An electrical panel is where your breaker switches are located. Within it is the main circuit breaker that controls the entire home. If your electrical appliances, like your fridge, remain off for an extended period, you could lose money in repair costs. If you notice any of the problems below, it’s best to upgrade the panel immediately.

When Is It Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?

1. If You Have an Older Home

A home built before the 1970s has a fuse-based electrical system. Although it functions the same, it’s an outdated technology that can melt, blow, or short-circuit the system. Fuses are unable to withstand a large amount of technology, with most of them only able to withstand 60 amps. The average home now produces a minimum of 100 amps, so fuses will eventually blow if not they’re not upgraded. Old electrical panels can pose a safety risk, as a blown fuse could cause a fire.

2. If You Experience Frequent Tripping

A circuit breaker is designed to trip when too much energy flows into it. This is used as a safety precaution against fires. If you notice that your lights often turn on and off quickly or the fuse blows and you need to fix it within the breaker box, it’s time to install a new electrical panel. Tripping may also occur if you use an extension cord, as this device produces more heat and electricity.

3. Upgrading Appliances

An old home with older appliances won’t trip or damage fuses because they were made in an era that produced fewer amps. If you’re planning on adding a new appliance that requires a lot of electricity, such as an air conditioner or refrigerator, it will overload the electrical panel. Alternatively, you may want to upgrade your electrical panel if you have multiple new electronics in the home running at once, like two televisions, computers, or kitchen appliances.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your electrical panel to reduce the risk of outages, turn to the electricians at George’s Electric. For over 45 years, they have provided residents in Port Orchard, WA, with high-quality and reliable electrical services. From replacing electrical panels to rewiring homes, these professionals will thoroughly and effectively complete the job. Call (360) 895-9482 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to learn more about their services.