Lately, the electrical power in your home has been spotty. Your lights flicker each time you use a hair dryer or the microwave. You plug in the newest addition to your home entertainment system and promptly blow a fuse. What’s causing the problem? It might be your home’s electrical panel is outdated and looking for an upgrade. Modern households generally have electrical devices running 24 hours a day, and also electronics and systems which are turned off but remain plugged in can siphon electrical current. Older houses or buildings are often just not able to match the power demand. In the event that you suspect your home is due for an upgrade, contact an authorized professional to measure the situation.
Do I Need an Upgrade?
The most obvious sign that you need a service upgrade is when your electrical circuits simply can’t keep up with your needs. If you have to unplug one appliance so as to use another without tripping the breaker, or if certain activities cause your lights to flicker, you’re probably overtaxing your electrical panel. Even if you aren’t experiencing frequent losses of service, however, you might be ripe for a panel upgrade. If your current service panel has less than 200 amps of electricity available, or if your panel has screw-in fuses, the system is out-of-date. In most cases, if your house is more than 20 years old, it’s worth looking at an electrical panel upgrade.
Can I Wait to Upgrade?
Home repairs, especially to the electrical system, aren’t cheap. However, it’s never a good idea to defer residential electrical repairs. An outdated, overstressed electrical panel isn’t just inconvenient-it can even be dangerous. If your home is filled up with power strips and electrical cords because you have a lot more electrical devices than outlets, you’re asking each outlet to work beyond its intended capacity. If one of these circuits overheats and blows beneath the strain, it could affect your personal computer, printer, television, video game console, and other things that is attached. Additionally, overheating panels and circuits certainly are a fire hazard. Upgrade your electrical panel before it reaches this aspect to protect your property as well as your family from harm.
Can I Fix It Myself?
An electrical panel upgrade really is not a DIY project. Repairing and upgrading the electrical wiring for an entire home is extremely complicated-and there is a lot at stake if it isn’t done correctly. Additionally, dealing with electrical wiring carries the chance of electrocution, together with being a fire hazard. Unless you are been trained in electrical system repair and installation, call a specialist residential electrician for your upgrade.
Electrician Hamilton, Ontario is a home improvement enthusiast and a senior Internet marketing strategist for Prospect Genius, a leader in online local advertising.