Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system, but you probably don’t think about it unless you’re looking for it in the dark to turn a circuit breaker back on. With it being so important, it requires quite a bit of care and maintenance. You don’t need to monitor it closely at all times, but you should keep these helpful tips in mind.
Check for Tripped Circuit Breakers Regularly
Circuit breakers trip and cut off power to overloaded circuits. This is an important safety feature that can prevent electrical fires and damage to your appliances. While the occasional circuit breaker trip isn’t cause for alarm, frequent trips could indicate that your electrical panel is outdated and needs an upgrade.
You’ll probably know right away if a tripped breaker cuts off power to a large part of your house, but check your electrical panel regularly for tripped breakers anyway. They’ll be easy to spot and simple to reset. If you notice frequent circuit breaker trips, call an electrician about upgrading your panel.
Keep Your Panel Clean
Dust and debris can damage the circuits and breakers in your electrical panel, so carefully clean it regularly. Turn off the main power before doing so, and then wipe everything down with a dry cloth.
Look for Signs of Damage and Corrosion
If you notice any signs of damage or corrosion in or around your electrical panel, call to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Look for things such as scorch marks, rust, or signs of moisture in and around your panel, and don’t try to repair or clean it yourself.
Avoid Overloading Your Circuits
Overloads can happen even in new homes with recently upgraded electrical systems. All it takes is to plug too many appliances or electronics into one outlet, and everything goes dark. Naturally, this puts a lot of strain on your system, so avoid it as much as possible by distributing appliances throughout your house. If you still have frequent overloads, consider upgrading your electrical panel.
Know the Signs of an Outdated Panel
Signs that you may need to upgrade your electrical panel include:
- Flickering lights
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- Burning smells near the electrical panel
- Visible corrosion and scorch marks near the panel
- Never having enough electrical outlets in your home
If you notice any of these signs or if your electrical panel is over 20 years old, you may be in need of an upgrade.
For more information about caring for your electrical panel or to schedule an electrical panel upgrade, call Pride of Tucson in Tucson, AZ today.