Should You Repair or Replace a Circuit Breaker Panel?

Does Your Circuit Breaker Panel Need to be Replaced or Repaired?

All of a home’s electricity is controlled by a circuit breaker panel. You normally check it to restore the breaker once an outlet or appliance stops operating. Simply flipping the switch would do the trick, and you’re free to go about your business. On the other hand, problems can sometimes be more significant than flipping a switch.

Suppose if the circuit breaker panel begins to fail or shows signs of damage, you must get it fixed or replaced. It aids in the safe and efficient operation of your home. For quality and safety, you should seek the assistance of a professional electrician.

When to Repair the Circuit Breaker Panel

Most of the problems with the breaker panel can be traced back to the wiring. Cables that are damaged or too loose cause problems that you must fix immediately. Sometimes it only appears to be broken lights or appliances, but that isn’t always the case. It causes a safety hazard for you and your family if left uncontrolled.

The cables in the breaker box could loosen over time due to use. If the wires appear to be slack or feel weak when you lightly pull on them, call electric services to have them tightened and inspected to verify they’re in good working order. If loose wires are the source of your troubles, they may need repair in most circumstances.

A burnt odor, charred outlets, or a breaker panel that appears warm to touch is evidence that one or more small-scale electrical fires have occurred. For emergency electrical repair, contact an electrician as soon as possible.

Wiring faults frequently necessitate repair instead of replacement. But so, you need it to be perfect. A skilled specialist may be required to rewire your circuit breaker panel, strengthen connections, or replace breakers. Having the job done by an expert safeguards both you and your home.

When It’s Time to Replace

A repair isn’t always enough. A circuit breaker panel for older homes might be designed to handle 60 amps of power. Your appliances and electronic equipment require more power. Power breaker panels can handle up to 200 amps of current. A flawlessly working panel will not get the task done if you do not have adequate power.

Recent panels may also be beyond repair. Water damage or an electric surge might permanently harm your breaker panel. You’ll almost certainly have to replace the breaker panel once these problems arise.

Electric panels have evolved, and several designs used in the mid-twentieth century no longer fulfill modern electrical requirements. A replacement may be necessary if the panel does have a split-buss layout, which uses a half-dozen circuit breakers rather than a single primary circuit breaker.

The design matched the needs of households 40 years ago; however, the number of devices and the quantity of power that most homes require now renders these outmoded panels vulnerable to overload.

Given the long list of major safety hazards, some outdated panels made by particular businesses have been unavailable for years. If you think your electrical panel is one of the old kinds, call an electrician to talk about replacing it.

It’s more than an annoyance if one of the circuit breakers constantly trips. It’s quite hazardous. This warning sign indicates a problem with the breaker panel, your home’s cabling, or the electric panel. You should have an expert evaluate your entire system and replace the appropriate component in either of these situations.

A Final Note

Note that your local electrician has the final word on whether to replace or repair a circuit breaker panel. It’s advisable to delegate this task to an electrical services business familiar with your utility provider’s electrical needs. Contact them immediately to reclaim the power that your home requires!