When Do You Need To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
When To Get Electrical Service Upgrades For
Your Bethlehem, PA Electrical Panel
Recognize The Signs Of An Aging Electrical
Panel In Your Bethlehem, PA Home
When your electrical panel isn’t meeting your home’s electrical demands, it’s time to consider electrical service upgrades in Bethlehem, PA, to bring it up to speed.
But when should you upgrade your electrical system?
Knowing when to upgrade can prevent potential hazards and ensure your home can meet the electrical demands of today’s modern appliances. Whether your electrical system suffers from damage or is worn down with age, upgrading your system is the best way to ensure your home is safe for your family.
Typical Lifespan Of A Bethlehem, PA Electrical Panel
The typical lifespan of electrical panels can vary, but usually, they last between 25 and 40 years. Several factors can impact their lifespan, such as:
- Maintenance history
- Quality of initial installation
- Local electrical load demands
- Age of the home and original installation
In Northampton and Lehigh counties, plenty of older homes with aging electrical systems need a boost. Some signs of aging to look for might be visible corrosion, rust, and consistent performance issues.
When you have an older panel, it’ll also struggle to meet modern electrical needs, which makes upgrades crucial for home safety and functionality.
Telltale Signs You Need Electrical Service Upgrades
When your panel needs an upgrade, it’ll tell you! Understanding the telltale signs of a damaged or aging system can help you be proactive.
1. Frequent circuit breaker tripping
First, constant circuit breaker tripping can be a major indicator that your electrical system is due for an upgrade.
When there is frequent breaker tripping, it means that your panel can’t handle your home’s current electrical load. Service upgrades can prevent potential electrical failures, as they’ll help your home meet the power demand of today’s technology.
2. Burn marks or scorching
Notice any visible burn marks around your home’s panel? If so, these can be serious red flags. When you see burn marks, it can indicate potential internal damage in your panel, overheating, or electrical arcing that could lead to catastrophic failures.
3. Outdated panel technology
In our area, there are many older homes that have outdated panel technology that poses some safety risks. These panels do not have the same level of circuit protection as modern panels, which can pose a major safety risk if these panels aren’t properly maintained.
Upgrading to a modern panel will provide your home with enhanced circuit protection and help your panel better accommodate today’s appliances and electronics.
4. Insufficient Amperage For Modern Home Needs
Did you know that most older homes have 60-amp panels? To keep up with modern tech, most homes need 100 to 200 amp panels, and even 100-amps are more suitable for basic appliances and smaller properties.
It’s vital to ensure that your electrical panel has the amperage necessary to support multiple high-draw electronic devices, smart home technologies, and energy-intensive appliances.
Risks Of Delaying Service Upgrades
It’s easy to put aside service upgrades for your electrical panel. What could a couple more months do if it’s been working for years?
But postponing upgrading your electrical panel can lead to multiple risks for your home, such as:
- Increased fire hazards
- Decreased property value
- Compromised safety for residents
- Reduced electrical system efficiency
- Potential voiding of home insurance coverage
Being proactive is crucial to avoid these safety risks – and one thing you can do as a homeowner is regularly maintaining your system! Regular inspections and timely upgrades protect your home, family, and investment.
When you see the telltale signs of an aging or damaged system, it’s time to bring in a local professional to assess your electrical needs. That’s where Shafnisky Electric comes in.
Shafnisky Electric has been helping Bethlehem, PA homes for over 35 years. Whether you need electrical upgrades, rewiring, or repairs, our team is committed to providing a tailored electrical solution that works for your home and your home alone.
If your home is in need of electrical service upgrades, call us today at (610) 435-2237 or visit our website for a free estimate!