Electrical System Upgrades

When’s the last time you evaluated your electrical system?

Now’s the time to do so if it’s been awhile. The explosion proof enclosures and electric cables have a tendency to wear out after a few years. Update your electrical system if your current system is unable to meet your family’s power needs or if you live in an old house.

How do you Update your Electric System?

• First, you must upgrade your panel by drawing more power to your home from the utility. Replace the circuit breakers and existing meter to enable it to handle higher power or to replace an electrical panel or circuit breakers that are unnecessary, hazardous, or impaired. This allows your electrical system to distribute more power without affecting the in home wiring.
• Secondly, add more circuits to distribute the power to your rooms and appliances.
• Thirdly, you’ll want to replace the old cable wires, used cable, and receptacles and add new electrical outlets.

What hazards do a Malfunctioning Electrical System have?

Malfunctioning, faulty, or old wiring represents huge problems for a few reasons. Some of them include:

1. Electrocution risk increases. If there are signs of wear and tear from old wiring, the electric current will be improperly transferred. The insulation may have holes. There will be a serious risk of electrocution in both of these scenarios.
2. Old wiring risks a fire and your family. Bad Wiring is a big cause of house fires. When sparks are produced or when the wiring gets heated or exposed, things around it catch fire.
3. Your electrical appliances won’t last as long as the bad wiring won’t be able to manage power safely, and it could short out your appliances. Further, the bad wiring and electrical system could not have the space to support new appliances which could cause your washing machines, dishwashers and microwaves to wear out fast.

Your home energy efficiency will be drastically reduced. Besides the appliances that get ruined, it will show up in your electric bills as well.

Signs to Update your Electrical Panel

If you observe any one of the following, then it’s time to get your electric system updated:

• Constant flickering or dimming of lights
• A tingling sensation whenever you touch any electric appliance
• Warm, discolored or sparking outlets
• Two-prong ungrounded outlets throughout the house
• No Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in various rooms and areas exposed to moisture e.g. kitchens and baths.
• Fuses repeatedly blowing
• A persistent burning smell from a room or appliance
• Breakers tripping frequently

Call the Professionals

It’s never a good idea to go down the DIY route when it comes to handling electricity. Always call in the professionals and let them deal with the problem professionally. Don’t risk your life trying to do it yourself — you don’t know what can go wrong.

Protect your home and family from fire hazards that are mostly caused by overloaded circuits. Additionally, all your modern appliances will also be safe and protected from inefficient power distribution and other problems caused by outdated electrical systems. Increase the resale value of your home by updating the electrical system. So, do not procrastinate or ignore an electrical system upgrade even though it is expensive.