about your electrical panel, or any part of your home’s electrical system, you need prompt professional help. Whether you need a panel replacement, electrical panel repairs in Nashville, TN, or just some work done on a specific fixture, it’s not worth taking the risk of allowing an electrical problem to continue. Stay safe, and get that work done right away!
Covenant Heating and Cooling is your trusted resource for reliable electrical services in Nashville, TN. We are “Dedicated to the Promise of Serving You!” Contact us today.