Electrical Panels, Breakers & Outlets

Electrical panels route electricity throughout the home. An electrical panel may need work if lights are flickering, appliances are not working properly, breakers keep tripping, or the panel appears melted. If you use extension cords on a regular basis you may need to install a few more outlets and upgrade the electrical panel. Also, if you’ve recently remodeled or expanded your home it’s important to make sure the electrical panel can handle the additional load.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), home electrical fires cause an estimated 51,000 fires every year. Replacing an electrical panel does more than just increase convenience — it increases safety and helps prevent deadly disasters. Take an active role in preventing home fires and schedule a routine inspection of your home’s electrical panels and wiring.

If your home’s panel is more than 40 years old, or if the brand of your panel is Federal Pacific Electric, Edison, Pushmatic, or Zinsco, your home may not be properly protected against electrical malfunctions. These older electrical panels may fail to trip during a short or overloaded circuit and continue to send power even when turned off. Fuse boxes may have been modified to meet today’s high energy demands but are not properly equipped.

Your breaker may be hazardous and need to be replaced if it feels hot, there’s a burning smell, parts are burned, or you see frayed wires and signs of wear. It’s important to hire a licensed electrician and let them handle the repairs.

Burn marks are never a good sign, but if you see them around an electrical outlet then it’s critical to have the outlet inspected and replaced. An electrical outlet needs to be replaced if:

• The outlet does not function
• The faceplate is damaged
• The slots are loose
• The outlet is producing electric shocks

Electrical outlets in the kitchen and bathroom will need more frequent inspection and replacement due to exposure to heat, steam, and cleaning products. If your electrical outlets need to be serviced, reach out to a licensed electrician for an inspection and service recommendations.

Blue Apple Electric, Plumbing & Air to schedule a free inspection! Call 702-793-2800.