It’s important to keep your home up-to-date regarding your home electrical panel and equipment. Most consumers are not familiar with the work that electricians do, so it can sometimes be difficult to know when you should upgrade your electrical panel. There are a few important things to look for when considering whether it is needed in your home or business.

Signs you need to upgrade your home electrical panel

Dimming or flickering lights

Do you have frequent tripping of appliances due to overload? If so, it may be time to check your electric panel for problems. One of the most common reasons for house fires is faulty wiring. Wiring that is not properly installed or that is no longer working correctly is dangerous. It is also a sign that you may need to upgrade your electrical panel. Never try to fix faulty wiring yourself, it is extremely dangerous. Always hire a professional electrician for any wiring work no matter how simple it may seem.

Sparks

Whether it is an appliance or breaker panel, any sparking coming from an electrical device spells trouble. If it is an appliance that is sparking it is probably a localized issue in the appliance itself. However, if it is your breaker box that is sparking you need to get an electrician in there ASAP!

Constant humming or buzzing

Typically a well functioning electrical grid or appliance should operate with very little noise, save for a quick, quiet hum that sounds when the device kicks on. But, if you are hearing a constant hum from any of your electrical systems this should sound the alarm. Often the result of loose prongs, outlets or fraying wires; this sound is the result of an error cause the current to jump.

Important note: If the humming or buzzing is coming from an outlet stop using it and call an electrician ASAP.

Pros and Cons of an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Not every electrical problem means that you need to upgrade your panel or electrical equipment. However, if you do need an upgrade, only an upgrade will help. Below are some pros and cons to updating your electric panel.

Pros to upgrading a home electrical panel

  • An upgrade helps keep your equipment up-to-date for future changes.
  • It may avoid electrical hazards caused by overloads.
  • It helps save energy because your home electricity will be more efficient.

Cons to upgrading a home electrical panel

  • The problem may not be your electric panel.
  • It could affect your homeowner’s insurance policy.
  • The problem may be a faulty breaker instead.

Seek the advice of a professional electrician

When it dealing with electrical problems with your home, you can’t afford to make mistakes. It is dangerous to replace your electric panel as well as to work on most electrical wiring problems. So, if you suspect a problem, contact a professional first.

Why Piper Electric?

At Piper Electric, we have 35 years of experience installing electrical panel system upgrades, as well as working on a variety of electrical problems within both residential and commercial buildings.

We are conveniently located in Denver, Colorado, and we can offer a free estimate on your problem and advise you as to whether you should get a system upgrade based on what we find. Then you can contact your insurance company and make sure the work will not influence your homeowner’s policy.

Don’t take it on yourself. Don’t risk getting shocked. Call us instead and stay safe!