An electrical panel powers your home, providing electricity to your lights, your appliances, and your devices. Like with any system, however, panels become old and outdated. Besides limiting the flow of electricity in your home, an outdated panel can be dangerous, causing power surges or even fires. If your home has an old fuse box or outdated panel, it may be time to consider a replacement.
What Is an Outdated Electrical Panel?
An outdated electrical panel or breaker box is typically an inefficient or old system that can no longer meet your home’s electricity needs. Sometimes panels become outdated due to updates in the industry; other times, they suffer years of wear and tear. If your panel is over 30 years old, it probably is outdated. And while it may still work, it can pose a safety hazard. Upgrading to a modern and more efficient system can enhance your safety and lower your energy bills.
What Are the Signs You Have an Outdated Electrical Panel?
Not sure if your electrical panel or breaker box is outdated? Here are some signs to look out for.
Breaker Frequently Trips
Older electrical panels weren’t designed for the energy-hungry appliances we now have, such as dishwashers, HVAC systems, generators, microwaves, air fryers, and more. As you plug in more and more devices into your home, the strain on your electrical system increases—sometimes dramatically. This strain can lead to frequent breaker trips. Essentially, more electricity is flowing through your system than your panel can handle. Your breaker tripping could also mean you have worn-out components, damaged wiring, or more.
Flickering Lights
Another sign of an outdated panel is flickering lights. Older panels may have worn-out or deteriorating parts. As a result, they will no longer be able to keep up with your electricity needs. Flickering lights could also indicate your system is overloaded.
Burned Spot on Your Breaker Box
A burned spot on your breaker box means your panel is overheating. Overheating is a red flag that your panel can’t handle your electrical load. If you see a burned spot on your breaker box, contact one of our electricians at Mister Sparky. Ignoring the issue could lead to an electrical fire.
Breaker Doesn’t Reset
When your breaker trips, it should reset once you turn it back to the “on” position. However, if it doesn’t stay in the “on” position, it’s a sign that your electrical panel is struggling to keep up with your electrical load. In addition, older panels may have loose or inefficient connections due to worn-out components. A breaker that doesn’t reset is your panel’s way of saying it needs an upgrade.
If you see any of the above signs, schedule an inspection with a licensed electrician. These signs often indicate that something is wrong with your panel. If the issue is due to an outdated panel, our team can easily replace it.
Types of Outdated Electrical Panels
Although some outdated breaker boxes may work fine, they have typically been phased out in the industry due to safety issues. Some of these electrical panels include:
Fuse Boxes
Fuse boxes were used in older homes, built before the 1960s. By the 1960s, fuse boxes were phased out in favor of more modern systems with circuit breakers. In the 1950s, there were two plug fuses. Ten years later, there were four plug fuses. Despite this upgrade, these fuse boxes are still very limited compared to today’s electrical panels.
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels
The panels manufactured by Federal Pacific Electric were widely used until the 1980s. The company went bankrupt due to safety concerns with its panels. One major concern was their panels did not trip if the circuit was overloaded. This means electricity would continue to flow, resulting in an electrical fire or electrical shocks. Despite this flaw, some homes still have FPE panels.
Split-Bus Electrical Panels
Split-bus panels were installed between the 1950s and 1970s. By the mid-1980s, these panels were largely discontinued as they were no longer efficient to meet the needs of homes that required more electricity. If your home has a split-bus panel, it’s a good idea to talk to a licensed electrician at Mister Sparky about replacing it.
Electrical Panel Replacement Steps
Replacing an electrical panel can be a quick job if you hire licensed and experienced electricians. The steps involved include:
- Assessing and evaluating your electrical panel
- Installing the new panel
- Ensuring the new panel complies with building codes and regulations
- Testing the system to ensure it works efficiently
Our Expert Electricians at Mister Sparky
When it’s time to update your electrical panel, our team of electricians can provide superior quality. We offer top-tier electrical components for all replacement jobs with service that is transparent and timely. You’ll also get a team of licensed and professional electricians with years of experience.
Contact us to schedule an appointment in Clearwater. We’ll replace your electrical panel with precision and diligence!