Lately, the electrical power at home has been spotty. Your lights flicker each and every time you utilize a hair dryer or the microwave. You plug in the newest addition to your home entertainment system and promptly blow a fuse. What’s causing the problem? It might be that your home’s electrical panel is outdated and in need of an upgrade. Modern households tend to have electrical devices running 24 hours a day, and also electronics and systems which are switched off but remain plugged in can siphon electrical current. Older houses or buildings are often just not able to match the power demand. In the event that you suspect your property is due for an upgrade, contact a licensed professional to assess the situation.
Do Electrician in Whittier Ca Need an Upgrade?
The most obvious sign that you need a service upgrade is whenever your electrical circuits simply can’t match your needs. When you have to unplug one appliance to be able to use another without tripping the breaker, or if certain activities cause your lights to flicker, you’re probably overtaxing your electrical panel. Even though you aren’t experiencing frequent losses of service, however, you may be ripe for a panel upgrade. If your current service panel has significantly less than 200 amps of electricity available, or if your panel has screw-in fuses, the system is out-of-date. In most cases, if your house is more than twenty years old, it’s worth looking into an electrical panel upgrade.
MAY I Wait to Upgrade?
Home repairs, especially to the electrical system, aren’t cheap. However, it’s never a good idea to put off residential electrical repairs. An outdated, overstressed electrical panel isn’t only inconvenient-it may also be dangerous. If your property is filled with power strips and extension cords because you have far more electrical devices than outlets, you’re asking each outlet to work beyond its intended capacity. If one of these brilliant circuits overheats and blows beneath the strain, it could affect your personal computer, printer, television, video game console, and other things that is attached. Additionally, overheating panels and circuits are a fire hazard. Upgrade your electrical panel before it reaches this point to protect your property as well as your family from harm.
Can I Fix It Myself?
A power panel upgrade really isn’t a DIY project. Repairing and upgrading the electrical wiring for a whole home is extremely complicated-and there is a lot at stake if it isn’t done correctly. Additionally, dealing with electrical wiring carries the risk of electrocution, in addition to being a fire hazard. Unless you are been trained in electrical system repair and installation, call a specialist residential electrician for the upgrade.
Penny Jones is a do-it-yourself enthusiast and a senior Internet marketing strategist for Prospect Genius, a leader in online local advertising.