One of the biggest disadvantages of being a homeowner is needing to repair anything that breaks. You may run into instances where you don’t know why something isn’t working the way it should be. This is often the case when it comes to electrical issues. One of the things that can lead to electrical issues is an electrical panel that needs to be upgraded. Local New Jersey electrical companies can carry out this repair if needed.
The First Steps
Before you move any further, visit your breaker panel and open it up. Somewhere inside, likely on the door, you will find information about the maximum current, voltage, and power dissipation for the panel. In most cases, this will be either 100, 150, or 200 amps. The typical family home needs a 200-amp panel to ensure all appliances can operate and all electrical needs are met. If you do not have a 200-amp panel, it might be a sign that it’s time for an upgrade.
Other Signs You Need to Upgrade
In most cases, your circuit breaker panel will be good for at least 25 years and up to 40 years. There are some things to think about when determining whether to replace or upgrade your panel:
• Does your home have a fuse box? – If this is the case, you likely want to upgrade. Fuses require replacement while circuits can be reset by flipping a switch.
• How old is your home? – If the home you live in is more than 20 years old, you might also want an upgrade. A lot of older houses have panels that only reach 100 amps. On the other hand, new houses have 200 amp panels to help with your electrical needs.
• Is the panel warm to the touch? – This can be a sign that it was installed improperly, is defective, or is overloaded.
• Is there a burning smell? – A burning smell coming from the electrical panel may mean that a wire isn’t connected or one of the circuit breakers has gone bad.
No matter what issue you are experiencing, New Jersey electrical companies can assist. At W. Danley Electrical Contracting, we provide residential and commercial electrical services. We are happy to upgrade and replace your old electrical panels.
