Most of us don’t give that gray box on the wall a second thought until the lights start flickering. But what if you could decode the ‘messages’ from your Electrical Panel before they turn into problems?
Weather Master is here to shed some light on your home’s electrical panel.
The brain of your home’s electricity
Think of your electrical panel as the command center for all the power in your home. It sends electricity to every outlet, light, and appliance. While you can’t see the electricity moving, the panel plays a crucial role in distributing power throughout your home. Breakers in the panel are designed to “trip” or shut off when there’s an overload or short circuit, protecting your home’s electrical system.
Out with the old, in with the new
Some older homes still have fuse boxes instead of modern circuit breaker panels. Fuse boxes were once common, but they’re now outdated. Today’s circuit breaker panels are safer, easier to use, and can handle more power. If your home still has a fuse box, it might be time for an upgrade.
Electrical capacity of your home
The amperage capacity of your electrical panel determines how much power your home can safely use. If your lights often dim when you use appliances, or if you’re frequently resetting tripped breakers, your electrical system might be overloaded. Upgrading your panel’s amperage capacity or adding circuits can solve these problems and allow you to use more electricity safely.
Safety first
New electrical panels have some cool safety features. They use special breakers called GFCIs and AFCIs that can prevent electric shocks and fires. These breakers can ‘sense’ dangerous electrical problems and shut off power before anyone gets hurt. They’re so good at keeping homes safe that many new buildings are required to have them.
Labels make life easier
Having clear labels on your electrical panel is super helpful. It’s like having a map of your home’s electricity. Good labels tell you which switch controls what area of your house. This can save you time and hassle, especially if you need to turn off power to a specific room.
When to call the experts
While it’s great to understand your electrical panel, some things are best left to professionals. If you notice any of these problems, it’s time to call an electrician:
- Breakers that keep tripping
- Strange noises coming from the panel
- A panel that feels hot to touch
Speaking of professionals, when it comes to your home’s comfort systems, you want someone who really knows their stuff. That is especially the case when dealing with electrical issues and concerns. That’s where we come in! At Weather Master, our technicians are experts in all things electricity, plumbing, heating, and cooling. Give us a call today and experience the difference a true professional can make! Contact us online or call us at (919) 853-7910!