In an ideal world, you would only have to install an electrical panel
once and never have to think about it again. Reality is quite different
and the truth is you will have to upgrade or replace your home
electrical panel. A staggering number of fires in the US are caused by
electrical issues. If you aren’t sure whether or not you need a St. Charles IL electrical upgrade, below are a few good signs that you should attend to it as soon as possible.
Too Many Extension Cords
One or two electrical cords for your appliances are reasonable but if you have more than that, you should think about getting more electricity outlets and/or upgrading your electrical panel. There is a good reason why electrical wires go in the wall. For one, extension cords are a tripping hazard. More than that, these exposed wires are prone to pinching, kinking and shorting, all of which are potential electric fires waiting to happen. Consider calling in a certified electrician for an assessment and upgrade before buying yet another extension cord.
Older Home
Vintage or retro homes have their charm but the same cannot be said for their electrical panels. In the past, the limited number of electrical appliances meant that a 60-amp panel was more than enough. Today, you need anywhere from 100 to 200-amps panel to power all your appliances on a day to day. if you are sure that the electrical panel is the original one that came with the home – it is definitely time for an upgrade. If you are unsure, there are a few signs that indicate you have an older panel;
• Old, dirty, corroded or melted panel
• Lights flicker on and off for no apparent reason
• Appliances don’t seem to be powering as they should
• You need multiple trip breakers to protect your appliances
• Panel has no cutoff in case of an overload.
Breakers Trip Too Often
Breakers trip because of an electric overflow or because of inconsistent electric current. A breaker tripping once in a blue moon is not a cause for alarm but if this is a regular occurrence, you might have a fire hazard on your hands. If you are frequently fiddling with the breaker box, there is a good chance that the electrical panel cannot withstand the current electrical draw. A Geneva, IL electric upgrade should solve this problem very quickly.
You Don’t Have Circuit Breakers
Adding on to the previous point, if you don’t have circuit breakers, it is definitely time to upgrade the electrical panel. Older homes use fuses rather than breakers. Although both perform the same function, they are not the same. Breakers trip while fuses short-circuit, burn, low or melt in the vent of an overload. Some insurance companies shy away from fuse-based homes. If this is the case, you have no choice but to upgrade the electrical panel.
If one or more of these symptoms sound familiar, you may need to call in a Batavia, IL light and electrical professional. The cost of upgrading your wiring or panel is insignificant compared to the potential risk of leaving things as they are currently.
For more information visit our website: www.vonselectric.com.
Too Many Extension Cords
One or two electrical cords for your appliances are reasonable but if you have more than that, you should think about getting more electricity outlets and/or upgrading your electrical panel. There is a good reason why electrical wires go in the wall. For one, extension cords are a tripping hazard. More than that, these exposed wires are prone to pinching, kinking and shorting, all of which are potential electric fires waiting to happen. Consider calling in a certified electrician for an assessment and upgrade before buying yet another extension cord.
Older Home
Vintage or retro homes have their charm but the same cannot be said for their electrical panels. In the past, the limited number of electrical appliances meant that a 60-amp panel was more than enough. Today, you need anywhere from 100 to 200-amps panel to power all your appliances on a day to day. if you are sure that the electrical panel is the original one that came with the home – it is definitely time for an upgrade. If you are unsure, there are a few signs that indicate you have an older panel;
• Old, dirty, corroded or melted panel
• Lights flicker on and off for no apparent reason
• Appliances don’t seem to be powering as they should
• You need multiple trip breakers to protect your appliances
• Panel has no cutoff in case of an overload.
Breakers Trip Too Often
Breakers trip because of an electric overflow or because of inconsistent electric current. A breaker tripping once in a blue moon is not a cause for alarm but if this is a regular occurrence, you might have a fire hazard on your hands. If you are frequently fiddling with the breaker box, there is a good chance that the electrical panel cannot withstand the current electrical draw. A Geneva, IL electric upgrade should solve this problem very quickly.
You Don’t Have Circuit Breakers
Adding on to the previous point, if you don’t have circuit breakers, it is definitely time to upgrade the electrical panel. Older homes use fuses rather than breakers. Although both perform the same function, they are not the same. Breakers trip while fuses short-circuit, burn, low or melt in the vent of an overload. Some insurance companies shy away from fuse-based homes. If this is the case, you have no choice but to upgrade the electrical panel.
If one or more of these symptoms sound familiar, you may need to call in a Batavia, IL light and electrical professional. The cost of upgrading your wiring or panel is insignificant compared to the potential risk of leaving things as they are currently.
For more information visit our website: www.vonselectric.com.
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