Fall means back to school and many home projects which have been put off all summer. When remodeling, upgrading appliances, or adding outdoor equipment or lighting, many people wonder if they need to upgrade their existing electrical panel.

Because the electrical panel is pretty much starting place of your home’s electricity, it is imperative yours is in a safe condition, and appropriate for the electrical usage of your home. But how do you know if you need a new panel, or you have another electrical issue in your home? Walter Electric has a cheat sheet to help determine if you need to upgrade your Electrical Panel.

5 signs you should have your panel inspected by a licensed electrician:

  1. My panel uses fuses and not circuit breakers. Fuses are not considered as safe as circuit breakers and may be a fire hazard.  Insurance companies do not like to insure homes with fuses in the panel.
  2. I am renovating my home and need more amperage and circuits than my current panel provides. If you know your current electrical service is 100 amperages and you need more, then yes, a new panel is a smart decision.  Overloading your existing electrical by adding a sub panel is only going to create headaches and unsafe conditions for your home.
  3. My home was built 40-50 years ago and I have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand panel. These panels are considered a hazard and should be replaced immediately. They contain breakers which do not trip, creating a major hazard for your home.
  4. My panel is very hot to the touch, rusty, and/or sometimes sparks/is burnt in some areas. All these are signs your panel probably has something wrong with it. A licensed electrical contractor can determine the reason your panel may be in this condition.
  5. If your panel does not contain AFCI’s or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters it is probably at least 20 years old. AFCI’s are now required by code, but were not 20 years ago. AFCI’s protect you from unsafe currents in your home and shut off electricity to the area it detects is unsafe.

If you are experiencing any of these issues with your panel, call a licensed electrician. A panel is one of your home’s most valuable and important assets.  It is important to work with an electrician you trust.  Walter Electric can help determine how to keep you home in the safest condition. Call 410-590-5959 or go to walterelectric.com for more information.