Summer is coming, and the heat is already hitting Virginia. As the temperatures soar, so does the strain put on your electrical system. Can you be sure you have a summer-ready electrical panel?
Here are some signs that you may want to get it checked:
An occasional breaker trip might not be a big deal. Frequent trips indicate a problem and should always be checked out. They are most often caused by a circuit overload, which can also result in slow device charging, outlets not working, buzzing from outlets, or scorch marks on outlets or light switches. As a short-term solution, unplug unused appliances.
This might also be caused by a short circuit, which results in sparks, popping sounds, and burning smells. Short circuits are often caused by loose wires or wires being chewed by pests (or even your pets). They can also be caused by ground faults due to water infiltration, or the circuit breaker itself may be faulty.
In the long term, circuit overloads are best fixed by adding more circuits.
A single flickering or dimming light is likely a problem with the bulb, switch, or fixture. If a light flickers when you touch the switch, you need a new switch. However, multiple flickering lights can indicate a problem.
If your lights flicker when you add electrical load, then the problem is definitely a circuit overload. Watch the lights when you run the dishwasher or get out your blow dryer. These devices draw a lot of power, and the current running to the lights fades out.
Again, if you have a circuit overload problem, you may need to add circuits.
A summer-ready electrical panel should be slightly above room temperature, but no higher than that. Some heat is normal, but excessive heat signals a problem. Unusual odors definitely indicate a problem. If it hurts to touch the panel, you should get it inspected immediately. The same thing goes if one breaker is hotter than the others, or if heat is radiating outward. This level of heat is a warning sign of an undersized panel, overloaded circuit, or loose connections.
This is an emergency! You need to call somebody right away. Of the 46,652 home electrical structure fires between 2020 and 2024, almost 50% are connected to “electrical distribution and power transfer,” and these fires lead to the highest number of casualties.
Our use of electricity has increased over time. We now have more appliances, especially personal electronics. Some older homes have never been properly updated for this increased demand. On top of that, old breaker boxes are naturally older technology. These panels can become outdated, inefficient, and even dangerous.
There are some brands that should be replaced – some are even so dangerous that they can impact your ability to insure your home. The problem is that some of these old breaker boxes may not trip when they should. If you know or suspect your panel was made before 1980, you should get it inspected and potentially replaced. Damaged panels should also be replaced. And if you have a panel that’s still using fuses, it definitely needs an upgrade.
There’s one big load more and more people are adding to their homes: EV chargers. Most modern panels can support an EV charger easily, but if you have an older or smaller one, you may need to upgrade to a summer-ready electrical panel. If you are installing a fast charger, you should get a dedicated circuit, and your panel checked to see if it can handle the extra capacity. 100-amp panels are not up to handling an EV charging panel.
Another thing that increases load is the installation of a new HVAC system in a home that didn’t previously have central air conditioning. Installing a new system to replace an older one generally reduces load. You should also consider an inspection if you have electrified natural gas appliances or heating.
If you’re not sure if your breaker panel is ready for summer, don’t wait for a problem. Schedule an electrical inspection now and make sure that everything runs well through the hottest time of the year. Contact Capital City Solutions to book your appointment today.