Don't Ignore Your Electrical Panel: The Importance of Proper Maintenance and Risks of Neglect

Panel maintenance isn’t something a homeowner often thinks of as a priority--or even thinks about at all. The metal box sits in our homes where it seemingly magically delivers electricity to everything we use daily and with necessity. We don’t see what goes on inside of these panels, so oftentimes they are out of our minds. BUT, your electrical panel and its health is much more important than the seemingly "magic box" may imply.

Inside our breaker boxes, or “load centers” is an array of screws, metal bussing (what breakers sit on) lugs, and much more. All of these components require a torque rating (tightening) specified by the manufacturer.

How does a panel work? In simple terms, your electrical panel is fed from the utility (the people you pay your electric bill to every month) either underground or overhead. It is then fed to a utility meter, and from there, it is fed to your breaker panel. In your panel are a variety of differently “sized” circuits that feed your appliances and your other household demands. Electricity always seeks a path to its source. It flows through your panel, through the breaker, onto the conductor, and then returns to the breaker panel.

Now, why is maintaining a panel and having it torqued properly important? When installed and maintained improperly, an array of issues can occur. Electricity's biggest enemy is resistance--explained simply, the higher the resistance, the more heat that is generated at a given point. Have you ever touched an incandescent bulb that's been in use and burned a finger? That’s close to the same principle of what can happen inside a panel that is not maintained properly.

Improper connections and torquing results in resistance = heat.

As a customer, how can you know if this is happening "behind the scenes"?

We'll list some potential signs below. Keep in mind that all of these don't necessarily mean there's overheating happening due to improper torquing, but they can be potential symptoms.

1.     Circuits tripping: Having a circuit trip can be a potential indicator of poor connections and overheating in your panel. We aren't in the business of scaring people, so we also need to mention here that there are lots of reasons a breaker may trip, and not all of them are nefarious. But, if your breaker is tripping often (more than once after resetting), you should call someone to come take a look. A good indicator of the issue being related to overheating is if you have an appliance that is able to be turned on for a while, and then partway through use, the breaker it's on trips.

2.     A sizzling or buzzing sound coming from your panel. If your panel is making any sounds while sedentary, you should give an electrician a call.

3.     Flickering lights. This is another one that can have several different causes. If all the lights are flickering in your house and you're having widespread power issues, first course of action that we recommend is to call your utility. However, if you're having issues in a certain area, call an electrician.

4.     If you've noticed your bulbs burning out prematurely.

The truth is, there aren't always signs, which is why panel maintenance is important. What I recommend is 1) Don't ignore red flags, and 2) have annual or bi-annual panel maintenance done. Panel connections can loosen over time, so it's important that they are attended to regularly. Plus, it's good to get eyes (of a professional) on the inside of your panel with regularity.

I have worked on many panels that were not torqued properly, or on circuits that were improperly sized, and have had to tell customers that have ignored "red flags" (or not known what to look for) the sad news that their breaker panel needed to be replaced. The heat that is generated from the improperly installed items can cause the plastic in the panel to heat, creating a melted mess on the internals of the panel, and that is not something that can be repaired.

What can you do to prevent this from happening? Like vehicles, your electrical system also requires maintenance. You can hire an electrician to correctly evaluate the condition of your electrical system, inspect torque ratings, and ensure that your panel is properly sized. Don’t have an electrician? We'd be glad to help! If you have any questions, you can email us and ask us for more information about maintenance on your electrical system.

We also recommend our Preventative Maintenance Service Plan if you are interested in bi-annual home electrical maintenance.

Andrew

Lead Electrician

Gloudeman Electric, LLC

When to Replace Your Electrical Panel

The electrical panel (or "breaker box") is something most homeowners probably avoid. It's good to have some healthy fear regarding electrical panels, although as long as you aren't doing more than turning breakers on and off, it's okay not to be afraid! But the negative side of ignoring your electrical panel is that it often doesn't get the attention it deserves. It's

really important to have regular panel tune ups (where we tighten connections, check for any melting or hazardous warning signs, and do a visual inspection), but when should you replace your panel? Like your roof or your hot water heater, your electrical panel will need to be replaced eventually. The good news is that it'll last many years.

But when should you take the leap and get it replaced, or upgrade it? We're here to answer that for you!

Here are 5 reasons or signs that you should upgrade/replace your electrical panel.

1. If the Panel is Damaged or 25+ Years Old

The average lifespan of an electrical panel is 25 to 40 years. However, this lifespan depends on several factors, such as the quality of the panel, the maintenance history, and the environmental conditions.

If you live in one of the beach towns like Sullivan's Island or Isle of Palms, the electrical

panels unfortunately degrade faster due to corrosion from the saltwater in the air. We see these panels needing to be replaced sooner than their inland neighbors. If your electrical panel is older than 25 years or shows signs of damage such as rust, corrosion, cracks, burns, or melting wires, it may be time to replace it.

2. Prevent Electrical Fires

One of the most serious risks of having an outdated or damaged electrical panel is the possibility of an electrical fire. Electrical fires can be caused by faulty wiring, loose connections, corroded parts, or overloaded circuits. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failures or malfunctions were involved in an estimated 44,880 home fires per year between 2012 and 2016, resulting in 440 deaths, 1,250 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage. If you have a recalled or outdated electrical panel and are having power issues, you should have an electrician inspect the panel for melting, which can happen with recalled breakers and panels, or simply aging of outdated panels. Upgrading your electrical panel can reduce the risk of electrical fires by ensuring that your wiring and circuit breakers are in good condition and functioning properly.

3. Fulfill Your Home’s Power Demands

Modern homes have more electrical devices and appliances than ever before, such as computers, TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators, microwaves, electric vehicle chargers, and

more. These devices require more power than older homes were designed to handle. Upgrading your electrical panel can increase the amount of power available to your home and give you the flexibility to add more modern amenities.

4. Frequently Tripping Breakers

Another indicator that you may need to upgrade your electrical panel is if you experience frequently tripped breakers in your home. Circuit breakers are designed to trip when they detect an overload or a short circuit in the wiring or appliances connected to them. This is a safety feature that prevents overheating and fire hazards. However, if your breakers trip too often or for no apparent reason, even after being inspected by an electrician, it may mean that your electrical panel is overloaded or malfunctioning. Upgrading your electrical panel can resolve these issues (but you'll want an electrician to inspect to ensure the issue is your panel).

5. Recalled or Obsolete Electrical Panels

Some older homes may have recalled types of electrical panels that are no longer considered safe or reliable by today’s standards. For example, some homes may have split-bus panels, which have two main breakers instead of one and do not have a single shut-off switch for the entire panel. Other homes may have Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels, Challenger

panels, or Zinsco panels, which have been found to be defective and prone to failure. (Read more about recalled panels on our blog HERE). These types of panels pose a serious fire hazard and should be replaced as soon as possible with modern and code-compliant panels.

Conclusion

Upgrading your electrical panel is an important investment for your home’s safety and efficiency. It can prevent electrical fires, improve the performance of your devices and appliances, increase the value of your home, and save you money on energy bills in the long run. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above that indicate that it's time to upgrade or replace your electrical panel, you should contact a licensed electrician as soon as possible to get a professional assessment and estimate. Upgrading your electrical panel is not a DIY project and should only be handled by a qualified expert.

We appreciate you reading and hope you've learned something helpful!

The Gloudeman Electric Team

Why You Should Replace Your Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years and Hire an Electrician to Do It

Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety devices in your home. They can alert you and your family to a fire before it spreads and becomes life-threatening. However, smoke alarms are not meant to last forever. They have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced periodically to ensure they work properly and effectively.

How Long Do Smoke Alarms Last?

According to the US Fire Administration, most fire alarms have a lifespan of between 8 and 10 years. After this period, you should consider replacing the device because the unit becomes less effective. The sensor inside the alarm can lose its sensitivity over time, making it less responsive to smoke or fire. The test button only confirms that the battery, electronics, and alert system are working; it doesn’t mean that the smoke sensor is working. To test the sensor, you need to use an aerosol can of smoke alarm test spray that simulates smoke.

The date of manufacture can be found on the back of the alarm4 Smoke alarms should be replaced 10 years from the date of manufacture. Carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every 5-7 years, depending on the model.

Why You Should Hire an Electrician to Install Smoke Alarms

While it may seem easy to install or replace a smoke alarm yourself, there are several reasons why you should hire a professional electrician to do it for you.

Installing new units that do not fit existing hardware. If you want to upgrade your smoke alarms to newer models that have different features or specifications, you may need to change the mounting plates or wiring as well. An electrician can help you install new units that fit correctly and securely.

Rewiring existing units or putting in new ones. If you have hardwired smoke alarms that are connected to your home’s electrical wiring, you should not attempt to replace them on your own. Working with electrical wires can be dangerous and requires proper training and tools. An electrician can safely and correctly rewire your existing units or install new ones that are compatible with your wiring system.

Working with a connected alarm system. Some smoke alarms are interconnected, meaning that they communicate with each other and sound off simultaneously when one detects smoke or fire. This can provide extra protection and alert you to a fire in any part of your home. However, interconnected smoke alarms are more complex and require an understanding of how they operate as a network. An electrician can help you install or replace interconnected smoke alarms and ensure that they work together properly.

When you are unsure of how many alarms you need or where to put them. The number and placement of smoke alarms in your home can affect their performance and coverage. You need to have enough alarms to cover all the rooms and levels of your home, and you need to place them in strategic locations that can detect smoke or fire quickly and effectively. An electrician can help you determine how many alarms you need and where to put them, based on the size, layout, and features of your home. They can also help you follow the local building codes and requirements for smoke alarm installation.

Conclusion

Smoke alarms are essential for keeping your home and family safe from fire hazards. However, they need to be replaced every 10 years to ensure they work properly and effectively. You should also hire an electrician to install or replace your smoke alarms, especially if you have hardwired or interconnected units, or if you are unsure of how many you need or where to place them. By hiring a professional electrician, you can get your smoke alarms installed in a code compliant manner and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your home and family are protected.