Does Your Old Electrical Panel Need Help?
The electrical panel (also known as a breaker panel or circuit breaker) is the hub that all of the home’s electricity passes through to be distributed. Without them, the electricity would not know where to go, which makes this one of the most important parts of the home’s electrical system.
But, like all parts of the home, breakdowns can occur. Some of these breakdowns can lead to larger, more dangerous issues like electrical fires. Homeowners should know how to spot the signs of these issues right away to prevent a real home emergency.
The Lifespan of an Electrical Panel
Like everything in the home, the electrical panel has a set lifespan. With the right care and maintenance, the average electrical panel can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years.
To try to extend the lifespan as much as possible, follow a few simple maintenance tips.
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Keep the door or lid shut as much as possible. - Check routinely for signs of damage - rust, moisture, or dirt.
- Have routine maintenance performed by an electrician at least every 3 years.
Checking the electrical panel regularly can drastically reduce the risk of having issues happen with the home’s electrical system. However, homeowners who aren’t comfortable with it shouldn’t touch it without the supervision of a licensed electrician due to the risk of electrical shocks and burns.
Even without major issues, the home’s electrical panel should be replaced once it hits 30 years old.
Why Would There Be a Burning Smell From the Panel?
One of the number one signs that the home’s electrical panel may need immediate repair is a “hot” or burning smell. The smell has been described as smoke, burnt toast, or melting plastic. It can mean one of two different issues is likely to be occurring.
The first issue is that one of the circuits in the electrical panel is no longer working correctly, which can lead to it potentially melting. The other is that there is a wire not connected properly, which will cause it to overheat and the insulation to burn.
No matter which issue has occurred, they present a serious fire risk for the home. Fires that start in the electrical panel can quickly and easily spread to the rest of the house.
If you that smell around the electrical panel, immediately unplug all of the home’s electrical equipment and the main power supply (flip the power switch to “off"). And don't forget to call an electrician right away.
What Causes Flickering or Dimming Lights?
While flickering or dimming lights can be a common occurrence in the home, and they can be caused by benign issues like light bulbs that are not connected properly. This issue is usually caused by a problem with the electrical panel.An issue known as electrical arcing happens when the electrical currents “jump” a gap in their specific circuit, which creates a lot of heat and can be a significant fire hazard.
Regardless of whether the homeowner believes that the flickering and dimming in their home is related to a small issue or a larger, more dangerous one, a licensed electrician should always be contacted to evaluate the home instead of just replacing light bulbs.
About Albritton Service Co
Albritton Service Co has been family owned and operated since 1982. Their friendly experts service both residential and commercial customers, providing top-rated electrical repairs in Ruston, LA. The company is a Carrier President’s Award Winner and offers 24-hour emergency services.
