Common Issues with Electrical Panels

Why Should You Care About Your Electrical Panel?

Think of your electrical panel as the brain of your home’s electrical system. It takes the electricity coming from your utility provider and routes it to where it’s needed: the outlets, lights, and appliances you use daily. But like any hard-working brain, it can run into trouble over time.

Common issues with electrical panels can lead to flickering lights, overloaded circuits, or even electrical fires. Nobody wants that, right? And the thing is, these issues don’t fix themselves.

Common Problems That Deserve Attention

Overloaded Circuits: The Panel Can’t Keep Up

Ever plug in your hair dryer only to have the breaker trip? That’s your electrical panel screaming, "Enough is enough!" Overloaded circuits happen when your panel can’t handle the electrical demand, often due to outdated systems in older homes.

Many homes in Southern Indiana still rely on panels designed decades ago when we didn’t have today’s energy-guzzling devices. If your panel hasn’t been updated in a while, it might be time to call an electrician near me to assess its capacity.

Outdated Panels: A Hidden Risk

Did you know some older panels, like Federal Pacific Electric or Zinsco brands, have been flagged for safety concerns? These panels are notorious for failing to trip breakers during overloads, a scenario that could lead to overheating or even fires.

If your home was built before the 1980s, check your panel brand. And if it’s one of the usual suspects, you’ll want a professional electrician to replace it sooner rather than later.

Tripped Breakers: A Sign of Deeper Issues

A tripped breaker here and there is no big deal, it’s what they’re supposed to do. But if you find yourself resetting breakers more often than you’d like, it could be a sign of underlying problems like faulty wiring or circuit overloads.

When Small Issues Lead to Big Problems

Here’s a scenario for you: a homeowner notices their lights flickering when they run the microwave. It’s annoying, but they shrug it off. Months later, they find scorched wires behind their panel. What happened?

Small issues like flickering lights or mild buzzing sounds can be warning signs of more significant problems, like loose connections or damaged wiring. Ignoring them is like ignoring the check engine light in your car, it’s only a matter of time before things escalate.

What Can You Do About It?

1. Schedule Regular Inspections

The easiest way to prevent electrical panel issues is to have a licensed electrician check your system every few years. An experienced professional from Get Wired Electric LLC can identify potential problems early and recommend solutions.

2. Upgrade When Necessary

If your panel is outdated or struggling to keep up with your home’s electrical demand, upgrading is a no-brainer. Modern panels are safer, more efficient, and better suited for today’s energy needs.

3. Know the Warning Signs

Be on the lookout for these red flags:

• Frequent breaker trips

• A burning smell near the panel

• Rust or corrosion on the panel box

• Unexplained buzzing noises

If you spot any of these, don’t wait. Call a trusted electrician near you to take a closer look.

Trust the Experts at Get Wired Electric LLC

At Get Wired Electric LLC, we know that your home’s electrical safety is non-negotiable. Serving Southern Indiana, our team specializes in everything from routine inspections to complete panel upgrades.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor hiccup or a major malfunction, we’re just a call away. And here’s the best part: we’ll treat your home like it’s our own.

See More Posts