The electrical panel is like the brain or control center of your home. It regulates power distribution so that the entire electrical system performs reliably and efficiently. In a place like Menomonie, WI, where seasonal storms and temperature swings can strain electrical systems, it’s especially important to stay ahead of problems.
Issues like frequent breaker trips or flickering lights not only increase energy bills but also increase the risk of electrical fires or shock. Knowing when to replace the panel is crucial for staying safe. Fortunately, there are several signs you can watch for to know when to do an upgrade.
Older Homes Need New Panels
Panels built several decades ago don’t meet the normal electrical load of today’s households. The majority of them are 100-amp, which isn’t enough power to support modern electronics and multiple major appliances. Instead, you need a 200-amp panel. This will ensure you have sufficient capacity to run high-demand appliances simultaneously.
Many of the older panels also lack vital safety features, such as arc fault protection and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). This increases your home’s risk of experiencing electrical fires and shock hazards. Furthermore, many of the older panels lack sufficient circuit capacity, resulting in circuits that are often overloaded or shared among too many devices. Even worse, most outdated panels don’t provide room for expansion, so you can’t add new circuits.
If you haven’t updated the panel in the last 20 to 30 years, it’s time to consider a replacement. This upgrade is particularly important for homes near the Mabel Tainter Theater, since many of them are over 30 years old. Our electricians at Hurlburt listen and will take the time to explain your options. We then give you the autonomy to make the choices that work best for you and your family.
You’re Adding Modern Appliances
Just because your home was built in the last decade or two doesn’t necessarily mean the electrical panel can meet your current demands. Today’s modern stoves, dryers, and HVAC models, especially the smart versions, use more energy than those made even just a few years ago.
Take, for example, today’s newer electric dryers. Many of them feature Wi-Fi connectivity, moisture sensors, steam functions, and faster drying cycles, drawing up to 30 amps or more than older dryers. Another common upgrade is to add a double oven to your kitchen, enhancing your cooking capabilities. This type of oven doubles the electrical load when compared to a single-unit range.
All smart appliances consume more power because they must maintain a constant internet connection to communicate with apps and smart hubs. Those with display screens use more power to stay illuminated. The additional load that these modern appliances put on your panel can cause tripped breakers and overheating if it isn’t rated for sufficient capacity. By updating the panel, you can run all appliances simultaneously without interruptions or safety concerns.
Lights Frequently Flicker or Dim
If your lights keep flickering or dimming, it usually means the panel is struggling to supply consistent power. This can happen due to an overloaded panel, loose connections, or failing components. Our electricians will examine the circuit load distribution and test the voltage output to determine the culprit. In most situations like this, a panel upgrade will solve the problem and restore reliable power.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
A breaker trip is a safety feature that protects your home from electrical overloads and short circuits. However, frequent breaker trips are a sign of a serious problem, such as faulty wiring or an outdated electrical panel. Performing an upgrade can prevent your system from shutting down when you run multiple appliances. This not only makes the home more convenient but also mitigates fire risks and long-term electrical damage.
Panel Feels Warm to the Touch
Your electrical panel should never feel warm to the touch. If it does, you should switch off the main breaker and contact us immediately. Being warm to the touch means the panel is overheating. This could be due to loose connections, overloaded circuits, or failing breakers.
It’s a serious safety concern that frequently occurs in many older homes near the Wilson Place Mansion. We’ll check the internal wiring and breaker performance to determine the best course of action. When burn marks or melted insulation are present, a full panel replacement will be necessary.
You Hear Buzzing or Crackling Noises
A panel that makes a buzzing or crackling noise probably has a loose connection or faulty wiring. Both pose major electrical hazards, as they can cause sparks and electrical fires. If you hear either of these noises, this is another situation where you should switch off the main breaker right away. We can inspect the panel to locate the source of the noise or fault.
You Smell Burning Near the Panel
The moment you detect a burning smell near your panel, shut off power and call an electrician. A plastic or chemical odor typically indicates melted insulation. A smoky or charred smell often means scorched wires or internal arcing. To eliminate the fire risk, a new panel can restore safety and prevent future hazards.
You Still Use a Fuse Box
If you have an older home, it might still have a fuse box. This is a common problem for older homes in and near Oakwood Heights. Although these systems remain functional, they don’t offer the same convenience as modern panels. They also lack circuit breakers that trip automatically when the system overloads. This means your home faces increased risk during emergency situations. We can replace your outdated fuse box with a modern panel for better safety and performance.
Rust or Corrosion Covers the Panel
Many homes near Lake Wissota or in North Menomonie have electrical panels located in a basement or an area with poor ventilation. This can cause problems with moisture, leading to rust and corrosion on the panel. Over time, the corrosion will erode the internal components, rendering the panel unsafe. Replacing the panel will fix the moisture-related damage, so you don’t have to deal with unexpected power loss.
You’re Planning a Home Renovation
Adding onto your home is a great way to increase its square footage and customize it to your lifestyle. The type of space you create will impact what updates you’ll need to make to the electrical panel. For example, if you’re adding a finished room to use as a gym, you might need outlets for treadmills, ellipticals, TVs, and sound systems. We will customize the new panel to have enough amperage and dedicated circuits to support the additional load.
You Want to Install EV Chargers
A growing number of people living in Wisconsin use electric vehicles as their primary source of transportation. Having an EV charger proves of the utmost value for being able to conveniently charge at home. When adding one of these chargers, you must make sure your panel is compatible. Most older panels can’t handle the additional load of a Level 2 EV charger. Performing an upgrade ensures you have sufficient capacity to safely charge your vehicle.
Welcome to the Hurlburt Family!
Hurlburt is here to answer any questions you have about electrical panel upgrades. We are family-owned and -operated with 65+ years in business. We offer panel replacements, wiring services, outlet upgrades, and a range of additional services. Our level of service distinguishes us from our competitors. Discover why we have over 6,000 5-star reviews.
Call Hurlburt today to book a panel replacement in Menomonie.
