We’ve written a lot about the importance of maintaining an electrical panel, but what exactly does that mean? There are a few ways to go about ensuring that your electrical panel is operating safely and at maximum capacity. While you can DIY some of these steps, you’ll want to be sure to consult with licensed professional electricians to make sure that the work of maintaining your panel is being done safely and expertly. Here are a few ways to keep up with your electrical panel:
Keep Your Panel Clean
Check your panel and equipment regularly for any dust or debris. Keep an eye out for any signs of rust or moisture, as corrosion can lead to your panel shorting out and possibly overheating and starting a fire. If you can make out any signs of physical damage on the exterior of your panel, it’s a good time to call in an expert to make sure there’s no damage or strain on the wiring inside the panel as well.
Check the Tightness of Connections
Electrical connections should be wired as tightly as possible to avoid the possibility of overheating and cut back on the risk of electrical faults. Bad connections can be costly, and dangerous besides. Make sure all breakers or fuses are labeled clearly so you know which circuits they power, which will make it easier to identify which connections need to be checked out if you’re experiencing flickering or interruptions in your house or place of business.
Inspect Wiring
Make sure you’re regularly inspecting outlets and breakers in the breaker box for signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged or frayed wires, and avoid running cables through high-traffic areas of your home or business so there’s less likelihood of them being accidentally unplugged or interfered with.
Avoid Overloading Your Connections
Do you know how much amperage your outlets can handle? You should! With so many devices in regular use, it’s not uncommon to be powering lamps, blow dryers, and charging electronics all at once. This can overload your system before you know it. Avoid overloading outlets and power strips. Keep in mind that most outlets can handle 15 to 20 amps, and anything more than that can be a source of trouble.
Get an Inspection
When it comes to something as important as your home or business’s electrical panel, it pays to have the professionals on hand. An expert electrician understands how the components of your electrical panel are meant to work, and is the best person to quickly recognize when something is wrong. A licensed electrician is prepared to inspect your electrical meter for any discrepancies and test your circuit breaker capacity. They can carry out voltage and breaker testing to make sure that everything is operating properly.
Why Hire Phase Electric?
An expert electrician can help make sure that your electrical panel is operating properly for as long as possible. Replacing your electrical panel can be pricey, and regular maintenance can stave that necessity off for a good while. In addition to extending the lifespan of your panel, a professional electrician can help you lower utility costs and minimize any outages or breakdowns. They can help you identify the optimal conditions for your electrical panel so you can be sure it will keep running safely and securely for as long as possible. Phase Electric serves the greater Los Angeles area and surrounding communities. We’re a top-rated electrical company and we guarantee customer satisfaction. So contact us for a consultation today!
