6 Signs an Electrical Panel Needs Maintenance or Repairs

An electrical panel is a box that has a variety of circuit breakers and other features that allows electricity from your utility company to power your home or business appliances and lights. It is usually attached to a wall in an out-of-the-way place. It is easy to forget that it is even there, but that can present some problems.

The box may start to collect dust and debris, or some connections may come loose. These things can lead to power outages, tripped circuit breakers, or other potentially dangerous situations. However, by staying aware and knowing the signs to look for, you’ll be able to understand when your electrical panel needs maintenance. 

Here are some of the most common signs to look for to know if there is a potential problem with your electrical panel. 

1. Lights flickering

It’s not normal for your lights to flicker, and this can be a warning sign that your panel needs some repair. If you find that your lights are flickering more when you turn on an appliance, this is a sign there is an imbalance causing a power surge. Yet, it may also be a warning that there is a bad circuit. It’s best if you call in a professional electrician to get to the bottom of it.

2. Circuit breaker tripping

If you have the occasional circuit breaker trip, it may not indicate a serious issue. However, if it is happening more frequently or regularly, then something isn’t right. It could be faulty wiring in the electrical panel. Because of the hazards involved, seek professional help in checking your electrical panel. 

3. Outlet sparks or gets warm

Are your outlets feeling warm to the touch, or have you noticed them sparking? These are signs that the wiring is faulty, or that there has been an electrical fire. It’s best not to tackle these problems on your own, but to call in a professional electrician who can fix them for you. 

4. Can’t reset the breaker

If you have trouble with the electricity in your home or business, then usually resetting the breaker will fix it. However, if you are not able to get power back or it doesn’t reset for long, then you may have a faulty electrical panel. Call your professional electrician to come and inspect it; they’ll be able to offer you expert advice and a solution.

5. Your box is old

Electrical system standards change over the years, and if you are in an older home or building, your system may need to be updated. If you are still relying on a fuse box rather than an electrical panel with circuit breakers, it is crucial to replace it as soon as possible. Circuit breakers are designed to trip and disconnect the power if your system is overloaded. It protects your home from fires. However, in older boxes, they don’t trip when overloaded, which puts you at a higher risk of fire damage. 

6. Electrical panel is damaged

Electrical panels are designed to be discreet and out of the way, but they can present a problem if damaged. If something has fallen on your panel box or has been damaged in some way, you should have it inspected immediately. Damage to the electrical panel can pose future risks to your system. To avoid costly problems in the future, call your professional electrician today. 

Electrical Panel Maintenance

While some scenarios require a professional touch, there are other things you can do to ensure your electrical panel is adequately taken care of and maintained. Regular checks can help you prevent more extensive and expensive problems down the road. 

Routine Maintenance

It’s a good practice to have a professional perform maintenance on your electrical panel every couple of years. This can ensure that everything works well, and you won’t have to worry about electrical hazards behind your wall. 

Don’t Avoid Electrical Panel Maintenance

If you haven’t done an inspection or regular maintenance for your electrical panel, you should contact a professional electrician to have the work done soon. Even if you haven’t noticed any problems with your power or electricity, regular electrical panel maintenance can help you avoid problems in the future. Ignoring proper maintenance will lead to more serious issues and costly repairs.

If you would like to find out more about electrical panel maintenance, call IPE Canada at 844-762-1057 or contact us here.

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