Electrical panels are responsible for dividing the electricity coming into a property and distributing it to relevant circuits throughout. If your electrical breaker box isn’t working, you won’t be able to access power anywhere in the property, so it’s important that they’re kept in top condition.
Call: (949) 415-4534
Furthermore, a faulty or old electrical panel can be a safety hazard. If faults aren’t rectified by a licensed electrician, they could lead to a fire or cause you to sustain electric shocks. Due to this, it’s important that electrical panels are well-maintained and upgraded when they are showing signs of wear and tear.
Does your electrical panel need upgrading?
Although electrical panels do have a decent lifespan, they can only be expected to last around 25-40 years. For properties constructed in 1995 or earlier, you’ll need to consider replacing your service panel relatively soon. Of course, not all electrical panels will last for as long as they should. If your service panel has been damaged or wasn’t properly installed, it may need to be replaced far sooner than you might expect.
Sometimes referred to as a breaker box, fuse box or distribution panel, your electrical panel is usually situated in your garage, basement or on the exterior of your property. If a fault occurs and too much power is present in a circuit, your breaker box should ‘trip’ so that power is curtailed. Although this can be inconvenient, it’s actually an important safety mechanism that can protect your property and its occupants.
If your electrical panels requires you to replace a fuse or fuse wire when it trips, then it’s not the latest model. In fact, these were only usually installed prior to 1960, so it’s certainly time for an upgrade! Newer fuse boxes feature circuit breakers, which means you can restore power simply by flicking a switch when a trip occurs. By changing from a fuse box to a circuit breaker, you can ensure that your panel is using the latest safety technology. In addition, you’ll find it far easier to turn the power back on if and when it trips.
Of course, there are other reasons for an electrical panel upgrade. Even if your existing panel is working well, you may want to arrange for an Orange County electrician to install a new breaker box if you want to increase the amount of power available in your property.
If you’re installing a new HVAC system and adding a considerable amount of electrical equipment, for example, the existing set up may not be sufficient. When you’re upgrading to 200-Amp, for example, an Orange County commercial electrician can undertake the necessary work.
Similarly, you may want to contact electricians in Orange County CA if you’re planning on moving your electrical panel to a new location. If your existing service panel is situated in the basement, you may want to move it to the exterior of your property so that it’s easier to access. Conversely, if you’re adding an extension to your property, you may need an Orange County licensed electrician to move your service panel from the exterior of the building to your garage or basement.
How do you know if an electrical panel is faulty?
A faulty service panel can present in various ways, so it’s important to keep a lookout for any abnormal electrical activity in the property. Flickering lights may not seem like a big problem, for example, but they could indicate than an electrical panel fix is needed. If lights flicker regularly, it normally indicates that your circuits are being overloaded by too much electricity, which could be a safety hazard.
Similarly, if you need to turn one appliance off before another will work, it’s likely that your circuits can cope with the amount of electricity you’re using. If so, installing a new breaker box or sub panel and upgrading to a higher amp could resolve the issue.
Ultimately, any abnormal electrical activity should be investigated by an Orange County licensed electrician. If you notice sparks in the outlet when you unplug something, plugs getting overheated or the fuse box tripping regularly, it’s important to access expert advice before further damage occurs.
How important is it to replace an electrical panel?
Maintaining the electrics in a property is one of the most important things you can do. Whether you’re managing a commercial building or maintaining your own home, ensuring the wiring is safe is critically important.
Failing to take action could put your life in danger, and it puts other people at risk too. If your lights are flickering, for example, it could be a sign that the circuit is overloaded. If a fuse doesn’t trip, this could lead to melted wires and electrical fires, so it’s essential that you take action quickly.
Whilst it might be tempting to try and investigate or resolve electrical issues yourself, this is something which should always be carried out by qualified and licensed electricians. Whether you’re moving a panel, planning a main electrical panel electrician breaker box installation or trying to decide between AFCI vs. GFCI breakers, it’s essential to get help from licensed professionals.
Furthermore, there are a range of regulations that prevent non-licensed individuals from carrying out electrical works. Even if you own the property, you could be breaking the law by trying to install, upgrade, fix or certify electrical installations yourself. As well as being highly dangerous, this type of activity could also invalidate your building insurance, so it’s always advisable to contact a licensed engineer instead.
If you’re concerned about electrical panel costs when it comes to replacing or upgrading a service panel, you needn’t be. At John Christopher Construction, we offer a wide range of electrical services and we’re committed to providing cost-effective electrical solutions to our clients.
To find out more about replacing your electrical panel or resolving electrical problems, why not get in touch? Simply contact John Christopher Construction on (949) 415-4534 and we’ll be happy to help.