Category: Electrical Panels

Signs Electrical Panel Replacement Is Needed

Periodic updates and renovations are a requirement for homeownership. Since the home likely represents the greatest asset for a family, it is necessary to protect its value by investing in it. When it comes to renovations, most people focus on cosmetics and functionality. This avoids the costly investment in things like electrical repairs to the detriment of the home. Before considering any home improvement projects, check if the current electrical panel is right for the home. 

An electrical panel is crucial for distributing electricity throughout homes safely and efficiently. Over time, these panels can become outdated or develop issues requiring replacement. Recognizing the signs that electrical panels need replacing can help prevent potential hazards and ensure the home’s electrical system operates smoothly. Here are some key indicators that it might be time for an electrical panel upgrade.

The Home Is Still Operating With a Fuse Box

If a home still operates with a fuse box, it’s a clear sign that it needs a new electrical panel. Fuse boxes are outdated technology and homes with them desperately need modernization. They can create safety hazards, such as the risk of electrical fires due to overloaded circuits. Unlike circuit breakers, which need to reset when they trip, a blown fuse must be manually replaced, which can be inconvenient and costly. Upgrading to a modern electrical panel with circuit breakers enhances safety and improves the reliability of a home’s electrical system.

Corrosion or Old Age Cause Problems

Electrical panels that are old or showing signs of rust and corrosion must be replaced. Corrosion inside the electrical panel can compromise the integrity of the electrical connections, leading to potential safety hazards such as short circuits or electrical fires. Additionally, aged panels may not meet current safety standards or be capable of handling the electrical load of modern appliances and devices. Replacing an outdated or corroded panel with a new one ensures that a home’s electrical system is safe, efficient, and up to code.

Owners should make an effort to know how old their electrical panel is. This can be done easily by looking for a stamped or printed date inside the panel door. If the panel is over 20 years old, wear and tear can take their toll, and corrosion will likely occur. Updating the electrical panel can remove all potential threats and provide clean, reliable power. 

Circuit Breakers Are Tripping Often

Frequent tripping of circuit breakers is a strong indication that an electrical panel may be insufficient for a home’s electrical needs. Circuit breakers are designed to trip and cut off power to prevent overheating and potential fires when the circuit overloads. If this happens regularly, it could mean that the current electrical panel cannot handle the demand placed on it by modern appliances and electronics. An upgrade to a higher-capacity electrical panel can provide the necessary power distribution, reduce the frequency of tripped breakers, and improve the overall safety and functionality of a home’s electrical system.

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. provides electrical services, including electrical panel replacement and generator installation. Their technicians are qualified to work on residential and commercial projects, and they provide guaranteed satisfaction. Call today for electrical service in Fort Myers, FL. 

Ways to Tell if an Electrical Panel Needs Professional Help

If homeowners have never had to think about their home’s electrical panel, they are not alone. Most homeowners don’t have to worry about this part of their home’s electrical system often because they are meant to last a long time, around 25 to 40 years. But if homeowners notice the following scenarios, it’s time to have a professional inspect the electrical panel and perform the necessary repairs or replacements.

Lights That Dim or Flicker When an Appliance is Used

When homeowners encounter dim or flickering lights, the most common conclusion is that the lightbulb needs to be replaced. While this may be the case in some instances, there are times when the light bulb isn’t the real culprit, especially if the lights that flicker or dim in the house only happen when an appliance or device is plugged in or used.

In such instances, homeowners should call an electrician to conduct an electrical panel inspection since lights shouldn’t be affected by something as simple as plugging in or using an appliance. Upon inspection, a technician may recommend repairing or replacing the panel since flickering or dim lights may indicate that too much power is being drawn from the circuit and it can no longer supply the needed power.

A Burning Smell 

The smell of something burning is never a good sign, especially if it comes from the electrical panel, and should never be ignored. This odor can indicate overheating components that can lead to an electrical fire if left unchecked. An overloaded circuit or loose wiring connection could be the culprit behind this burning smell, so homeowners must immediately call an electrician. 

If the burning smell reeks, particularly of burnt plastic or wood, it could be a sign that the plastic wire coating is melting, or the issue could be behind the walls. It’s essential to take action before an electrical fire can occur. Electricians can inspect the electrical panel and wiring and ensure it’s repaired correctly to prevent a catastrophic event.

An Old or Outdated Electrical Panel 

Electrical panels typically last 25 to 40 years, depending on how they are maintained and the quality of their construction. Over time, components can become corroded or outdated, making them less efficient and more prone to breaking down. Eventually, they will need to be replaced to ensure the safety and efficiency of the electrical system. If homeowners are unsure of how old their panel is, it’s always best to get it checked by an electrician who can determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Some homeowners, especially those who have just bought or inherited an old home, need to check if the electrical panel on the house they are moving into is working well, when it was replaced last, and if it’s due for a repair or replacement. Doing this helps ensure that the home they move into is safe, giving them peace of mind that they are unlikely to encounter an electrical panel problem once they’ve settled into their new home.

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Fort Myers and the surrounding areas since 2010. They provide upfront pricing, on-time arrivals, and the latest technology. Call them today for electrical panel repair or replacement in Fort Myers, FL.

Breaker Panel Installation, Service or Replacement

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. Your circuit breaker panel should be checked regularly for signs it’s time for service or replacement.

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

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Breaking Panels?

Does it seems like no matter what you do, your breaker keeps tripping. Besides the wasted time tinkering around the electrical panel, you feel constantly 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 diagnosis 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 apart from any other electrician in the area? Explore our advantages.

Need an electric panel assessment, repair or replacement? Fill out the form or call us!

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Call Us: (239) 745-5020

When Does an Electrical Panel Need Help?

Electrical panels are often forgotten about because homeowners do not have to think about them unless there is a problem. However, this does not mean that these panels do not need regular maintenance and routine checks. An electrical panel repair is necessary once it stops working since this panel controls the electricity in a home. It is best to look for an expert electrician who has experience working with electrical panels than to try and fix it without additional help.

However, knowing when to call is also key. Homeowners should be on the lookout for the following signs; flickering lights, a burning chemical smell, overall old age, and a lack of maintenance.

Flickering and Dull Lights

The lights of an electrical panel should be vibrant and bright. If the light is not vibrant or does not stay on for long, there could be a problem with either the electrical panel or the lightbulbs that control the lights.

Experts recommend first trying to see if the lightbulb is the problem. These small light bulbs are easy to find in general hardware stores and only take a few minutes to replace and install. If the small lights stop flickering and work, the job is complete. However, flickering or dull lights can sometimes signify an open circuit using too much energy.

Burning Chemical Smell

There should never be a burning chemical smell coming from the electrical panel or any electrical line. This is a sign that something is wrong, and homeowners should immediately turn off their lights and unplug outlets. Residents and homeowners should call technicians to solve the problem as soon as possible.

If there is a burning smell, it is usually because the system is overworking and overheating. This is a big problem since the burning smell comes from the electrical panel connected to the rest of the home’s electricity. This is dangerous as just one spark can cause a large fire in a home! It can also cause a short circuit to all outlets, meaning anything plugged in is in danger of frying.

Old Age and Low Maintenance

Electric panels work for a maximum of 30 to 40 years before declining. Wear and tear, age, and a lack of maintenance can decrease the system’s life expectancy. As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your electrical panel. This includes making sure the panel is clean, free of debris, and functioning properly.

Dust and dirt can build up on the panel, which can cause it to overheat and malfunction. Once a month, use a damp cloth to wipe down the panel. Check for signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks, rust, or other damage that could cause problems. If you see any damage, have a professional check it out as soon as possible. Check the panel for loose connections. Over time, connections can become loose, which can cause problems.

Proper maintenance checks can help extend the lifespan of the electrical panel and help catch problems before they occur or worsen. Call a professional about the electrical panel if any of the signs above are noticed.

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving Fort Myers, FL, and the surrounding areas since 2010. They provide upfront pricing, exceptional customer service, and are fully licensed and insured. Call them today for electrical services in Fort Myers, FL.

What kind of electrical panel do you have? If you’re like most homeowners, you aren’t even sure!

But we’ll let you in on a little secret: if your home was built before 1990, you may have an outdated electrical panel. 

Electrical panels are specifically designed with safety in mind. They prevent too much power from flowing to the same area at once and overheating or causing a fire. But many panels installed before 1990 were recalled for their potential safety hazards.

Unfortunately, some homeowners didn’t get the memo and failed to replace their service panels— living with dangerous electrical risks or unintentionally passing the problem onto new home buyers. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common outdated electrical panels and why they can put you and your family in danger if not replaced:

RECALLED: Federal Pacific Electric Service Panels

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels were very common in homes for over 30 years, until about 1980. Unfortunately, they don’t trip when they’re supposed to, and instead of short-circuiting, can cause fires. And even when the circuit is turned off, power may still be flowing to it, which can cause electrocution. 

If you have this type of panel, it’s fairly easy to spot, as it will likely say, “Federal Pacific Electric” on the front. You can also check inside for the circuit breaker brand label, “Stab-Loc.”

RECALLED: Zinsco Service Panels

If your home was built in the 70s, it may have a Zinsco panel. The circuit breakers in these panels would melt to the bus bar, making it impossible for the circuit to trip. As such, a short or a power surge could melt the wires, causing them to burn. 

If your electrical panel says “Zinsco,” that’s a sure sign that it should be replaced. However, many Zinsco panels were rebranded as Sylvania or GTE-Sylvania panels, which can be just as dangerous. If you have one of these two logos on your panel, have an electrician inspect it.

OUTDATED: Split-Bus

While the first two outdated electrical panels were specific brands, these next two are general designs. Unfortunately, that means you can’t identify them from a logo, and you’ll have to look a little harder. 

Split-bus electrical panels aren’t unsafe in and of themselves, but the design has since been replaced and hasn’t been used in 40 years. That means if you have one, it’s well past its expected lifespan and could cause a variety of problems. 

To see if yours is a split-bus panel, look to see if the breakers are divided into two groups. Modern single bus panels have a single disconnect breaker, but split-bus panels don’t. If you see two groups of breakers and no single disconnect, you may have a split-bus and should look into having it replaced with a newer electrical panel.

OUTDATED: Fuse Box

Fuse boxes were the precursors to the modern circuit breaker. If you have one of these, you probably know it. With a circuit breaker, you can just reset after an overload by flipping a switch. However, if you have too much power on a single fuse, the fuse blows and must be replaced. 

Again, these aren’t inherently dangerous, but replacing fuses, in addition to being a costly hassle, can lead to other problems. First of all, fuse boxes typically have fewer fuses than circuit breakers have circuits. This makes it easier to overload them, and makes replacements more frequent. And if you take steps to reduce blowouts, by replacing the fuse with a bigger one, or by simply putting a coin or other piece of metal in the slot where the fuse was, you can inadvertently create a fire hazard.

Do You Have One of these Old Electrical Panels?

If you find or suspect that you have an outdated electrical panel, call an electrician. They can inspect it and advise you on which current models are the safest and most efficient. 

But it’s important to get a replacement as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to have an incident. Safety first!

Even if you don’t have one of these outdated service panels, there are a number of other reasons why it may be wise to install a new one. Check out our other article 8 Reasons it’s Probably Time to Install a New Electrical Panel. 

Download Your Very Own Electrical Toolkit

Unfortunately, replacing an electrical panel isn’t something you should do without deep electrical experience and certifications. That’s a job for your local electrician! Not only is this for your own safety to avoid electrocution, but you want to make sure the job is done right to avoid electrical issues in the future.

Want to see if your service panel needs replacement? Explore our Electric Services or give us a call at (239) 307-0716, today. 

If you like to do things yourself, you’ll love The Homeowner’s Easy Electrical Maintenance Toolkit. Our free guide is packed with 13 pages of tips for performing other popular electrical projects all on your own.

In the workforce alone, 300 deaths and 4,000 injuries occur from electrocution in the U.S. annually. Hundreds of “everyday” Americans suffer from electrical accidents each year too.

Do you know if your home’s outlets are safe? Save your family from fatal electrical shocks or fires by educating yourself on the receptacles and breakers you use every day.

We’re here to get you familiar with your systems for better protection:

What is GFCI?

GFCI stands for “ground fault circuit interrupter,” sometimes abbreviated as GFI, and is designed to protect you from fatal electrocution from current traveling through your outlets as the result of a ground fault.

Once your device is plugged in, it works by monitoring the amount of power surging through device. If you are blow drying your hair and accidentally drop the appliance into a wet sink, the GFCI detects an interruption in current and can quickly cut power to the outlet.

Much like running too many devices at a time can overload or “trip” your circuit breaker, GFCI offers a form of protection to immediately cut the flow of electricity when you could be in danger or fatal electrocution.

GFCI comes in the form of a receptacle or a breaker, which we’ll break down below”

GFCI Outlet/Receptacle vs. GFCI Breaker

First off, it’s important to note that The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires GFCI compliant receptacles and breakers to be installed in areas with a high potential of water splash like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, outdoor wall plugs and garages.

You can tell a GFCI receptacle apart from a regular, unprotected receptacle by looking for the two “Reset” and “Test” buttons in the center of the outlet. If you break the circuit, these buttons can be pressed in to reset the power to the outlet, without having to worry about going to a breaker to do so.

GFCI receptacles can be wired in two different ways: single-location or multiple-location. Multiple-location wiring will protect your first GFCI outlet and everyone downstream of it, however, it doesn’t protect the circuit between itself and the service panel.

GFCI breaker boxes, AKA service panels, can be installed to add GFCI protection to your entire circuit.

Receptacle or Breaker: What’s Best for Me?

GFCI breakers are often beneficial for those with outlets behind furniture or in difficult to reach spots, as NEC requires that GFCI receptacles are installed in readily accessible locations to ensure it’s easy to reset. They could also be a good choice for those who don’t have wide cavities between their walls, as GFCI receptacles require much more depth to nest in your wall than a standard one.

Receptacles, on the other hand, could be ideal for a homeowner who only needs two or three GFCI compliant outlets, say for your bedroom, bathroom and laundry room. Not only are they cheaper than a box, but they can be more convenient for those not familiar with using a service panel.

What is AFCI?

AFCI stands for “arc fault circuit interrupters” and interrupts the current from an arc fault, not a ground fault like GFCI.

Simply put, GFCI breakers and receptacles protect you from electric shock if a device is energized, while AFCI protects your circuit wiring from arcing faults which could trigger an electrical fire.

Just like GFCIs, they come in the form of outlets or circuit breakers and are required by the NEC.

What is an Arc Fault?

An arc fault is a discharge of electricity which causes an intense amount of heat, sometimes hot enough to burn the insulation around wires and cause an electrical fire. Loose or corroded wires could cause the initial sparking or an external force such as a tree falling and damaging connections.

Both GFCI and AFCI Can Work in Tandem

GFCIs are put in place to protect against electrical shock, while AFCIs are designed to guard against fire.

For this reason, both systems can work hand-in-hand to ensure your circuits and breakers are protected— and should be used in tandem.

Do you have GFCI and AFCI systems setup in your home?

Our team of electricians can help you determine whether receptacles or breakers are best for you. Contact us today for a consultation or in-home walk-through.