Electrical panels control the flow of electricity from the power grid to your home’s electrical devices, but they can wear down over time if they’re not well cared for.
This can lead to faulty power sources and fire hazards, so you should know what signs to look out for that tell you when it’s time to replace your panel with one that will work safely in your home.
Here are some of the warning signs that your residential electrical panel needs replacement.
1. Lights are Flickering and Turning Off
If the lights are constantly flickering and turning off and on, this is a sign that your electrical panel may need to be replaced. This can be caused by heavy use of electricity in your home or an overload of power.
If you notice this issue in the morning when you first turn on the lights, but they stop flickering later in the day when there is less activity, then it’s likely that your electrical panel needs replacement. You can also go for a residential electrical panel upgrade if you don’t want to replace your panel.
2. Breaker Trips when you Turn on Heavy Appliances
An electrical panel will need to be replaced when the breaker trips whenever you turn on heavy appliances in your home. If this happens, it may indicate that your electrical panel is malfunctioning and needs replacement.
This can lead to safety hazards and even home fires. The last thing you want is to have a fire spread because of faulty wiring in your house.
For example, appliances such as a dryer or electric heater may trip the breaker due to heavy power consumption. These are good warning signs that something could be wrong with your electrical panel.
3. Light Switches Give Electric Shocks on Touching
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time for you to replace your electrical panel. This includes touching light switches or outlets and feeling a shock of electricity. You will also need to replace your electrical panel if the lights flash when you turn them on.
The flashing lights indicate that the circuit breaker is unable to handle the load on the circuit, which can damage electronics in the home. In this case, you will need a thorough electric repair of your home.
4. You Hear Cracking Sounds from the Breaker
If you hear cracking sounds coming from the breaker box and it’s not affected by the light or appliance turning off, that means something is wrong with the panel, and it needs to be replaced. If this is happening on a regular basis, your electrical panel probably needs replacement.
First, you should need to replace the breaker box before replacing the whole panel and see if the problem persists. Remember to shut off the power before performing any work inside of an electrical panel.
These signs will help you pinpoint the problem and will enable you to prevent any serious fire hazards due to electric outbreaks in your home. Make sure to take help from a professional electrician instead of handling the problem yourself.
