Your home’s electrical panel is the nerve center of your electrical system. It’s responsible for distributing power throughout your house, and when it works properly, you never even notice it’s there. However, if there’s a problem with your electrical panel, it can be a major safety hazard. In fact, a faulty electrical panel can lead to fires, electrical shocks, or even electrocution. So, how can you tell if your electrical panel is dangerous? Here are four signs to look out for from the team at Divine Electric in Marin County!
Constantly Tripping Breakers
One of the clearest signs that your electrical panel is having issues is when your circuit breakers trip frequently. Circuit breakers are designed to “trip” or turn off the power when they sense an overload or short circuit. If you’re experiencing frequent breaker trips, it could mean that there’s too much demand on your electrical system or that there’s a problem with the breakers themselves.
Sparking or Smoking Wires
Another major red flag when it comes to electrical panel safety is sparking or smoking wires. If you see or smell anything unusual coming from your electrical panel, it’s critical that you turn off your power immediately and call an electrician. This type of issue requires immediate attention from a professional to prevent a potentially deadly electrical fire.
Poorly Working Appliances
If you notice that your appliances aren’t working as well as they used to, it could be due to an electrical panel issue. Faulty wiring can prevent your oven from heating up, your fridge from staying cold, or your washing machine from working correctly. If you notice any of these signs, our experienced electricians in Marin County can identify the root cause of the problem and provide cost-effective solutions.
Breaker Box Made by Federal Pacific
If your circuit breaker box was manufactured by Federal Pacific, it’s time to consider an upgrade. This brand of electrical panel is notorious for developing problems and causing fires. In fact, many insurance companies won’t even insure homes that have a Federal Pacific breaker box, so it’s best to replace the hazard-prone panel before you run into any issues.
By keeping an eye out for these signs, you can identify issues before they become serious problems. If you’re in Marin County, CA, and need an electrical panel upgrade or inspection, Divine Electric is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our certified electricians!