The electrical panel in your home is one of the most critical pieces of equipment that you rely on every day. With that in mind, it is important to keep an eye on your electrical system’s functionality and any signs that it might be malfunctioning. There are a few key signs that it may be time for an electric panel upgrade from a professional electrician at Integrated Building Systems in Milwaukee.
Panel Age
When considering if your electrical panel needs to be upgraded or not, you should think of the panel’s age as a major factor. If you live in an older home and your panel is over 20 years old, it is likely time for an upgrade or at least a professional inspection. A panel that is this old will likely be missing some of the latest safety features and may not offer a high enough electrical capacity for current needs.
Tripped Circuit Breakers
Another sign that your electrical panel may need updating is frequently tripping circuit breakers. These devices are supposed to switch off when one of your home’s circuits is overloaded or short-circuiting, and properly functioning breakers will do just that. However, if this is occurring regularly, it may be an indication that the circuits are either overloaded or outdated. Also, watch out for flickering lights which can also indicate faulty wiring and lead to tripped breakers.
Two-Prong Outlets
Where there is one old electrical component, there may be others. If your home still features two-prong electrical outlets, this may be a sign that you need electric panel replacement. Two-prong outlets tend to go hand-in-hand with outdated electrical panels, and they can be dangerous. This type of outlet lacks a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), or grounding wire, making them a potential fire hazard.
Upgrading Appliances
Last but not least, if you are going to add new appliances or technological devices to your home, an electrical panel upgrade may be necessary. Modern appliances require much more electrical power than their older counterparts. If your current electrical panel is already at capacity, or close to it, you will likely need to upgrade your electrical to 200 amps from 100 amps or less.
Trust Certified Electricians For Your Electric Panel Upgrade
If any of the above applies to you, it is likely time for an electric panel upgrade. To be sure, contact Integrated Building Systems today to request a quote and determine your cost to upgrade. We have some information on what you can expect cost-wise on our Service Panel Upgrade page. Arranging for an upgrade now can save you money and time over the long term. It can also keep you and your loved ones safe from electrical fires and other dangers of outdated electrical panels.
