Hudson Oaks, Tx
Breaker and Panel replacement
Homeowners in Hudson Oaks, Texas, should watch for several important indicators that their electric breaker or panel needs to be replaced. Being able to recognize them is critical for the safe operation of the home's electrical system.
Circuit Breakers Tripping Frequently: Many breakers will trip occasionally due to a temporary overload, such as the operation of both a vacuum cleaner and a hair dryer at the same time. But if circuit breakers in your home trip frequently without an unusual load, it could be a sign that the panel is overloaded and cannot handle the current electrical demand. This is seen often in older homes because they were not wired to handle the heavy electrical needs of modern life, such as computers, exercise equipment, and multiple televisions.
Age of the Panel: Electrical panels typically have a lifespan of 25 to 40 years. If your panel is somewhere near or beyond this range, you should definitely consider replacing it. Older panels may not meet current electrical codes, and the wear and tear of decades of use could make the connections or breakers weak and unsafe.
Burning Odor or Visible Damage: Anytime that you detect a burning smell coming from your electrical panel, you should call for help immediately. If the smell is strong enough or is accompanied by smoke or sparks, call the fire department and your electrical utility provider. If you see burned or melted wires, corrosion, or rust, there is cause for serious concern. These are clear indicators of serious problems that must be addressed right away for your family's safety.
Flickering or Dimming Lights: If the lights in your home flicker or "brown down", especially when a heavy appliance is in use, the system is struggling to supply enough power to everything and should be examined by a qualified electrician.
Use of Power Strips and Extension Cords: Occasional use of these devices is not a problem, but if you are relying on them for daily use, then you probably do not have enough receptacles in your home and should consider upgrading your panel to allow for expansion.
Breakers Tripping After Reset: If a breaker immediately kicks after you reset it, or if it does not restore power, the unit could be faulty. You may also have a larger problem in the panel that must be addressed.
No Room for Additional Circuits: If you need to add circuits for new appliances or the extra receptacles we mentioned above, your panel must have room for them. If it doesn't, that's a good reason to look into a panel replacement.
Unusual Sounds: Your electrical panel should be quiet. If you hear any type of buzzing or crackling sounds, there may be a loose connection that requires immediate attention and could require a new breaker or panel.
Panel Feels Hot: You also should not feel any heat on your panel. If you do, there may be overloaded circuits, malfunctioning breakers, or other problems that require professional attention.
Insurance Concerns: Your homeowners' insurance carrier may have concerns about your electrical panel. If your home includes an old fuse box or has a panel built by certain manufacturers that are known to be problematic, your insurance may require you to upgrade it.
If you notice any of these issues, you should contact a licensed electrician for a thorough evaluation of your entire electrical system to determine whether an upgrade is needed for your panel or breakers. Remember that electrical systems are very dangerous and should only be handled by qualified professionals. Any upgrades or replacements should also be done by a qualified contractor.