The average American home currently consumes approximately 24% more electricity than homes in 1978. This is primarily due to the increased number of appliances and electronics in the average home. If your home was built before the 1990s the increase in electrical demand may be unsafely overloading your electrical panel. This electrical overload can lead to serious malfunctions, damage, and risk of fire and you may be in need of an electric panel repair.
Signs You May Need an Electric Panel Repair if:
- Your electrical panel provides less than 200 amps
- the electrical panel contains screw-in fuses
- Fuses routinely blow
- A breaker trips during the use of multiple small or large appliances simultaneously
- Frequently flickering lights
- Use of multiple extension cords due to insufficient outlets
A damaged, or overloaded electrical panel is a fire hazard. Overloaded labels do not adequately protect your home and appliances from a large amount of electricity that is delivered to the average home. The risks associated with an outdated electrical panel are resolved with an electrical panel repair or upgrade.
Each electrical circuit is protected by a circuit breaker. However, in older homes, electric panels may use screw-in fuses rather than breakers. When a circuit is overloaded or shorts out, breakers are designed to turn off, cutting off the electrical current to the affected circuit. This prevents overheating, fire and potential shock. Older electrical panels are not equipped to respond in the same way, increasing the risk of shock and fire.
If you have countered flickering lights, blown fuses, tripped breakers, unexplained power outages, or switched and outlets that do not work in your home, contact your Sacramento electrician at 5 Star today to learn more about our panel upgrades and electrical repair services.
Likewise, if you are considering building an addition to your home or investing in some major remodeling, you will probably need to upgrade your home’s electrical service panel. While those new, energy-efficient electrical appliances are certainly worth the investment, if your Sacramento area home’s electrical system is not up to par, you could find yourself with some problems. Give us a call to get a free quote and consultation on your next panel upgrade.