Maintain The Power: When To Replace Your Current Electrical Panel

If you're like most homeowners, your electrical system is a bit of a mystery to you. In fact, you might not give your electrical system much thought until there's a problem.

However, some electrical problems are difficult to identify. For instance, you might not be able to recognize issues involving your electrical panel. Unfortunately, these problems can lead to devastating consequences, especially those involving overloads.

One way to protect your home against electrical hazards is to upgrade your current electrical panel. Here are four ways to tell if you need to have a new electrical panel installed. 

You're Experiencing Power Surges

If you've ever experienced a power surge, you know how disconcerting they can be, especially once the lights start flickering. If you're experiencing frequent power surges, contact a licensed electrician as soon as possible.

Flickering lights and loss of power to small appliances are often a sign that there's a problem between the electrical wiring and the main electrical panel. In most cases, replacing the current electrical panel will alleviate the power surges. 

You're Adding on to Your Home

If you're adding a room onto your home, use the opportunity to have a new electrical panel installed in your home. Your current electrical panel may be able to generate enough power for your current home size, but that might not be the case once you add another room on to it.

To prevent electrical issues with your home once your new room is built, install an upgraded electrical panel during the construction phase. 

You're Starting a Home-based Business

If you're going to be starting a home-based business, begin with a new electrical panel. This is a particularly important step if your new business will require the use of electrical equipment.

The added draw off the power could result in serious problems for your home. Not only that, but you might find that the outdated electrical panel causes you to lose power to your equipment on a regular basis. Ensure that you have sufficient power for your home-based business by installing a new electrical panel. 

Your Current Panel has Aged-Out

If you own an older home, and you've started replacing key components, add a new electrical panel to the list, especially if you're going to be installing new wiring. Older electrical panels aren't up-to-code with current safety standards, which means they can put homeowners at risk for things like electrical fires. One way to reduce the risk is to install a new electrical panel before you're faced with an emergency situation.

For more information about having a new electrical panel installed, contact a company such as Cole Electric Inc.