Does Your Electrical System Need Upgrading?
The electrical panel in your home or business is the center of your electrical system. It brings electricity to all the plugs, lights and appliances including your beloved technology. It determines how much power is available to distribute to all the circuits. Without it we would, literally and figuratively, be in the dark. So how do you know when to upgrade that electrical panel and what are the benefits of doing so? Let’s take a closer look.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends having an electrician look over your electrical system every 10 years. The reason for this is primarily a safety issue. With 50,000 electrical malfunctions as the leading cause of house fires across the United States, prevention is key. The CPSC also advises homeowners and property owners to be aware of warning signs of faulty or inadequate wiring. These include:
- Odors – including a burning or metallic smell coming from outlets when you plug in an appliance.
- Hot Outlets or Switch Plates – Outlets and switch plates should not become overly hot when an appliance is plugged in. If you feel heat, unplug the item and call an electrician to inspect.
- Blown Fuses – Circuit breakers and fuses are designed to fail before they overload your system. If a particular outlet repeatedly blows its fuse, the circuit is probably overloaded.
- Buzzing – If there are loose outlets or fraying cords you may hear a buzzing noise. If you hear a buzzing coming from an outlet unplug the item and call an electrician immediately.