Many households have outgrown their old electrical panel. In older homes the existing panel may be worn-out, damaged, or insufficient to handle today’s power needs. In these cases, electrical panel replacement makes the best long-term solution for safety and performance.
Electrical panel replacement should always be performed by a qualified electrician. The process can be done in about a day, and afterward you can enjoy decades of reliable power with fewer interruptions and repairs.
We recently performed a complete electrical panel replacement for a home in Santa Rosa after discovering numerous safety problems and code violations. See what happens:
Warning Signs of Major Electrical Issues
Electrical panels should work effectively more than 99% of the time. It’s time for an inspection and possibly an electrical panel replacement if you begin noticing these bad omens:
- Signs of bad wiring — frequently tripping breakers or blown fuses, overheating or sparking, flickering lights, burning smells.
- You have an old fuse box rather than circuit breakers.
- Insufficient power — resetting a tripped breaker or replacing a fuse works briefly, but the circuit fails again soon after.
- Weather and age — it’s been more than a few decades since the last electrical panel replacement, and the equipment appears damaged or overused.
- Breakers trip or fuses blow — especially if this happens more often than in the past.
- Overheating or sparking — if you feel heat or slight shocks when touching appliances and outlets.
Potential Code Violations & Unsafe Conditions
Even if your electrical system appears to be running normally, you should consider an immediate electrical panel replacement if an inspection reveals any of these code violations or dangerous conditions, which can lead to house fires, lethal injuries, broken appliances, and major system damage:
- Improper grounding
- Overloaded circuits
- Improperly spliced circuits
- Rust and water damage
- Wrong type or size for the location
- Insufficient breaker size for HVAC and major appliances
- Oversized breakers to dangerously avoid tripping
Electrical Panel Replacement or Repairs?
Some electrical issues can be fixed by replacing outlets or upgrading the wiring on one particular circuit. If the panel is still in good shape and you only have electrical problems in one part of the house, you likely need repairs rather than a full replacement.
Electrical panel replacement eventually becomes necessary for all homes. Aging parts and weathering lead to breakdowns eventually. The risk of fires and service problems increase over time. Outdoor panels often age faster because of extreme temperatures and moisture.
You may have several options, including smaller repairs or subpanel additions. But if your electrical shows signs of trouble, it’s important to consult with a licensed electrician to determine your next step.
Hiring a Professional Electrician for Electrical Panel Upgrades
Ask an electrician to inspect your electrical panel for potential violations and safety problems — especially if you have been experiencing warning signs of electrical problems more frequently.
A complete electrical panel replacement can prevent future repairs and accidents. A new panel can also ensure that your home will have ample power in every room for perhaps the next 50 years or longer.
We provide electrical panel replacement and service for homes throughout the Sonoma and Marin County area. If you’re looking for fast and friendly service from an electrician who knows how to get the job done right the first time, give us a call today.
