Can you remember the last time you scheduled an electrical panel inspection? Electricians recommend scheduling a panel inspection every three to five years at a minimum. Despite that, many homeowners never schedule one until they encounter a problem they can’t ignore. Through an inspection this new year, you can improve energy efficiency and make your home safer.

Panel Condition

Our electrician can assess the age and overall condition of your home’s electrical panel. Many electricians agree that you should replace any panel after 25 years. You should certainly replace a panel that’s 40 to 50 years old. If a panel is in poor condition, it may be wise to replace it even if it hasn’t yet reached the 25-year mark. That includes burn marks and any signs of rust or other corrosion. You should also monitor for:

• Burning smells
• Unusual sounds
• Loose components
• Electrical disturbances
• Heat emanating from the panel

Amp Capacity

The power demand of the average U.S. household has risen substantially over the years. Many older homes simply don’t have the amp capacity needed, and that can lead to a wide range of inconveniences and even serious problems. The National Electrical Code only requires 150 amps. It’s not unusual for an older home to have a 100-amp panel or less, while many modern households need at least 250 amps, and larger homes can require 350 to 450 amps.

Surge Protection

The 2020 update to the NEC added whole-house surge protection as a requirement. Many houses built before that time don’t have a surge protection device and only acquire one when a home improvement requires an electrical permit. We recommend upgrading sooner than that.

The NEC requires a Type 2 SPD, which we can install between the panel and the home’s electrical system. Type 2 SPDs protect against indirect lightning strikes and surges from internal sources, such as air conditioners and standby generators. You can also add a Type 1 SPD, which goes between the home’s electrical system and the grid. It protects against direct lightning strikes and anomalous (abnormal or unexpected) grid power. These events are less common but can be devastating when they occur.

Circuits

Many older homes have overloaded circuits. Our electricians can add circuits up to a panel’s limit, or we can upgrade the panel for even more circuit capacity. Doing so will eliminate overloading and can overcome the problem of never having enough outlets in the rooms you use most often. You can also add lighting, switches, and dimmers. To bring your home up to code, we may need to add ground-fault circuit interrupters. The NEC requires GFCIs in any room with water fixtures.

To schedule an electrical panel inspection in Beaumont, TX, call our team at Emerson Electrical Services, or contact us online.