For homeowners around Lake Tahoe, ensuring the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system is crucial. A key component of this system is your circuit breaker box, which protects your home from electrical overloads and short circuits. But how do you know when it’s time for an electrical service panel change out? Here are the signs that it might be time to call a professional electrician:
- Frequent Trips: If your circuit breakers frequently trip, it’s a telltale sign that your current system may be overloaded. This is often due to the addition of new appliances or gadgets that exceed the panel’s capacity.
- Presence of Uninsurable Brands: Certain brands such as Challenger, Federal Pacific (specifically FPE Stab Lok panels), GTE Sylvania, and Zinsco are known for safety issues like overheating and fires. Many insurance companies refuse to cover homes with these panels, recognizing the heightened risk they pose.
- Age of the Panel: Circuit breaker panels typically have a lifespan of 25 to 40 years. If yours is approaching or has surpassed this range, it’s time to have it assessed by a licensed electrician.
- Burning Smell or Visible Damage: Any signs of burn marks, overheating, or a persistent burning smell coming from your panel are urgent reasons to consider an electrical service panel change out. These symptoms suggest potential fire hazards.
- Use of Fuses: If your current system uses fuses, it’s outdated. Modern circuit breakers provide a higher level of safety and convenience, as they are easier to reset and manage.
- Expansion Plans: Planning to renovate or add more rooms? Your current electrical panel may not have the capacity to handle additional electrical demands. Upgrade your breaker box to ensure that your home’s electrical system will support new appliances and fixtures.
If you notice any of these signs, call Korish Electric immediately at (916) 790-0077 to ensure your home meets all electrical safety standards and efficiency.
Call Korish Electric or visit our website to schedule an inspection or request an electrical service panel change out today.
[Call (916) 790-0077]