Get Your Home’s Breaker Panel Ready for the Extra Strain of Holiday Visitors
Many homeowners don’t realize the kind of strain the holidays put on their home’s electric system and breaker panel until it’s too late. But it’s a pretty common issue. The holiday classic Nation Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation even has a running joke about the electrical overload caused by indoor and outdoor decorations and guest’s electronics. But while it’s funny in the movies, it’s not as amusing when it happens in real life. So read on to discover all about getting a home’s breaker panel ready for the holidays.
What Exactly Is a Breaker Panel?
A home’s breaker panel is essentially a distribution hub for electricity. Any given home’s electricity needs to be routed from the municipal power source and into the home. The breaker panel divides the electricity up and sends it into the home, via wiring, to each different part of the home. Most breaker panels are rated for 100 to 200 amps. The larger the home, the more amperage it needs, generally.
Between the breaker and the electric line from the city or electric company (called the service entrance), there’s a meter that measures the home’s electricity use. Most breaker panels last a while and don’t need to be replaced often, but sometimes they need to be repaired or upgraded, especially if they’re strained.
Signs Your Breaker Panel Needs Repair
There are some telltale signs that a home’s breaker panel is in need of repair or upgrade. Homeowner’s who experience any of the following issues should contact an electrician as soon as possible.
- Breakers trip often
- Panel smells strange (like ozone or burning plastic)
- Lights in the house flicker
- Appliances aren’t operating properly
- A black spot anywhere on the circuit panel
- Electrical panel radiates warmth
- Any of the wall outlets have black scorch marks
When is the Best Time to Replace a Breaker Panel
The absolute best time for homeowners to replace their breaker panel is if they notice one or more of the signs above. The breaker panel is designed to keep the home safe from electrical fires and power surges, but it can still be dangerous to put off a repair or replacement. If a home still has a fuse box, it’s way past time to replace it with a safer breaker box.
Finally, new appliances, decorations, or additional strains on the system should always be accompanied by a professional diagnosis. Some breaker panels are rated for more amps than the unit is actually using, so a new breaker can be installed without too much trouble. However, a trained professional should always perform work on the breaker panel. Even if the power to the whole house is shut off at the panel, there’s still electricity coming in from the service entrance, and working with electricity can be dangerous for those untrained to do so.
About Solaris Electric
Solaris Electric has been proudly serving the Orlando area for over a decade. They offer superb workmanship and well-trained, punctual technicians. Satisfaction is always guaranteed, and pricing is always competitive and transparent. Call Solaris Electric for the best electrical work in Orlando, FL.
