Does Your Homes Electrical System Need Updated?
Your Chattanooga home’s electrical service panel consists of a series of circuit breakers and fuses that allow you to control all the electrical components of your home. The electrical panel divides all the electrical power into different circuits, each of which is protected by a circuit breaker.
Here are three signs that your Chattanooga or North Georgia’s home’s electrical service panel might need an upgrade.
Faulty wiring issues
The risk of a fire caused by faulty wiring dramatically increases based on how old your house is. Older wiring may not meet code, and wire insulation and other materials tend to deteriorate over time. Warning signs of faulty wiring include:
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Slight shock or tingling sensation when you touch appliances
- A persistent burning smell
- Sparking or discolored power outlets
Installing new appliances
We’re not talking about a new blender or toaster here. If you plan on installing a new hot tub, air conditioner, refrigerator, or other machine that consumes lots of energy, your electrical panel may not have enough power to keep those appliances going.
Standard electrical panels provide 100, 150, 200, and 400 amps of power. Anything less than that is actually illegal. If your amps don’t meet your electrical needs, your circuit breakers will trip any time you try to turn on that air conditioner or hot tub, so it’s a good idea to upgrade to a higher amperage. This also applies to any large remodeling projects (e.g. adding a new room or story).
Excessive use of extension cords and power strips
If you find yourself plugging nearly everything into one power outlet via power strips and extension cords, it’s a good idea to upgrade your electrical panel. You can allow each circuit to run straight from the panel or install a new electrical outlet and circuit, minimizing the fire hazard.
Does Your Homes System Need Updated?
If you do plan to upgrade your electrical service panel and you like in the Chattanooga or North Georgia area, make sure you contact a licensed professional electrician such as Embark Project Services to do all of the electrical work. Call Embark to schedule your free panel upgrade estimate (423) 208-9897
