Whenever the power goes out in your home, you know you can head to the basement or garage and flip the switch in your breaker box. But in some cases, this part of your electrical system may not be doing its job properly. In others, it could endanger you. Here are some of the most common problems associated with breaker boxes.

3 Common Issues With Breaker Boxes

1. Missing Pieces

Inside your breaker box is more than just wires and fuses—small parts like knock-outs and clamps also play essential roles. For example, if the knock- or twist-outs are taken out during a repair and never replaced, they could allow room for electrical currents to escape and zip throughout the box like a pinball machine. Clamps are used to seal clipped wire ends, preventing them from getting jostled and frayed over time.

2. Over-Fusing

When it comes to breaker boxes, bigger isn’t better. If the box is too large for the wires it’s routed to, it’s considered “over-fused.” This means that when power becomes too strong and overloads a breaker, the large box will try to accommodate it instead of tripping the circuit. As a result, the wire will heat up to dangerous temperatures, potentially melting down the protective coating. In the worst-case scenario, over-fusing could trigger a house fire.

3. Outdated Equipment

Yet another common breaker box issue is caused by neglecting to update an electrical system. For example, if your home’s breaker box hasn’t been upgraded since the 70s or 80s, it might still be one of the Federal Pacific Electric Company (FPE) panels. In 1983, these mid-century models started showing patterns of malfunction and fire risks due to non-compliance with manufacturing codes. FPE panels should be replaced even if they’re not displaying signs of overheating.

If you’re looking to remedy any of these breaker box issues, turn to Gutridge Electric, Inc. of Newark, OH. They have almost 35 years of experience tending to electrical services in the area, and they’re proud to be fully licensed and insured. Whether you need repairs, upgrades, or complete rewiring, you can count on this family-owned and -operated business to get the job done right. To learn more about their services, visit the website. You can also call (740) 349-7624 to schedule an appointment.