How Do I Know if My Electrical Panel Is Outdated?
Unless you have a new home, your electrical panels could be outdated. If your electrical panels are old, they are more likely to become overloaded. Eventually, this problem can lead to a fire, damaged appliances, and other electrical hazards.
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to fix this issue. By learning more about electrical panels and looking for specific symptoms, you can avoid overheating wires and similar problems.
How Long Do Electrical Panels Last?
Electrical panels generally must be replaced every 20 to 30 years. However, this is just a general estimate. If you notice electrical problems, it’s important to call an electrician to get your panel checked out.
What Happens If Your Electrical Panel Is Outdated?
If your panel is outdated, you are more likely to deal with fire hazards and electrical overloads. The electrical panel is supposed to regulate the flow of electricity. When the electrical panel is unable to distribute electricity properly, the circuit breakers will get tripped.
These circuit breakers are designed to protect your home from surges in electricity. Without them, your appliances and gadgets would get fried and eventually stop working.
Other than dealing with tripped circuit breakers, an outdated electrical panel increases the odds that your other electronics will break down. You are also significantly more likely to deal with blackouts, electrocutions, and electrical fires. It only takes 30 seconds for a small fire to become out of control, so it’s important to prevent these issues from happening whenever possible. Learn how to choose the right electrical panel for your home.
The Most Common Symptoms Your Electrical Panel Is Outdated?
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can figure out if your electrical panel is outdated or not. The most obvious way is to look at the age of the panel. Once your electrical panel is 20 years old, you should have an electrician check it to ensure it’s still in good condition.
Unsafe Styles of Electrical Panels
Other than looking for symptoms of an outdated electrical panel, you can also see if you have one of the following four types. These panels are known for causing issues, and they are more common in homes that were built before 1990.
1. Split-Bus Electrical Panels
When you purchase a brand-new panel, it is made with a single metal bus. Normally, electricity flows into the electrical panel. It goes through the main breaker to reach the bus, which connects to each circuit breaker. You can instantly turn off the power to the bus and your home by switching off the main breaker.
With a split-bus electrical panel, there are two buses. There are up to six different breakers that are called the main breaker. While one of the main breakers controls electrical flow to half of the panel’s breakers, the other main breakers are linked to the first bus. There isn’t a single disconnect option.
These panels are primarily considered unsafe because of how old they are because they haven’t been used for 40 years. Additionally, modern electrical codes don’t let you use multiple disconnects.
Fortunately, you can easily tell if you have one by opening your electrical box. If everything is divided into two different groups, you may have a split-bus panel.
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels
Federal Pacific Electric was one of the most popular manufacturers in the country, but they rapidly lost popularity when their panels were found to be unsafe. A federal commission was started to investigate these concerns.
One of the major issues is that the circuit breakers don’t always trip when they’re supposed to, which causes fires. They can even continue to send power after they’re turned off, so there’s an added level of danger.
These electrical panels were built between 1950 and 1980. You can generally tell if you have one because the brand name will be on the breaker box. Stab-Loc will be written inside.
Fuse Boxes
Fuse boxes are designed with fuses instead of circuit breakers. If the circuits are pulling too much electricity, it causes the fuse to burn out. Then, you have to replace it.
While fuse boxes aren’t necessarily unsafe, they are often modified in ways that aren’t safe for homeowners. Contractors and homeowners may use too many things on a single circuit or use metal to replace blown fuses. Sometimes, people replace an old fuse with a larger fuse, which poses a fire hazard.
If you have a fuse box, it’s important to make sure it is set up properly. Pennies and other metal objects should never be used to replace blown fuses because this removes the safety mechanism of the fuse.
Zinsco Panels
Sylvania and Zinsco panels were popular during the 1970s. This old style has circuit breakers that can melt. When this happens, the circuit breaker can’t get tripped if there’s an overloaded circuit. The added power surge can cause melted wires and fires.
To see if you have this type of panel, look for the brand name. Because some of these panels are still safe, you should ask an electrician to inspect the panel and see if it is okay to use.
Symptoms of an Outdated or Faulty Electrical Panel
You may have an outdated or faulty electrical panel if you notice the following symptoms.
- Burned odors near the breaker box
- Frequently tripped breakers from using appliances
- A blackened spot near your electrical panel
- Flickering lights
- Electric shocks when you touch power outlets and light switches
- Crackling and hissing noises near the breaker box
- Overheated appliances
What Should You Do With an Old Electrical Panel?
If you have an old electrical panel, it may be time to get a replacement. Outdated electrical panels are potential fire hazards and can cause lasting damage to your appliances. With the help of an electrician, you can get your electrical panel inspected and replaced.