According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical malfunctions and failures are the second leading cause of residential fires in the United States. Working with a local Orlando electrical installation company like Bright Future Electric is one of the best ways to ensure your home electrical system is working as it should.
It’s likely that you have never given the electrical panel in your home much thought, and that’s a good thing. Your electrical panel (sometimes called a breaker box, breaker panel, or main panel) can easily do its job with little to no interaction from you. It’s always best to leave any electrical work to an Orlando electrical installation company like the experts here at Bright Future Electric.
What Does an Electrical Panel Do?
The electrical panel is like a switchboard for the power in your home, as it receives the incoming electricity from your utility provider and then distributes it to all of the individual circuits throughout the house. It’s clear that your electrical panel is vital to the operation of your home’s electrical system. However, old and outdated electrical panels are one of the most common sources of electrical hazards.
So what can you do if you are not sure if your electrical panel is out-of-date or needs to be replaced? As an Orlando electrical installation company, we’re here to help.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Electrical Panel
Your Electrical Panel is Old
Whether you live in an older home, or you know that it’s been a few decades since your electrical panel was installed, it may be time for a new one. Electrical panels typically last between 25 to 40 years, so if yours is any older than this, you should start planning for a replacement.
There are Signs of Damage
If your electrical panel has visible scorch marks, discoloration from smoke, or other signs of physical damage, there could be a wiring problem that could affect your electrical service and create a major fire hazard.
Getting your panel inspected by a licensed electrician can provide you with the answers that you need and next steps you can take to ensure that your electrical panel is safe and functional.
It’s Been Recalled
There are several brands of electrical panels that have been recalled because they have caused numerous fires and were proven unsafe for use. Those brands include:
- Federal Pacific Electric
- Zinsco
- Challenger
- GTE-Sylvania
If you have one of these panels in your home, have a licensed electrician come and inspect it.
You Have a Fuse Box
Before modern electrical panels were used in residential homes, fuse boxes were installed instead. It’s fairly easy to tell the two apart since an electrical
panel will have switches for each circuit, while a fuse box will have small, round fuses instead.
If your home electrical system is still running on a fuse box, there are no advantages to keeping it. Modern electrical panels are much more convenient and can handle larger electrical loads.
Need an Orlando Electrical Installation Company to Replace Your Electrical Panel?
Bright Future Electric has been providing high-quality electrical services for over 15 years. We offer residential work to the Orlando area, so contact us today to schedule your next service.