What to Know About Common Breaker Box Problems

There are a number of things that can go wrong with your home electrical panel, so it’s important to have a basic understanding of some of the most common electrical issues so you can decide whether you’ll need to perform some breaker box troubleshooting in Forsyth County, GA or call in a professional for assistance.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the most common issues you’re likely to experience with your electrical panel.

Insufficient capacity

All electrical panels have a maximum capacity for their ability to handle electricity. If the panel does not have sufficient electrical capacity for the needs of your home, you’ll have noticeable issues such as power surges or flickering lights.

In addition, a panel that’s too small for the home will tend to be warm to the touch, or warm up the surrounding area. You’ll also be more likely to experience regular circuit breaker trips. If you have the same breaker tripping on a regular basis or experience any of the other aforementioned issues, you should have an electrician come in, analyze the system and determine if you need an upgrade.

Overcrowding in the panel

If your home was built before the 1990s, you’ll most likely have a 100-amp service panel, rather than the more modern 200-amp panel. Simply put, 100 amps is no longer enough for most people’s power needs. These types of breaker boxes are also at risk of overcrowding, with crossed or tangled wires or double-tapped breakers. If your box looks messy or overcrowded, it may be time to make an upgrade.

Physical damage

There are some circumstances in which you might spot physical damage to the breaker box, especially if the box has been exposed to water in the past. Look for signs of corrosion or water damage in the service panel.

Even if there’s not a source of water (like a sink or a potential leaking pipe) that could put your electrical panel at risk, even exposure to humidity can result in corrosion over an extended period of time. For this reason, it’s important to constantly run dehumidifiers in your basement or wherever your panel is located if you know humidity is a problem. In addition, an opening that’s too large or not properly sealed where the electrical line enters the home can allow rainwater and moisture inside, where it can then get down to the service panel.

Never attempt to correct any physical damage yourself. Always bring in an experienced professional to handle a water-damaged or corroded panel.

Age

Even if you aren’t having any immediate problems with your circuit breaker box, the age of your electrical panel might lead you to consider an upgrade. This is especially true if you’re planning on selling the home sometime soon. An outdated electrical panel could reduce the value of your home, so upgrading it can be an effective way to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

For more information about common fuse box issues in Forsyth County, GA and what to do about them, contact Duke Electric Co. to speak with a qualified electrician.

Categorised in: Home Electrical

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