Signs You Need to Repair or Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
To ensure the optimal performance of your electrical panel, it is essential to have it inspected if it has been in use for more than 25 years. Common indicators that suggest that upgrading your electrical panel is necessary include:
- Audible crackling sounds emanating from the electrical panel.
- Visible signs of corrosion or rust on the circuit breakers.
- Appliances running at reduced power or experiencing operational difficulties.
- Dependence on extension cords due to inadequate support from a 60-amp or 100-amp electrical service.
- Presence of outdated fuse block panels or split-bus panels in older homes.
- Frequent tripping or failure of circuit breakers to trip.
- Evidence of fire, smoke, or melted wires near the electrical panel.
Electrical Panels To Watch Out For
If you suspect that your home has an electrical panel issue, it is essential to contact an experienced service professional. Here are some types of defective panels to be aware of:
- Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Electrical Panel – These panels were commonly installed in homes built from 1950 to 1980. However, they have been found to have design and manufacturing flaws that make them unsafe. They have been linked to fire hazards and electric shocks.
- Zinsco Electrical Panel – Zinsco panels have a flawed design that allows electricity to flow even when the breakers are turned off. This poses a significant risk of fire and electrical shock.
- Pushmatic Electrical Panel – Over time, the breaker switches in Pushmatic electrical panels can become difficult to reset. Additionally, these panels lack a central breaker switch to cut off power to the entire panel, which can create safety hazards.
- Fuse Boxes – Fuse boxes are the oldest type of electrical panel and have limited capacity, typically handling only 30-60 amps of power. Modern homes require much higher capacity, usually starting at 200 amps. Fuse boxes are associated with a high risk of fire and electrocution, and they often cannot be easily serviced with new fuses.
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