Electrical panels are the heart of a home's power system. They distribute electricity to outlets, switches, and light fixtures throughout the house. When an electrical panel is functioning properly, it will maintain consistent voltage levels at all times. But when these levels fluctuate or drop below acceptable limits, they may indicate something wrong with your electrical panel. The following five signs can help you determine whether or not you need an electric panel replacement.

1. Your Breaker Trips Too Often

If your electrical panel has a lot of “open” or loose connections, it may be too old and no longer functioning properly. When this happens, the wires within your electrical panel can become overheated and start a fire. To prevent this from happening, contact an electrician to inspect the wiring inside your home's main breaker box and electrical panel. If you find that your breaker is tripping too often, it may indicate a problem with the wiring and an unsafe environment inside your home's breaker box.

2. Power Fluctuations

If you notice that the power in your home fluctuates too much, it could be a sign of a larger issue. A power surge can do serious damage to electrical appliances, especially those that are plugged in. It can also indicate a faulty breaker or incorrect wiring inside your electrical panel. When this happens, it is usually accompanied by a popping noise and the smell of burnt rubber. In most cases, you should have an electrician inspect your home's circuit breakers and electrical panels as soon as possible.

3. Old Age

According to Hedgehog Electric and Solar, panels can last up to 25 years and are generally not altered unless needed. If your main breaker box is approaching the age limit, it may cause serious problems in your home. For instance, an older electrical panel that needs to be replaced may not provide enough power for new appliances. An old breaker box can also short circuit and start a fire in some cases.

4. Worn Out

If the wires in your electrical panel are severely worn, you should have them replaced. When wires begin to fray and break apart, they expose their copper cores, which can start a fire. Over time, frayed wires wear out and need to be replaced for safety reasons.

5. There Are Sparks in Your Electrical Panel

Sparks in your electrical box can damage the wires and create a fire hazard. When this happens, you need to have an electrical service technician inspect your main breaker box and electrical panel to identify the problem.

Need Electric Panel Replacement

If any of these problems occur, it is best to contact an electrician as soon as possible to inspect your electrical box. Whether your home's main breaker box and electrical panel need an upgrade or replacement, our professional electricians can help.