When to Upgrade Your Electrical Control Panel, and Why

Your electrical control panel, or breaker box, is that square or rectangular metal panel filled with breaker switches that's tucked away someplace inconspicuous in your home – usually in your garage or a closet. You probably don't often think about the breaker box until a circuit breaker trips – meaning it flips to the "off" position if it gets overloaded. This is a safety measure to prevent you from being electrocuted or to keep wires from catching fire. Normally, a circuit overload is something that only happens every once in a while. Once or twice a year might be the very most you'd see a tripped circuit in a newer or properly functioning electrical control panel. In some situations, you may need a new control panel, such as those available at BgB Supply. Here are a few situations or signs that may alert you it's time for a breaker box upgrade.

Hazards of Older Panels

First, what can happen with a faulty panel? As already stated above, house fires are a great risk with a substandard panel. Electric shock also poses a hazard for serious or life-threatening injuries. At the very least, a panel that's always tripping is an inconvenience and something to worry about, and the loss of your peace of mind can result in many sleepless nights.

Faulty electrical panels are a common occurrence in older homes. This is partly due to the fact that over time, as with other appliances and components, the circuits and wiring inside a breaker box will degrade and wear out. The other main reason older electrical panels frequently malfunction is because we tend to use a lot more power than we did years ago. The electrical control panels in homes that are more than 40 years old are simply not equipped to handle today’s power loads, no matter how well maintained they are.

Signs of a Panel That Needs Replacing

It may be time for an electrical system upgrade if you start to notice any of the following signs:

Turning on appliances, such as your hair dryer, causes your lights to dim or even a circuit to trip. In fact, you notice your circuits tripping often in situations that you wouldn't think would be a big deal. You have a supply of extension cords so you have enough outlets to plug in all the electrical items you regularly use. You've plugged in an adaptor or three for your computer equipment.

Of course, electricians 40 years ago didn't plan for the sheer amount of electricity that the home's future owners would need. Home computers were a thing not even dreamed up in a science fiction writer's mind. Our grandparents used electricity only for essentials like lamps, basic home appliances, the family television set and not much else. It's no wonder there aren't many outlets to be found in an older home, unless your home has had a wiring upgrade.

If you suspect you need a new electrical control panel or wiring inspection, it’s a good idea to call in a qualified professional. You may be able to find good deals for control panels online to save you money.