Each year, electrical failures or malfunctions spark more than 50,000 house fires across the United States. In a cruel twist, some of these infernos are started by the very devices designed to prevent them. If your home is equipped with an outdated or worn-out electrical panel, your safety may depend on recognizing and replacing it as soon as possible. So, how can you tell if your out-of-date service panel is overdue for an upgrade?
It’s an Obsolete Brand or Design
The average lifespan of a typical service panel ranges from 20 to 40 years, after which it’s more likely to begin breaking down or malfunctioning. Even if it seems in good condition, that doesn’t necessarily mean all is well. Many older breaker boxes were made using designs and materials that fall short of modern safety standards, but a few brands are considered to be especially hazardous. These include:
Zinsco or GTE-Sylvania
If your house is more than 50 years old, there’s a good chance it was built using a Zinsco electrical panel. Especially popular between 1964 and 1972, Zinsco panels were installed in millions of homes across the country. Unfortunately, many of these units featured a flawed design that could cause the circuit breakers to fuse to the main bus bar, preventing them from disconnecting even under excessive current. After 1973, Zinsco panels were also sold under the Sylvania and GTE-Sylvania brands.
Federal Pacific Electric
Between 1950 and 1980, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) was among the most popular and recognizable electrical panel brands in America. By 2002, it had become the target of a major class-action lawsuit alleging its dangerous and defective panels were responsible for thousands of electrical fires. Like those produced by Zinsco, FPE panels often fail to trip when circuits are overloaded. Some circuits may also remain energized even when switched off, increasing the risk of electrocution. To identify these troublesome units, look for a red “Federal Pacific” or “FPE” logo on the cover and a “Stab-Lok” label inside the breaker box.
Challenger
While Challenger service panels are not inherently dangerous, a small percentage of units were produced using faulty parts. There are estimated to be about 9,000 such panels still in use, most of which were likely installed between the late 1980s and early 1990s. When these defective parts fail, they cause the panel’s internal components to overheat and eventually fuse. Some Challenger panels were also sold under other brands, including Zinsco and GTE-Sylvania.
It’s Underpowered or Undersized
From computers and entertainment systems to car chargers and HVAC units, our modern technologies require more power than ever before. Not surprisingly, outdated electrical panels simply weren’t designed to accommodate such energy-intensive lifestyles. To avoid pushing your equipment beyond its limits, consider an electrical service upgrade if you notice:
Frequent Tripped Breakers
A tripped circuit can happen for many reasons, but it should never be a regular occurrence. If you find yourself repeatedly resetting breakers, it’s a sure sign you’re drawing more power than your system can safely handle. While 200 amps is considered the minimum standard for new homes and electrical upgrades today, most older systems have only 100-amp service.
Dimming or Flickering Lights
Have you noticed the lights in your house flickering for no apparent reason? Do the fixtures in one part of your home briefly dim whenever certain appliances turn on? This usually happens when too much current flows through a single circuit. Not only can this cause overheating and spark fires, but it can also damage sensitive electronics and appliances.
Not Enough Space for Expansion
Whether you’re remodeling your home or installing power-hungry appliances, you may occasionally need to add new circuit breakers to your electrical panel. Modern panels typically have plenty of open slots to accommodate your changing energy demands, but obsolete units are often already at or near maximum capacity. As such, it’s best to play it safe and upgrade your gear to ensure safe and balanced power distribution.
It’s Overheating or Making Noise
When using aging electrical equipment, it’s important to pay close attention to any potential signs of overheating. Your breaker box should never feel warm to the touch, nor should any part of the wall around it. If you feel heat or smell a hot, acrid odor in the vicinity of the service panel, be sure to contact your local electrical service professionals right away.
Likewise, keep your ears attuned to any unusual sounds being emitted by your electrical panel. Whether you hear buzzing, humming, whining, or crackling, strange noises always warrant expert attention. While the culprit could be as simple as a loose connection, it may also indicate failing or worn-out components within your breaker box.
It’s Damaged or Corroded
Regardless of its age, any electrical service panel with physical defects should be replaced as soon as possible. Of particular concern is corrosion, which may signify that the unit has been exposed to moisture. Corrosion can damage internal components and increase electrical resistance, producing excessive heat and creating a serious fire risk. Overheating components may also leave scorch marks or residue from melted plastic or wire insulation.
You can’t afford to take chances when protecting your home and family from electrical hazards. If you’re concerned your electrical panel may be outdated or unsafe, call Mister Sparky of Fort Myers for a full safety inspection by trained and licensed local electricians.