At Southwest Florida Electric Inc., we’re a family-owned electrical contractor with over a decade of experience solving electrical issues throughout Fort Myers, FL and the surrounding area.
We’re fully licensed and insured and no job is too big or small for our experts to handle. When you hire us, you’ll never have to call another electrician again. We offer competitive prices and guarantee our work 100%.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel or circuit breaker is an automated switch that regulates power throughout your house and safeguards you from electrical hazards. The primary function of an electrical panel is to stop the flow of electricity in the event of a fault.
Modern electrical panels use breaker switches designed to trip or shut off the power if it overloads.
Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Now that you know the significant role your electrical panel plays in your home’s power system, it’s good to familiarize yourself with the signs that you may need an upgrade.
Here’s what to look for.
Your House is Old
Although your home’s age isn’t necessarily an indication that you have to upgrade your circuit breaker, it’s often a good indication of how old your electrical system is. Older electrical systems pose greater risks to your safety than newer systems, so if you’re unsure of your electrical panel’s age, call a certified electrician for an inspection.
You Don’t Have Enough Amps
Most new homes are built with electrical systems to supply 200 amps to handle the power needs of modern life. However, older homes built before the 1960s that haven’t been upgraded, don’t provide the necessary energy to meet today’s needs.
You Have a Fuse Box
If your electrical panel uses fuses instead of breakers, it’s needs updating. Most fuse boxes only have 2 to 4 available circuits for appliances, which isn’t nearly enough for today’s modern homes. In contrast, circuit breakers have up to 24 circuits available.
Another reason to ditch the fuse box and upgrade to circuit breakers is safety. Fuse boxes are obsolete technology and when you remove an old fuse, both ends of the electrical connection are exposed, putting you at risk of shock or electrocution.
Finally, in most cities, fuse boxes aren’t in compliance with building codes, and in many cases, it means the wiring isn’t up to code either. Not only is this a safety issue, but it will affect the resale value of your home.
Common Breaker Panel Issues
Your electrical panel has a lifespan, even if you aren’t seeing typical warning signs, like constantly tripping breakers or a switch that won’t reset. Check your circuit breaker regularly for signs it needs to be serviced or upgraded.
Your electrical panel may need service if your:
- Wires are hot to the touch or melted
- Breaker won’t trip
- Breakers are constantly tripping
- Lights flicker
- Fuses blow
You may need to install a new panel if you’re:
- Adding appliances
- Doing home renovations
- Installing electrical outlets
- Installing a 240-volt circuit
- Adding a sub-panel
- Living in a home built before 1990
- Required to upgrade by your insurance company
BREAKING PANELS?
Does it seem like no matter what you do, your breaker keeps tripping? Besides the wasted time tinkering around the electrical panel, you constantly feel on edge about overloading your system.
When too many appliances are plugged into the same circuit, it can become overheated, melting wires and evolving into a serious fire hazard.
Whatever your concern, your electrical panel can easily become in need of repair or replacement. Don’t ignore your circuit breaker issues. Assess your panel, with a certified electrician.
FULLY LICENCED & INSURED
You don’t want just anyone messing with your electrical panel; an uncertified, uninsured handyman can’t be held financially accountable for their mess-ups.
You need help from a fully licensed and trained electrician who can diagnose and fix your problem safely.
Our electricians must pass a written examination and go through local and national background checks. Not to mention, each must adhere to the latest electrical codes and standards.
We’re here to get the job done right the first time, saving you time and money.
Curious as to what sets our team at Southwest Florida Electric Inc. apart from any other electrician in the area? Explore our advantages.
