An electrical panel is at the heart of your Mooresville home’s electrical system. This panel contains circuit breakers that help to keep you and your family safe from electrocution, electrical fires, and other electrical hazards. Unfortunately, just like every other electrical system component, your home’s electrical panel has a finite lifespan. Eventually, you will eventually need to replace your electrical panel to ensure you can continue receiving all the protective benefits offered by an electrical panel. Understanding when and why you might need to replace your panel is the scope of this article from your friends at Putnam Mechanical.

Electrical Panel Lifespan

When considering the average lifespan of an electrical panel, you can expect to get at least 25 years of service if the panel is installed correctly. Of course, panels can last much longer than 25 years, as evidenced by many panels using glass fuses still in use. Since these panels haven’t been widely installed since at least 1982, it’s easy to see that the 25-year expectation is just a rule of thumb. Your panel may last more or less, depending on where it’s installed, how much of an electrical load you place on the panel, the wiring inside the panel, and many other factors. It’s good to know, though, that as your panel approaches 25 years old, it’s a good idea to start saving for its eventual replacement.

How to Know When You Should Replace Your Panel

There are multiple things to look for that will let you know it’s time for Putnam Mechanical to come and replace your electrical panel. One problem you might run into is multiple breakers tripping repeatedly. While one breaker tripping isn’t a sign of a bad panel, multiple breaker tripping often indicates that your panel has seen better days. Another sure sign of a problem with your panel is that it’s hot to the touch. This can indicate that you’re overloading your panel, which could lead to a fire. Also, if your panel is rusty, making strange noises, or emanating strange smells, you’ll want to call Putnam Mechanical to have your panel inspected and potentially replaced.

Making Your Panel Last Longer

The best way to lengthen your electrical panel’s lifespan is to have a professional electrician inspect your panel once a year. The electrician will be able to spot any small problems before they can become major issues. Consider giving your panel a quick weekly inspection for even more effective protection. Check for anything that’s out of the ordinary so that you can take quick action. If your panel is located outside, you may want an electrician to install a small overhang to protect the electrical panel from the elements. If you’re installing a new panel, Putnam Mechanical recommends installing it inside for easier access and protection from the elements and vandals.

Future-Proofing Your Electrical Panel

Sometimes, even if your current electrical panel is working correctly, you’ll still need to replace it if your electrical needs increase. To prevent this from happening again anytime soon, it’s a good idea to future-proof your electrical panel by having your electrician install one that’s larger than you currently need. A larger electrical panel allows adding new appliances, a hot tub, a swimming pool, extra electronics, and other creature comforts that require significant amounts of electricity to operate. Plus, since electrical panels last, if they do, you never know what the average electrical needs of a home will be by the time the panel requires replacement again. Considering all this, consider doing yourself and any future homeowners a favor by oversizing your next electrical panel.

Installing Electrical Panels and So Much More

At Putnam Mechanical, we take our customer’s needs and wants seriously. That’s why we work hard to provide exceptional ceiling fan installations, electrical inspections, electrical panel repairs, lighting installations, and much more. Plus, we can install, repair, and maintain HVAC systems, install geothermal systems, and perform repairs and maintenance on commercial systems. Since our founding, our main priority has been to treat our customers with integrity and respect. This is reflected in our A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and our consistent five-star customer reviews. Contact us at Putnam Mechanical today to learn more about electrical panels.

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