How to Tell If Your Electrical Panel Needs Maintenance

An electrical panel in your home is essential for providing electricity to your appliances and electronics. However, it is important to ensure that the electrical panel is maintained and functioning properly. 

This is because a malfunctioning electrical panel can be a potential fire hazard and cause serious damage to your home. Therefore, it is imperative to be aware of the signs that indicate that your electrical panel needs maintenance or repair.

If you recognize any of the following hints, it is important to contact a qualified electrician to inspect your electrical panel and make any necessary repairs:

1. Flickering Lights

A few issues can cause flickering lights, but they all point to a malfunctioning electrical panel. The most common cause is a loose connection between the wires in your panel and the main circuit breaker. This can cause a power surge, resulting in your lights flickering. This issue can cause further damage to your electrical system without proper repair, so it’s important to take action quickly.

The other common cause of flickering lights is an overloaded circuit. This can happen if too many appliances are plugged into the same circuit or if you’re using high-powered appliances like a microwave or air conditioner. In this case, you’ll need to rearrange your appliances, so they’re on different circuits.

2. Tripping Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker protects your home from electrical overload. If too much electricity runs through a circuit, the breaker will shut it off to prevent potential damage. A few things, including a short circuit, an overloaded circuit, or a faulty appliance, can cause a tripped circuit breaker.

To fix the issue, you’ll need to identify the cause of the overload, which can include an overloaded or short circuit. If this is the case, rearrange your devices, so they’re on different circuits. However, if it’s a faulty appliance, you’ll need to unplug it and have a professional electrician inspect it.

3. Old Box

Your electric panel’s box is something you shouldn’t ignore. It is the main control center for all your home’s electrical wires and circuits. Over time, the box may become outdated and unable to handle the increasing demand for electricity in your home. This can lead to tripped breakers, surges, and potential electrical fires.

You should inspect the wiring and connections in your home to fix this issue. Make sure everything complies with the code, and there are no frayed or damaged wires. Additionally, ensure all the breakers are in the correct position and size for the circuits they protect. If you find any issues, call a professional to fix them.

4. Damaged Electrical Panel

There are various reasons your electrical panel could be damaged. The most common cause is a surge of electricity due to a power outage or lightning strike. Other causes include improper wiring, overloading the panel, and corrosion.

If you find any signs of damage to your electrical panel, reach an electrician immediately. They will immediately inspect and replace the panel while ensuring everything is up to code.

Final Thoughts

Regular maintenance of your electrical panel is essential to ensure the safety of your home, as well as the reliability of your electrical system. Pay attention to any flickering lights, humming or buzzing noises, or signs of heat or smoke coming from the panel. Taking these steps will help keep your home and family safe.

D.A. Electric Ltd has a team of reliable, experienced electricians in Lethbridge who can help you with any electrical panel maintenance or repair needs. Get in touch with us today!