When Do You Need to Replace Your Breaker Box?
Your breaker box is responsible for routing electricity from the city’s supply to the outlets throughout your home. When it fails or malfunctions, you’ll likely notice a variety of issues that may interfere with your ability to complete household tasks and even compromise your safety. Here are some of the most common signs that you need to replace your breaker panel.
4 Ways to Tell When You Need a New Breaker Box
1. Old House
If your house is more than about 40 years old and has not had any electrical upgrades, your breaker box is likely not up to code. This is a problem because the main switch will not fully shut off power to the entire home, which can be dangerous in the event of an emergency. Outdated breaker panels also make it harder to sell your home.
2. Bad Wiring
If you notice that the lights within your home flicker frequently, or you experience light electrical shock when plugging in devices, the wiring in your breaker box is likely to blame. Other symptoms may include sparking outlets and a burning smell.
3. Low Amperage
Modern homes require more electricity since most people now use a variety of different appliances. This means you’ll need at least 200 amps of power to run your dishwasher, stove, and dryer without causing a surge. Have an electrician provide you with a load calculation to determine if your home pulls in enough power.
4. Need for Power Strips
If you don’t have enough outlets in your home, you likely use several power strips and extension cords for all your electrical needs. However, needing lots of power strips indicates that you need more power. When you have too many devices connected to one circuit, you’re running the risk in power overloads and outages.
When you need to upgrade your breaker box, contact the team at Gutridge Electric, Inc. For over 35 years, these electricians have provided installations, repairs, wiring, and lighting solutions to clients throughout Newark, OH. Call (740) 349-7624 to request an estimate on electrical work, and visit them online to learn more about their services.
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