Identifying the signs that you may be in need of an Orlando electrical panel repair is crucial to keeping your home safe. We’re here to help you by sharing common signs it’s time to look for professional electrical services.
What Is An Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel, sometimes called a breaker panel, is a metal box built into a wall in your home containing breaker switches that control the electrical flow in your home. You can manually turn these switches on and off, and they will also automatically shut off if there’s too much electrical current. Inside the panel, there’s a main circuit breaker that manages power for the entire home and individual breakers for different parts of your home, usually labeled individually.
Knowing the usual signals that point to the need for electrical panel repair is crucial for keeping your home safe and running smoothly. Identifying and dealing with these signs promptly can help prevent potential dangers and ensure that your electrical system functions well and reliably.
5 Signs You Need Electrical Panel Repair
Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping
A circuit breaker trip happens when a breaker switch within your electrical panel shuts off automatically due to an overload or a short circuit. Remember that time when you decided to run the blender and make toast at the same time and lost power? It’s because your circuit breakers were working.
This safety mechanism prevents potential damage to your electrical system and minimizes the risk of electrical fires. Common causes of frequent tripping include:
- Too Many Connections: Having too many appliances or devices connected to a single circuit can increase the load beyond the breaker’s capacity.
- Faulty Wiring: Wires not working properly can cause short circuits or overloads, making the circuit breaker trip to prevent damage.
- Damaged Appliances: Broken Appliances can create unusual electric currents, causing the breaker to turn off to prevent problems.
- Ground Faults: When live wires touch a conductive surface, it changes the flow of electricity, and the breaker trips to avoid safety risks.
If your electrical panel trips often, it’s a good idea to contact a professional electrician to find the root of the issue. When searching for Orlando electrical panel repair, choose Doc Watts as your electrical contractor to ensure you get the best service.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Flickering lights often indicate underlying electrical issues that you can trace back to your electrical panel. This may be happening for many reasons, but the most common is that the connection between the panel and your lighting circuits is faulty. Loose connections within the panel or along the circuit can result in power flow lags, leading to flickering lights.
Another common reason for flickering lights is an overloaded circuit or when too many appliances, including light fixtures, are connected to a single circuit. While flickering lights might not seem like a big issue, they can indicate more significant electrical problems and pose safety risks. Seeking an experienced electrician for your Orlando electrical panel repair is crucial to make any necessary repairs and ensuring the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system.
Burning Smell or Strange Odors
A burning smell in your home should never be ignored, as it could point to a serious electrical issue. This odor often results from overheating wires or components in your electrical system due to wear and tear, faulty wiring, or overloaded circuits. Ignoring this smell could lead to electrical fires that endanger both lives and property, so getting an Orlando electrical panel repair is crucial.
If you detect a burning smell, immediately turn off the power to the area and contact a professional electrician. Our electricians at Doc Watts will identify the source, address the problem, and repair your panel to avoid potential fire hazards.
Outdated or Damaged Panel
An outdated or damaged electrical panel can pose significant risks to your home’s safety and functionality. It’s important to periodically check for signs of wear and tear, including rusted or corroded wires. These examples are particularly concerning, especially in older homes where the electrical system might not meet current standards. Older electrical panels can lead to potential hazards like inadequate power distribution, an increased risk of short circuits, or even the threat of electrical fires.
Upgrading to a modern panel is vital to ensure the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. Modern panels can accommodate the power demands of contemporary appliances and technology, reducing the risk of overloading circuits. Additionally, they incorporate advanced safety features, including circuit breakers that trip more reliably to protect against electrical hazards.
Increasing Utility Bills
If you’ve noticed a steady increase in your utility bills, it could be your electrical panel! As your panel ages, it may require more power to function effectively, increasing energy consumption. Utilizing more power to work also raises your utility bills. Therefore, upgrading to a current and more efficient electrical panel can counteract this issue, helping optimize your energy usage and maintain lower utility bills over time.
Choose Doc Watts For Your Orlando Electrical Panel Repair
We understand that dealing with your home’s electrical panel might seem daunting, so if you notice any issues, whether it’s strange sounds, smells, or anything unusual, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced team can quickly assess the situation and determine if a repair or upgrade is necessary. Remember, Call The Doc When You Have No Watts!
