When does your electrical panel need repair or replacement? If you aren’t a licensed professional, it might not be easy to recognize the signs. Maybe you know something is wrong, but you can’t be sure what. There’s no way around it – electrical repairs can be time-consuming and costly. But the dangers of a faulty electrical panel far outweigh the expense of putting off much-needed repair work. If you think your electrical panel might need some attention, there’s only one way to be sure – by hiring a licensed professional electrician.
Visible Rust
What harm is a little rust? In the case of your electrical panel, a lot. Obvious corrosion buildup in the panel may be a sign of a deeper issue, and may be your first sign that something is wrong. If your electrical panel is showing visible wear and tear, you might want to keep a close eye on it. Older, outdated panels might not be able to flip their circuits. A rusty circuit breaker is more prone to overheating, which may be followed by more obvious signs of trouble, like…
Frequent Power Interruption
Are your breakers tripping frequently? What exactly is a tripped breaker, anyway? A circuit breaker is intended to protect an electrical circuit from damage in the event of a short circuit or system overload. How does this manifest itself in your home? It can be as simple as the occasional flickering of your lights, or a brief change in their brightness. This means that your circuit breaker is working exactly as intended, protecting you and your home from serious danger. But it’s nonetheless a sign that your electrical panel is in need of repair.
The Smell of Smoke
Where there’s fire there’s smoke, and vice versa. If you’re smelling smoke in your home, it’s a solid sign that something is seriously wrong. Overheating is one of the most common hazards you can expect from a faulty circuit breaker. This can result in the melting of wire insulation, resulting in sparking. Things can heat up fast inside your electrical panel. If your circuit breakers are tripping frequently, keep a lookout for any signs of fire – it’s a very real risk, and one that poses a serious danger to you and your property.
Buzzing Sounds
Your electrical panel should be totally silent. Overloaded circuits can sometimes result in a buzzing sound escaping the panel. This, in combination with the other signs we’ve already mentioned, can be an indication that, though not visible, there may be frayed wiring behind the panel that has become exposed with age.
Do I Need to Repair or Replace my Electrical Panel?
A bad circuit breaker doesn’t necessarily require an entire panel replacement, and a skilled electrician like a Phase Electric team member may be able to simply repair and replace the damaged breaker. It’s essential to involve a qualified electrician to inspect your electrical panel when you notice any of the aforementioned signs. It’s also advisable to get an inspection every few years, particularly if the electrical panel is outdated.
When looking for an electrician to perform an electrical panel repair, consider the following:
- Verify that the electrician is licensed and experienced in handling electric panel repairs
- Check online reviews to gauge the electrician’s quality of work
- Request references from the electrician and follow up with them to get a sense of their work
- Ensure that the electrician offers a guarantee or warranty for their services
Why Hire Phase Electric?
Phase Electric are a reliable and affordable electric company providing electric panel repair and installations to homes, offices, and commercial buildings. We aim for 100% customer satisfaction and serve the greater Los Angeles, California area. Our expert Los Angeles electricians are licensed, certified, and insured. We’ve repaired over installed over 1700 electrical panels and are on hand to get yours installed or repaired today!
