We typically don’t think much about our electrical system. However, neglecting to attend to your system can lead to an unpleasant and costly surprise when something goes wrong. If your circuit demands too much electricity, you risk an overload that could cause a fire in many severe cases. Your electrical panel has safeguards preventing this devastating outcome from happening, but as your unit gets older, it may have difficulty keeping up with your system’s increasing electricity demands. Fortunately, Mr. Electric of Middletown is available to help you prevent overloads and other dangerous problems. Our team specializes in residential electrical panel upgrades to ensure your lights, appliances, and HVAC systems stay up and running. If you live in Middletown, DE, our services are available to you.
Electrical Panel Upgrades in Middletown, DE
Stop Worrying About Overloaded Wiring
Electrical Panel Upgrades in Middletown, DE
Stop Worrying About Overloaded Wiring
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How Does an Electrical Panel Work?
The electrical panel connects your home to the main power line traveling into your property. The line attaches directly to your electrical panel, and your panel disperses energy throughout your home’s electrical system. You'll find multiple circuit breakers or switches inside an electrical panel. These circuit breakers distribute power into smaller branch lines connecting to all your home’s outlets. The switches should also indicate how many amps a line can carry before the corresponding breaker trips. Next to the switches, you'll find the main power breaker, letting you turn off power to the entire system.
Like an old freezer or air conditioning unit, your electrical panel can wear down as it ages. As your unit wear over time, you may start experiencing an issue with frequently overloaded circuits. Breakers may trip frequently, or you might get a sudden electrical shock from an outlet. Mr. Electric of Middletown has listed several ways to tell your electrical panel needs an upgrade:
- Crackling sounds coming from the panel
- Corrosion or rust on the circuit breakers
- The inside of the electrical panel feels warm
- Appliances are no longer running on full power
- Outlets are not GFCIs (especially around water sources)
- You need multiple extension cords to plug everything in
- Your home has a 60-amp electrical service
- Your home has 100-amp electrical service but still can't operate certain appliances
- Your home has an outdated fuse block or split bus panel
According to general electrical wisdom, you should get a house electrical panel upgrade if your current panel is older than 25 years. We advise customers to take this advice seriously. An older panel can cause multiple hazards and issues around your home. Additionally, many panels installed in houses before 1990 were proven unsafe. If you have a defective electrical panel like one of those we’ve described, get in touch with Mr. Electric of Middletown to schedule a prompt replacement:
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Electrical Panel
This panel was often used in homes built from 1950 to 1980 and featured several design defects that increase your risk of a fire or electric shock. The PFE electrical panel has been classified as defective by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Zinsco Electrical Panel
Zinsco panels haven't been available to install in structures since the mid-1970s, but you might still find these panels installed in some modern homes. Their defective design lets power flow when you’ve turned off the breakers, leading to the switches melting.
Pushmatic Electrical Panel
Pushmatic panels don’t include the main breaker switch, so cutting all your power flow at once is impossible. Additionally, these panels’ breaker switches are weak and may be harder to reset as time passes.
Fuse Boxes
Fuse boxes are the oldest version of electrical panels. Most fuse boxes can only handle a maximum of 60 amps of power. Today, the average home needs about 200 amps to run all its appliances, lighting, and electronics. Clearly, this panel type is no longer adequate to support a modern home. Fuse boxes also pose substantial electrocution and fire risk. Mr. Electric of Middletown recommends replacing this type of panel as soon as possible.
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