5 Signs That It’s Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
The electrical panel in your Portland, OR home should last between 25 and 40 years. Also known as a breaker panel, this small metal box contains all your breaker switches. You’ll likely find it in a remote hallway or corner or tucked away in a large closet. As your electrical panel ages and wears down, you’ll deal with flickering lights and appliances that struggle to work. Whether you purchased pre-existing construction or bought your home brand-new, the following are four signs that it’s time to upgrade this all-important fixture.
1. Snapping, Crackling, and Sizzling Sounds
Keep your ears open for unusual sounds at and around your electrical panel. Snapping, crackling, and sizzling noises are hardly normal. Your breaker box may have loose connections or faulty wires.
2. Burnt Odors or Sparks
Electrical panels that sizzle and snap often shoot sparks or have singe marks around their perimeters. These serve as additional evidence of wiring problems. They also indicate the potential for electrical fires.
3. Visible Rust
Check your breaker panel for rusty screws, wires, cables, and circuit breakers. Excessive corrosion is a safety hazard. It’s also a sign that the panel has reached the end of its lifespan.
4. Constant Circuit Trips
Your circuit breakers should trip whenever you attempt to draw too much power on a single circuit. However, if your circuit breakers trip often and when you aren’t using multiple power-hungry appliances at once, the problem could lie at your breaker panel.
5. Your Electrical Panel Has Provided More Than Four Decades of Service
Among the best reasons to upgrade your electrical panel is advanced age. If your current panel is original to your home and has been around for more than four decades, it’s time to have it replaced. Doing so will extend the lifespan of your appliances, allow your electrical system to better support your energy demands, and enable you to plug in more gadgets and devices without tripping breakers.
Homeowners in Portland, OR can count on us for top-notch panel replacements, service upgrades, and generators. We also provide EV charger installation and surge protection. To schedule an appointment, get in touch with Falcon Services!
