Lights that have a mind of their own and start to flicker? Breakers that seem to trip with some frequency? And as for that warm spot on your electrical panel, is it cause for concern?
We at Dilling Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical are used to having homeowners put these very questions to us. In our years of service to families in the Carolinas we have been around since 1955, one thing has become clear: an electrical panel needs to be tended to before a minor matter becomes a major one.
Your panel is what powers your home. Let it show you trouble and you run the risk of safety issues or ruined appliances. But if you are observant, most problems will make themselves known.
Why Your Electrical Panel Is So Important
It is the point of entry for all the electricity in the house and from there it is put to work on every circuit. Outlets, lights, appliances, they all rely on it. In the older homes of the Carolinas the panel may have been put in place decades back and was not meant to cope with today’s way of life.
You only have to consider what we put on the power these days. From an electric vehicle charger and high powered kitchen equipment to several computers and a large television, they are all making demands on the same panel. One that did a family fine in 1980 is likely over its head in 2024.
Warning Signs to Pay Attention To
Once you are familiar with them the symptoms are plain to see. We would put the following down as the most telling:
- Frequent breaker tripping without much being plugged in
- The smell of burning or scorching in the vicinity of the panel
- Excessive heat from the breakers or the panel itself
- Any kind of humming, crackling or buzzing within the panel
- A house full of dimming or flickering lights
- Rust and corrosion
- Breakers that are loose and refuse to stay reset
A licensed professional should take a look at any of the above. Then again, with a burning smell or scorch marks there is no time to lose; give us a ring at (704) 741-8773.
What is Behind the Problem
Overloaded circuits are something we come across a great deal. Put too many devices on one circuit and the breaker will do its job and trip to safeguard the home. If it is happening on a regular basis the panel is simply not up to the task.
In the humidity of the Carolinas, old homes can develop corroded or loose connections. That is a fire hazard in the making as the wiring can arc and get hot.
Then there is the matter of an undersized panel. A modern household will want 200 amps to operate with impunity whereas many are still on 100 amp service or less. Some older panels are from manufacturers with a history of safety concerns; if yours is of a certain age a professional opinion on whether to replace it is in order.
Make the Call
There is no room for shortcuts with electrical work. An error could put the whole house in jeopardy and the current in a panel is no joke.
If your home has not been inspected in its 25 plus years, or you are in the market for an EV charger or other large appliance, get in touch with a licensed electrician. Better to have an expert put your mind at ease.
Our electricians are fully licensed and insured. With an A+ from the BBB and 4.9 stars from over 6,000 Google reviews, we stand by our 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and are on hand 24/7 when the situation calls for it.
Do not put it off if your panel is giving you any reason to think. Contact the team at Dilling Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical at (704) 741-8773 and we will make sure your home is safe and running as it ought to.
