Your home’s electrical panel, commonly referred to as a breaker box, is the heart of your electrical system. It is responsible for distributing electricity throughout your home and protecting your home from electrical overloads. Without regular maintenance, your electrical panel can become a serious safety hazard, leading to power outages or worse, electrical fires. Regular maintenance ensures that your system runs efficiently and safely, giving you peace of mind.
In this blog, Raleigh electricians will walk you through some basic tips for maintaining your electrical panel. We will also discuss why it is important to hire a licensed electrician when necessary.
1. Understand the basics of your electrical panel.
Before delving into electrical panel maintenance, it is important to understand the role of the electrical panel. The panel contains circuit breakers that are responsible for managing the flow of electricity in your home. Each breaker corresponds to a specific zone or appliance. When too much power flows through the circuit, the breaker will “trip” to prevent overheating, which can cause fires.
Knowing the layout of your electrical panel is the first step toward practicing effective maintenance procedures. It’s a good idea to label each breaker to make sure you know which zone it controls in your home.
2. Check regularly for tripped circuit breakers.
One of the most common problems homeowners face is a tripped circuit breaker. If an electrical circuit becomes overloaded, the circuit breaker will automatically trip. If this happens frequently, it could indicate a more serious problem, such as:
Old wiringOverloaded circuitsFaulty appliances
It is important to check for any frequent power outages. While resetting a faulty circuit breaker is easy, frequent power outages may mean you need to upgrade your electrical panel or hire an electrician to do an inspection.
3. Keep the control panel clean and free of debris.
Over time, dust, dirt, and moisture can build up inside your home’s electrical panel, which can lead to corrosion or malfunction. To keep it in good working order:
Turn off the main power switch before cleaning the panel. Use a dry cloth to wipe off dust and debris. Make sure the area around the panel is clear of obstructions to allow for proper ventilation.
Remember: If you notice rust, water spots, or signs of moisture inside or around your panel, contact a licensed electrician immediately, as this could indicate a serious problem.
4. Avoid overloading circuits.
An overloaded circuit can be dangerous and cause frequent power outages. To avoid this:
Distribute devices across multiple outlets instead of using extension cords or power strips. Upgrade circuits or add new circuits if you add high-demand appliances such as refrigerators, HVAC systems, or home entertainment centers.
If you are not sure if your control panel can handle the electrical load of your home, a professional electrical inspection can help you determine if an upgrade is necessary.
5. Schedule periodic inspections.
The best way to ensure that your electrical panel stays in top condition is through regular inspections by a licensed and trusted electrician. The inspection will:
Identify any corrosion or damage to your circuit breakers. Make sure all connections are secure. Check for any old or broken components.
Especially if you live in an older home, it is important to have your control panel inspected at least once a year to prevent any potential safety hazards.
6. Know when to upgrade your electrical panel
If your home’s electrical panel is more than 20 to 30 years old, it may be time to consider upgrading it. Signs that you need an upgrade include:
Intermittent lights, frequent power outages, burning smell near panel, need for more outlets
Upgrading to a newer panel can not only improve the safety and efficiency of your electrical system, but also increase the value of your home. With modern demands like smart home devices and electric vehicle charging stations, older panels may not be able to handle the increased electrical load.
7. Avoid DIY electrical work.
While there are some simple electrical tasks that homeowners can handle, working on your electrical panel should always be left to the professionals. Handling electrical components without the proper knowledge can result in serious injury or damage. If you suspect any problems with your electrical panel, always contact a reputable electrician.
Keep your electrical panel in tip top shape with professional help from the best Raleigh electricians!
Maintaining your home’s electrical panel is essential to ensuring the safety and efficiency of your entire electrical system. Regularly inspecting your panel for any problems, keeping it clean, and scheduling annual inspections are all simple steps that can prevent costly repairs and dangerous situations in the future.
If you are unsure of the condition of your electrical panel or suspect it is time for an upgrade, contact Right Electrical Services, your local licensed electrician.
Our experienced team is here to ensure your electrical system is safe, reliable and up to standard. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our electrical services.
Renee Rose
Renee is a freelance copywriter and blogger known for her expertise on topics such as marketing, freelancing, mental health, and more. She has written for hundreds of small business websites and is the Director of Marketing here at Right Electrical Services, LLC. Renee believes that when a company prioritizes entertaining, engaging, and informative content for its readers, it can expect a loyal following that trusts its company.
