One way that homeowners can exert some control over their home’s electrical systems is through the electrical panel. Learning what the panel does and when to seek help can prepare you to make your home as safe and energy efficient as possible.
Leave Actual Repair and Installation Work to Professionals
Above all else, know your limits as a homeowner, and don’t try to install or repair an electrical panel or any other component of your electrical system on your own. You don’t have the expertise to effectively do this kind of work, and mistakes could mean electrocution and even death. Leave this kind of high-stakes work to professional electricians.
Become Familiar With Your Electrical Panel
Become more familiar with your electrical panel in general. Make sure you know exactly where it’s located. In most homes, it will be in the basement, garage, or laundry room. If you have a vintage house, however, it may be located outside. Learn about the components of your electrical panel:
- Main circuit breaker
- Circuit breakers
- Single-pole breakers
- Double pole-breakers
- Electrical service line
- Ground wire
Flipping the switch for the main circuit breaker will shut off all electricity for the circuits connected to the box. However, flipping a single pole-breaker may only shut off your TV or something else that uses 120 volts of electricity or less.
Know How to Prevent Electrical Overload
Electrical overload is a common problem that occurs when more electricity is drawn from a circuit than it can provide. Electrical overload can cause serious mishaps including electrical fires.
To prevent an overload, do some math. If you’re concerned about a 15 amp, 120 volt circuit, you can find the maximum amount of watts that circuit can handle by multiplying the amps by the volts. In this case, 15 times 120 equals 1,800 maximum watts for that circuit.
Know the Signs of a Failing Electrical Panel
After years of use, an electrical panel may begin to lose its ability to operate properly. When that happens, you need to hire professionals to install a new one. Not doing so could be dangerous. Signs that it may be time to replace your electrical panel include:
- It makes buzzing or sizzling sounds.
- It smells like it’s burning.
- You need more electrical load.
- You still have a fuse box.
- You have an older panel at risk for failure.
Odd smells or sounds can indicate your panel is overloaded and needs an upgrade. Panels in older homes from the 1950s to the ’70s should be replaced because the models used could be hazardous. Outmoded fuse boxes should also be replaced.
If you have a serious problem with your electrical panel, call Sublime Electric for a repair or replacement in Boise, ID or the surrounding area. We have years of experience serving Boise homeowners and can ensure that your electrical system is safe and upgraded to meet your needs.
