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Be sure to be safe when attempting to troubleshoot your outlet.

Is it time to get a new electrical panel? When would be the best time to get one?

The first thing you should take into consideration is how a panel works. Why would you need to upgrade one, without knowing exactly what it does? Consider the panel, to be the center of the electrical system. It makes sure the power source from the outside, can connect properly to the power source on the inside. This is how your electrical provider is able to get power into your home. They are typically located in the garage, basement, utility room, or even sometimes outside. Electrical Panel

Now that we know exactly what an electrical panel does, what are the components? When you open an electrical panel, the first thing you typically see look just like switches. These are called circuit breakers, and they are more than likely in some kind of a column or line. The circuit breaker is the mechanism that distributes the man power line into smaller branch lines. Some breakers carry large electricity loads so they have to have more power distributed between them. This is how your dryer, washer or fridge is powered. These switches are numbered to identify the amount the amps branch line can carry. If an emergency happens and all electricity needs to be shut off, it can be done from the electrical panel with the main power breaker.

Signs you need an electrical panel upgrade

How do you know if you should start preparing for more power? You buy new electronics and plug them into the wall and they say “energy saver” everything should be good right? Not in all cases. This could cause a circuit overload. The lights may flicker, or you may have to turn off one appliance to use the other. This all depends on what kind of electronics you are using. More notable, older homes that were built did not anticipate the new use of electronics in our technology age. If a circuit is overloaded, it can be extremely dangerous, a breaker that fails to trip can cause a fire, melted wires and overheating.

Things to be cautious of :

1. * Any rattling or racking sounds coming from the electrical panel. It is not normal to hear any kinds of sounds.
2. * If you were to feel the panel and it feels warm.
3. * Flickering lights or appliances that are turning on and off without full power.
4. * There should be a GFI, near any kind of water source.
5. * Corrosion or any discoloring to the circuit breakers

Known Panels to have issues :

Federal Pacific Electric Or FPE,

Split-bus Electrical Panels

Zinsco Electrical Panel

Fuse box 

Pushmatic Electrical Panel,

Sylvania

Ite/ Bulldog Pushmatic

Ensuring a safe home and allowing your appliances to run at full capacity.

Now that we are aware of the problem causing type panels. It is important to make sure you have the correct power source to power all of your new appliances. If you notice flickering, power shortage, or sounds coming from the panel it is time to reach out to the professionals. An updated panel will help your electricity stay efficient and your home safe. Spending a ton of money on new appliances, wont benefit you if they cant get the power source they need.