Do you know when to go for an electrical panel upgrade? No matter how much we try to keep our homes safe, certain components can cause a lot of trouble if not maintained properly.
Electrical panels, in particular, are one of the most important components of your home. If you fail to take care of them, the consequences can be dire. This article will reveal the eight tell-tale signs that it’s time for an upgrade in your home.
We’ll also discuss the benefits of upgrading to a new electrical panel and how much it would cost to upgrade your existing one in Ballarat, Australia. So, let’s get started.
What does an electrical panel do?
An electrical panel, also known as a breaker box or fuse box, is a critical part of your home’s electrical system. It is responsible for distributing electricity to all the outlets in your home and provides a safe way to shut off power in case of an emergency.
It is usually located in the basement, garage, or utility room. It consists of a series of breakers, fuses, and other electrical components that help manage the electricity in your home.
It’s important to ensure your electrical panel is in good working condition, as any issues with the panel can cause various problems in your home. These issues could lead to various electrical hazards, including house fires.
Eight tell-tale signs you need to go for an electrical panel upgrade
There are few common tell-tale signs that will forewarn you about an electrical panel replacement. If you see these signs, contact your licensed electrician immediately and get it clarified.
1. Flickering lights
If your lights are flickering, it could indicate that your electrical panel is not functioning properly. This could be due to an overload in the system, an outdated breaker, or faulty wiring. Whatever the reason, it’s important to check it out as soon as possible.
2. Frequent tripping of the circuit breaker
If your circuit breaker trips frequently, it could be a sign that your electrical panel is not up to handling the load. If you find that your circuit breaker trips often, it’s time for an upgrade.
3. Overheating
Overheating can be a sign of a serious problem with your electrical panel. If your breaker box is hot to the touch, it could indicate a wiring issue or some other problem that needs to be addressed.
4. Old wiring
If your electrical panel and wiring are over 30 years old, it’s probably time to upgrade. Older electrical panels and wiring may not be able to handle the present power load and may also be missing essential safety features. In these situations electrical panel upgrades are recommended.
5. Humming or buzzing noises
If you hear humming or buzzing noises from your electrical panel, it could signify a loose connection or short circuit. This issue should be addressed as soon as possible, as it can cause a fire hazard.
6. Burning smell
If you detect a burning smell coming from your electrical panel, it could be faulty wiring or a loose connection. This is a serious issue and should be addressed immediately.
7. Burn signs on power points
Have you seen any burnt signs on the power points or power outlets at your house? Then it could be due to power overloading and power surges. This is a clear sign that there is a fault in your electrical system.
8. Only fuses and no circuit breakers
If your electrical panel has only fuses and no circuit breakers, your home is old, and your electrical system is outdated. Fuses don’t trip as efficiently as circuit breakers. Electricians used fuses when there was not as much demand for electricity as today.
Since there is high electricity demand these days, you should go for an electrical panel replacement with circuit breakers.
Benefits of upgrading to a new electrical panel
There are various benefits of upgrading to a new electrical panel. These benefits include:
1. Increased safety
Upgrading your old electrical panel to a new one will improve electrical safety. It will reduce the risk of electrical hazards and house fires. This will give you peace of mind.
2. Improved energy efficiency
Old electrical panels would consume more energy to get a job done compared to new panels. This could increase your energy bills. Therefore you can be more energy efficient with an electrical panel upgrade.
3. Better performance
New electrical panels will perform better to facilitate future additions to your electrical system. These new additions can be new electrical installations, such as hot tubs that you are planning to add in the future.
4. Help to protect valuable electrical equipment
Sudden power surges can damage electrical equipment. These power surges can be due to a fault in the electrical panel. If you don’t fix this issue, you may spend a fortune on replacing the damaged equipment. An electrical panel replacement can also help protect your home from power surges and other electrical issues.
5. Could help to lower insurance premiums
New electrical panels will improve electrical safety and reduce the risk of electrical hazards. Some insurance companies will see this as a positive sign to reduce your insurance premium since your risk level is comparatively lower.
6. Low maintenance
When you have a new electrical panel, you don’t have to spend frequently on maintenance and repairs. Therefore, you can reduce the time and cost of frequent maintenance.
A modern electrical panel is also likely to be more reliable than an older one, as it will have the latest safety features and technologies. This can help ensure that your home remains safe and secure.
How much would it cost to upgrade my electrical panel in Ballarat, Australia?
The cost of upgrading your electrical panel in Ballarat, Australia, will depend on a few factors. These factors include the size of the panel, the type of electrical panel you need, and the job’s complexity. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $3000 for a complete upgrade.
However, it’s important to note that this is just an estimate, and the actual cost may vary depending on your specific needs. If you’re unsure about the cost of upgrading your electrical panel, it’s best to contact a qualified electrician for an accurate assessment.
Conclusion
An electrical panel is an important part of your home’s electrical system, and it’s important to ensure it is in good working condition. This article discusses eight tell-tale signs that it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade in your home.
We have also discussed the benefits of upgrading to a new electrical panel. Further, we have given a rough estimate on how much it would cost to upgrade your electrical panel in Ballarat, Australia.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s best to contact a qualified electrician for an assessment. They can help you determine if an upgrade is necessary and provide you with an accurate cost estimate.
If you are looking for a licensed electrician in Ballarat, don’t hesitate to contact MJ Electrician in Ballarat. We have served Ballarat for many years, and our skilled team provides various electrical services. We will provide a free in-house quotation for the job.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – if you’re experiencing any of the warning signs discussed in this article, contact us immediately. Our 24/7 emergency service is there to help you with electrical emergencies. It’s time to upgrade your electrical panel now!
