Are you having to go to the circuit breaker so often that you are frustrated and annoyed, there’s a good chance that your electrical panel is working overtime. An outdated and overworked electrical panel is a hassle that no homeowner should have to deal with.

Not only is this an issue because of faulty outlets and excessive extension cords – an outdated electrical panel is also a serious fire hazard.

What’s the Problem with an Outdated Electrical Panel?

First of all, the obvious – it’s outdated. This can cause several issues, especially if you are planning a home improvement project in the near future. The job of your electrical panel is to figure out how much electricity is sent to outlets, lights, and appliances in your home.

If your panel is outdated, it’s not only unable to meet your electrical needs, it’s also putting your home and you at risk. Having an updated electrical panel installed means there’s a circuit breaker present. This will trip or turn off if the wiring is overworked. This is going to prevent your electrical system from overheating and potentially starting a fire. Not only is an outdated panel a serious fire hazard, it’s also harmful for other reasons.

These reasons include:

• It’s an insurers nightmare: There are some insurance companies that won’t provide coverage for a home that has an outdated electrical system. Make sure your home is upgraded to meet all requirement so that if something does happen, you have insurance coverage.

• Inability to sell your house: Every home has to pass an inspection before it can be sold. It isn’t just a matter of passing the inspection though. Most home buyers are smart, and they only want to buy a house that is reliable and safe.

• It’s a money pit: All home repairs are expensive – especially if you are unsure what the underlying issue is. Utility bills may go up due to this, and there’s no reason to add to the bills even more due to an outdated panel.

Signs Your Panel is Outdated

The good news is, there are several signs you can look for that are going to let you know if your panel is outdated. These include:

• Your home’s age: If you have a house that is 30 years old or more, it’s likely your electrical system is outdated and faulty.
• A lack of sufficient outlets: You may have to use an extension cord occasionally, but you shouldn’t be tripping over them. If this is the case, it could be because there aren’t enough outlets present.
• The control panel: There are certain electrical panels that are unsafe, including a fuse box, split-bus electrical panel, Zinsco panel, and Federal Pacific Electric panel. If these are in place, have them replaced right away.

Don’t take chances with the safety of you, your family, and your home. By updating your home’s electrical panel, you can avoid serious issues, fires, and more. Call the professionals if you need to make this upgrade.