How To Protect Your Family From Electrical Panel Fires
In the United States, house fires kill almost 2.5 thousand people a year. Electrical panel fires are a common type of house fire and cause over $1 billion in damage each year. Suncoast Home Solutions provides superior electric panel services in the Southeast Florida region, and will ensure your panel is functioning properly.
What is an electrical panel?
An electrical panel provides your home with electricity. It is normally a rectangular grey or black box. They are often called fuse boxes or circuit breakers. Power is first received through the box. It is then distributed throughout your house. If yours is not functional, your home is at risk of an electrical panel fire.
Why You Want to Have Your Electrical Panel Checked
Having your electrical panel checked regularly is important for several reasons:
- Safety: The electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It houses the circuit breakers or fuses that control the flow of electricity throughout your house. Over time, electrical panels can develop issues such as loose connections, worn-out components, or outdated wiring. These problems can lead to electrical faults, overheating, and even electrical fires. Regular inspections can identify potential hazards and ensure that your electrical panel is in good working condition, keeping your home and family safe.
- Preventive Maintenance: Like any other system in your home, electrical panels require regular maintenance to ensure their proper functioning. An inspection can detect early signs of wear and tear, corrosion, or other damage that may affect the performance of the panel. By addressing these issues early on, you can prevent larger problems down the line and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
- Code Compliance: Electrical codes and regulations are periodically updated to improve safety standards. Having your electrical panel checked ensures that it meets the current electrical code requirements. If your panel is outdated or non-compliant, an inspection can identify the necessary upgrades or replacements to bring it up to code. This is particularly important if you’re planning to sell your home or if you want to ensure that your insurance coverage remains valid.
- Increased Electrical Demand: As technology advances, our reliance on electrical devices and appliances continues to grow. Older electrical panels may not be designed to handle the increased demand, leading to overloaded circuits and tripped breakers. An inspection can assess whether your panel has the capacity to meet your current and future electrical needs. If necessary, an electrician can recommend panel upgrades or additions to accommodate the increased load.
- Peace of Mind: Regular electrical panel inspections provide peace of mind. Knowing that your electrical system is in good condition and functioning properly reduces the risk of unexpected power outages, electrical malfunctions, or hazardous situations. It allows you to enjoy your home without worrying about electrical problems that could disrupt your daily life or compromise your safety.
Overall, having your electrical panel checked is a proactive measure to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of your home’s electrical system. It is recommended to consult a licensed electrician for a thorough inspection and any necessary repairs or upgrades.
Here are some warning signs to look for on your panel:
- Crackling sounds
- Corrosion
- Rust
- Overheating
Here are some thing to look for throughout your home:
- Weak Appliance Performance
- Lights Flicker
- Inability to Use Appliances Simultaneously
- Damaged Wires
If you notice any of these situations in your home, please have your electrical panel checked to help prevent a potential electrical panel fire.
Prevent Electrical Panel Fires
To keep your family safe, you want to prevent electrical panel fires. Suncoast Home Solutions offers electrical panel checks to help. We also provide electrical panel upgrades, installations, and repairs.
Do You Live in an Older Home in Southeast Florida?
If you are living in an older home, you may need an electrical panel upgrade. Having an upgraded electrical panel is essential to electric panel fire prevention. Due to the technological revolution, our homes have larger electricity demands. The more technology we use, the more electricity we need. Older panels are not equipped to deal with today’s electrical demands. Being overworked can cause an electrical panel fire.
Common Signs and Characteristics of an Older Electrical Panel:
- Age of the Home: If your home was built several decades ago and has not undergone significant electrical updates, there’s a higher likelihood of having an older electrical panel. Knowing the approximate age of your home can give you an initial indication.
- Panel Manufacturer and Label: Open the door of your electrical panel and look for a label or nameplate. It usually provides information about the manufacturer, model number, and possibly the date of manufacture. Researching the manufacturer and model number can help you determine the age of the panel.
- Fuse-Based Panel: Older electrical panels often use fuses instead of circuit breakers. If your panel has screw-in fuses rather than switch-like breakers, it is a strong indication that you have an older panel.
- Panel Design: Older electrical panels tend to have a specific design. Some common examples are the Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels, Zinsco panels, and Pushmatic panels. These designs were popular in the past but are now considered outdated and may have safety concerns associated with them.
- Inspecting the Wiring: If you have access to areas where the electrical wiring is exposed, such as the basement, attic, or utility room, you can visually inspect the wiring. Older electrical panels may have outdated wiring methods, such as knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. These wiring types were commonly used in the past but are no longer considered safe or up to code in many cases.
Get Your Free Estimate
If an upgrade is needed, Suncoast Home Solutions provides free in-home estimates. We also offer the fairest prices. If you want to ensure your home safety, give us a call, and our licensed professionals will help.
Sometimes repairs can fix the problems. All of our electricians are licensed and well train. We have the highest quality standards. If repairs are needed, we will get them fixed. We always adhere to all building codes. Suncoast never takes any shortcuts.
Do you want to protect your family from electrical panel fires? Call 561-903-7700 today for a free estimate. Suncoast advantages include:
- Licensed & Insured Electrician Services
- Emergency Services 24/7
- Insurance Qualified Work
- High Client Satisfaction
Call us today to protect your home’s future.
