Electrical Panel Upgrades in Springtown, TX

The white or gray electrical panel in a house may not seem like that big of a deal, but it is actually one of the most important parts of the home. It is responsible for delivering comfort and convenience via electricity.

This device is what brings electricity into a home and then routes it to where it is needed. However, the distribution panel is also sensitive to any technology upgrades in the residence. Because of this, older electrical panels may need to be updated from time to time. The question is, how does a homeowner know when it is time to call professional Electrical service for panel upgrades? Keep reading to find out.

Keep in mind that, in 1950, the average household in America consumed around 2,200 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Today, this has increased to 14,000 kwh. What this means is that, if someone still has their older home’s electrical panel, it may not be able to meet their modern electrical needs. This is when electricians can and should be called. Keep reading to learn some of the top signs it is time to invest in an electrical panel upgrade.

An Older Home

Many people look for and want to live in older homes. Not only are these practical, but they offer a “retro” and cozy aesthetic that many people like. However, even if someone loves their old-fashioned home, it could be time to embrace the wave of the future and upgrade the electrical panel.

In the past, it was possible to get all the power that was needed from one 60-amp electrical panel. Today, though, 60-amps just isn’t enough to get the job done. In fact, modern homes require between a 100- and 200-amp version to use all the outlets and electrical equipment in a home during the course of the day.

If a homeowner is not sure how old their current electrical panel is, they can look for a few signs that it may be having trouble keeping up with the current demand. Appliances do not perform at peak efficiency, lights flicker, the panel is defective and won’t turn off during an overload, turning on multiple appliances trips the breakers, and the panel appears to be corroded or melted.

The Use of Multiple Extension Cords for Long-Periods of Time

For most homes, the use of extension cords is necessary from time to time. While this is true, it does not mean this is always a convenient or safe option. In some cases, extension cords are designed for short-term use, for example, during a special event, or over the holidays.

Along with creating a tripping hazard, extension cords are usually kept against or in walls for a reason. When cords and wiring are protected, they do not experience as much wear and tear. The cords that are spread across the floor may become pinched, kinked, or shorted, which can cause tripped breakers, damaged outlets and, in some cases, a fire. If a homeowner is constantly using extension cords, then now is a good time to upgrade the electrical panel and add a few outlets to the space.

You Still Have Fuses Not Circuit Breakers

If you have a home that was built prior to the 1970s, there could be a fuse-based electrical system in place. Even though both fuses and circuit breakers do the same thing, fuses are considered outdated. Also, unlike circuit breakers, they will not trip if they get overloaded, which means they will blow, melt, or short-circuit, and many cause a fire.

Breakers That Trip Frequently

If a person is using circuit breakers, not fuses, they likely know that these are designed to trip if there are inconsistencies in the flow of electricity. This helps to prevent the system from overheating or causing any type of fire hazard. Even though tripping is considered an important safety feature, if someone is constantly going to the breaker box, it is a sign of a problem with the electrical panel. Usually, if a homeowner is dealing with frequent circuit tripping, it is an indication that the electrical draw in the home is too high for the electrical panel. It also means now is the time to consider an electrical panel upgrade.

Hire an Electrician

When it is time to make this upgrade, it is best to hire an electrician to handle the job. They can help ensure the desired results are achieved and that the new electrical panel meets the home’s needs and current power consumption, which is crucial to have an effective and safe electrical system.