What Causes Electrical Panels To Fail?
There’s nothing quite like the peace of mind that comes with a well-functioning home. You know your electricity is working; all your electrical devices are at their peak, and you don’t worry about catastrophic failures because your circuit breakers protect your home.
But what happens when your electric panel fails? Unfortunately, electrical panels don’t last forever. And many people don’t take the time to inspect their electric system until it’s too late. It’s important to be aware of the signs that an electric panel has already failed or is on the verge of failure, so you can take appropriate steps to protect your home. In this post, we will go over some of the reasons why breaker panels stop working and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. Keep reading!
Common Reasons Why Electrical Panels Break Down
Here are the most common reasons electric panels stop working:
Old Age
Electric panels can fail simply because they are old. The average useful life of an electric panel is 20-30 years. If your home is older than that, it’s time for a certified electrician to look at your system.
Wear & Tear
Over time, the wires in your electric panel will become brittle or loosen, leading to poor electricity flow or even a complete electrical failure.
Overcharge
If too many devices are plugged into one circuit, it will cause a voltage drop which can trip the breaker or even cause a fire. Plugging appliances that require higher voltage into a lower voltage outlet will also burn your panel.
Poor Grounding
Grounding is what protects your home from an electric shock. If your electric panel is not grounded correctly, it can cause many problems, including electric shocks, electrocution, and even fires.
Improper Installation
Several electricians boast of doing a “good” and a faster job at a lower price; however, this results in inferior workmanship or illegal connections, which are dangerous for your home.
How Can you Prevent Electrical Panel Failures?
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent your electric panel from failing:
Inspect your electric system regularly:
Hire a certified electrician to make an electric system inspection every few years and ensure everything is in good working order.
Don’t overload your circuits:
Be mindful of how many devices are plugged into each circuit. If you need to, invest in additional outlets or a new electric panel to prevent overloading.
Be careful with extension cords:
Extension cords are not permanent solutions; they are not properly grounded and can damage your appliances. Adding more outlets is best, so you don’t have to use extension cords too often.
Never DIY:
It’s never a good idea to fix your electric panel yourself. Electricity is unpredictable and dangerous, so leave the job to the professionals. Don’t take any risks regarding your electric panel; remember that only certified electricians should perform all electrical services in Lebanon, OR.
Contact The Most Qualified Professionals in Lebanon, OR
At Hill Electrical Construction, we pride ourselves on delivering the best electrical services in Lebanon, OR. All our electricians are certified and experienced in working with the highest quality standards and legal regulations. We offer a wide range of electrical services, including electric system inspections and panel replacement, so you can rest assured your home is in good hands.
We will work in your home as if it were ours, always taking care of our belongings and ensuring your family’s safety. We understand that an electric panel failure can be a scary experience, but with our experienced professionals, there is nothing to worry about. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation!
Your circuit panel plays an important role in your electrical system. It’s mainly responsible for electricity distribution throughout the building or house by connecting different circuit breakers. It is also the main shut-off point in an electrical emergency. This is why it is important to ensure that your circuit panel is up-to-date and can handle the current load.