Is It Time to Replace Your Electrical Panel? 7 Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

It might sound like an odd thing to bring up, but we’ve seen too many homes caught off guard by an aging or struggling electrical system. A strong electrical panel keeps your lights bright, your furnace running, and your holiday gatherings warm and cozy. Ignore it, and you could be setting yourself up for inconvenience, injury, or worse.

So, let's talk about some signs you should never ignore when it comes to your electrical panel. If you'd rather consult a certified electrician, then call or message Mr. Electric to get in touch today!

SIGN 1: Your Circuit Breaker Trips Too Frequently

If you’re resetting breakers more often than you’re making coffee - or every time you're making coffee - then see the red flag! Breakers are designed to protect you by shutting off overloaded circuits. When this becomes a routine, you can bet your panel is struggling to keep up with your household needs.

That’s when it’s time to call an electrician - before it turns into a larger problem. Forcing the circuit breaker back on can overheat wiring and even ignite insulation. Our local electrical repair service can have you back on your uninterrupted schedule as soon as possible.

SIGN 2: Lights Flickering or Dimming

We’re not talking about the cozy twinkle of Christmas lights. If your kitchen or living room lights flicker when you run the microwave or start the vacuum, then it means your system is juggling power in a way that it should NOT. That kind of stress could mean you've got outdated wiring or an electrical panel that needs to be upgraded.

An electrical panel replacement is a great opportunity to future-proof your property for decades to come. After all, homes built in the start of the century couldn't have exactly imagined how many appliances, devices, and electronics we have in our homes.

SIGN 3: Smell of Burning Wire

This one’s serious. If you're getting a whiff of 'burning plastic' or 'burning rubber' in your building, then raise the alarms. Electrical wiring - especially older wiring - can get incredibly hot and burn through the insulation covering it. This can even ignite drywall, furniture, etc.

If you smell it, then urgently shut things down safely and reach out for emergency electrical repair service right away. The dedicated team at Mr. Electric is ready to take your call or message today.

SIGN 4: Warm Outlets and Switches

Overheated wiring can also affect outlets and switches. If yours are warm or hot to the touch, then safely turn off power to those circuits and contact an electrician. Loose connections and overloaded circuits are common culprits here, and both are dangerous!

SIGN 5: Buzzing Sounds in Your Home

Yep - we all know that sound of electricity. Sometimes it buzzes and snaps, other times it hums. It's no musical, though! That's your electrical system telling you to wake up!

If you hear this noise near the electrical panel, then ACT QUICK! It's a bright red warning that connections may be loose or components may be failing.

SIGN 6: The Panel is Older Than 30

Let's face it: Builders from the 90s did not expect us to have so many electronics, appliances, equipment, etc. that depended on the electrical system. Upgrade your electrical panel if it's over 30 years old, and especially before installing any additional appliances and equipment.

SIGN 7: Visible Rust or Damage

Electrical panels are built to enclose the many electrical components and wiring inside. Physical damage means those parts are not as protected as they ought to be. Investigate potential causes of the damage, and bring in an electrician if necessary. The team at Mr. Electric is always happy to help.