When was the last time you thought about your home’s electrical panel, breaker box, or fuse box? Most individuals don’t give that gray, metal box much thought except for when the power goes out. However, your electrical panel plays a key role in safely issuing electricity from the power grid to your home’s circuits. The fuse box also prevents electrical overloads and short circuits. It’s essential to remember that these panels don’t last forever. Components wear out, and the device may need replacement sooner rather than later.
Every Part Has a Purpose
Every electrical box houses several important components, including the main breaker, breakers, labels, and safety features.
The main breaker is the “big one” because it’s the switch that controls all power to the home. Breakers are the smaller switches that individually control a single electrical circuit. Each circuit breaker should be clearly labeled to identify the area or circuit it controls, such as kitchen lights, den outlets, and so on.
Some panels feature advanced protective components, such as Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
Every Panel Has a Lifespan
Electrical panels have excellent longevity and can function well for 25 to 40 years. However, electrical experts say these devices slowly deteriorate over time. For instance, some aging breaker boxes simply become outdated as the years go by and are unable to accommodate an adequate electrical supply.
The following red flags may indicate that your gray, metal box is on its way out and requires replacement.
Tripping Circuit Breakers
This is a common and annoying problem that can occur when your electrical panel starts malfunctioning. A tripped circuit breaker will cut off power to a specific zone of your home. There are multiple reasons this could happen, but licensed electricians often attribute it to the fact that the breakers are getting very old.
Buzzing Noises From the Box
If you’re hearing buzzing sounds coming from your electrical panel, don’t try to fix this yourself. This kind of problem could be due to several factors, including loose connections, circuit overloading, a faulty breaker, a faulty circuit, faulty load equipment, or interference from other circuits.
An electrician is the only expert who can figure out the cause of the buzzing and recommend the necessary repairs.
Is It Time to Replace Your Electrical Panel?
Eggs and milk have expiration dates, and electrical panels also eventually reach the end of their lifespans. Keep you and your family safe and the power going throughout the home. If you’re living in Orlando, FL, contact the team at Frank Gay today for exceptional circuit breaker installation services.
