Is It Time for an Electrical Panel Upgrade?

16 August, 2021
Tips to Find Out The Upgrading Time for an Electrical Panel

Your electrical panel is often considered as the brain of your home’s electrical system because it is the centre of all electrical activity. Your electrical panel disperses electricity around your home. It also protects your home from harm by cutting electricity to any area that seems to be getting overloaded and could present a fire hazard.

Unfortunately, in many homes, it’s easy to overlook upgrading your electrical panel. However, years of use can cause your panel to wear down and become unstable. We place a lot of demand on our electric systems, and that may be more than your current circuit breaker box can handle. Additionally, electrical system standards are often updated, and it’s best to update your electrical panel every few years to ensure you have one that meets current regulations.

As a homeowner, when you have an electrical problem in your home, it is more serious than other challenges you may face, such as a plumbing problem. An electrical malfunction could result in electrocution or a house fire.

If you’re concerned about the electrical installation in your home, here are some tips that will help you know when it is time for a new electrical panel.

Lights Dim or Flicker

Flickering lights are often caused by a short circuit in the system. If you only notice that a particular lamp or another appliance is not working well, then it may just be an issue with that particular appliance. However, if you’re seeing dimming or flickering lights in your rooms or an area of a room, then this is likely a sign of a bigger problem.

When lights dim or flicker often, it is time to call an electrician to take a look. In addition, changes in light intensity when you are using other appliances, such as a microwave or air conditioner, are also signs that you may need a new electrical panel installed.

Fuse Panels

Fuses and fuse panels have been popular in homes since the 1960s. While they may work fine for your home, they do present a big fire hazard compared to modern systems.

While a fuse panel can also disrupt and stop power flow to areas of the system that are overloading, the way it does this is different from a circuit panel. With a circuit system, there is an internal switch that easily stops the power flow when there is a surge. A fuse panel has a piece of metal that melts when the system is overloaded. Both systems will do their jobs and protect your home’s electrical system; however, the melting metal can create a fire hazard while the circuit system does not.

Hot Spots

Unusual warmth or heat from a light switch or even part of your wall is called a hot spot. They are caused when electricity flows in a direction that it is not supposed to be moving. When an electrical current gets diverted in a different direction than where it should be going, there is excess energy in that area, which causes the space around the wires to warm up. Hot spots could also be caused by frayed wiring in that area, which is incredibly dangerous. These electrical system issues put you at a higher risk of a house fire. If you are noticing hot spots around your home, it’s best to call Hi-Lite Electric immediately so we can fix the problem and keep you safe.

Circuit Breaker Trips

Circuit breakers are there to protect you and your home from the damage that power surges can cause. If there is an area in your home that is drawing more power than its safety voltage limit permits, then the circuit breaker will trip and some of your electricity will shut down. It won’t restart again until you find the source of the overload and fix it.

If you notice that your circuit breaker trips each time you plug in an appliance, like a hair dryer, then it’s a sign that your electrical system is old or not working properly. Although things like microwaves, dishwashers, etc. require a lot of power to work, your home’s electrical system should be able to handle them every time you plug them in.

If your circuit breaker trips quite often, try unplugging some things around your home and moving them to outlets with less demand. Doing this can help you manage the issue, but to completely fix the problem, you’ll likely need a new electrical panel.

Old Wiring

Old wiring can cause your lights to dim or flicker even if your electrical panel works fine. Some signs that you could have a problem with the wiring in your home include:

  • A burning smell near appliances or electronics. That is actually the smell of burnt wiring.
  • A shock or tingling feeling when you touch a light or appliance that is plugged into an outlet. It may be static electricity, but if it is happening often, then you may want to call Hi-Lite Electric to have your wiring examined.
  • Discolouring near plugs.
  • An older home. The older your home is, the more likely you have outdated wiring that needs to be replaced.

Renovation

Are you planning a renovation? Why not update your electrical panel in the process? Remember, your electrical system is essential for keeping your home warm and well-lit. If you are updating your home, then it may require you to adjust your electrical system, particularly if you are reworking the layout. Updating your wiring and electrical panel will keep you safe and secure.

If you’ll be installing new appliances in your home as part of the remodeling, then you should have a professional come and see that your electrical system will be able to handle the load. Having your system inspected can help you avoid annoying circuit breaker trips or fire hazards behind your walls.

For more information about updating your electrical panel and other electrical installation issues in Toronto, call Hi-Lite Electric at 416-800-5523 or contact us here.



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Riaz Jilani
Riaz Jilani
2024-06-05
I had another electrician which not giving me time and then I search on google and found Hi Lite with good reviews so I decided to try them. I send massage on their website and after 30 minutes I got call from them they booked me different time which was not suitable for me. I requested them and they change according to my convenient.electrician came on time complete the job also advised me some unseen problems also fixed perfectly and my satisfaction . First time I really impressed I recommend them they are trouble free and with good reputation
Michael Butler
Michael Butler
2024-05-10
Stove wasn't working. Stove people said it was an electrical issue. Steven came over, showed me what was wrong. Now I know more about electricity. 5/5 would electricity again.
Heather D
Heather D
2024-05-10
Excellent service. Matt came out after hours to resolve an emergency situation where an outlet in our garage caught on fire. He was here within the hour and completed the work efficiently. In addition he communicated clearly all the necessary steps needed. We will definitely be calling him back for additional assistance in the future if the need arises.
Amrik Bhogal
Amrik Bhogal
2024-04-29
Excellent service! We had a problem with some receptacles in a couple of rooms in our house. Tried the usual resetting the breakers and GFI plugs, but to no avail. Called Hi-Lite Electric based on a recommendation from a friend. Matthew from Hi-Lite come over, diagnosed and fixed the problem quickly and efficiently. He was very knowledgeable and kept me in the loop as what he was doing. His estimate was very accurate. I would highly recommend HiLite
Roy Thompson
Roy Thompson
2024-04-29
Matthew and Steven did a fantastic job added two lights in my bedroom, prior to that their was no lights in my bedrooms. i would highly recommend them.
Izabella Hansen
Izabella Hansen
2024-04-23
Had a great experience with Matthew, a licensed electrician. He explained everything I needed thoroughly. Worked efficiently, was professional and curteous. I highly recommend this family run company.
Jo Persad
Jo Persad
2024-04-19
Excellent service. We had a problem with our house wiring and Matthew diagnosed and fixed the problem quickly and efficiently. He was very polite and pleasant and informative. We would highly recommend HiLite.
James Danakas
James Danakas
2024-03-27
The service we received from Matthew and Luciano was excellent and our problem was solved in a timely matter. Great customer service! Highly recommend!
Corrado Di Rosa
Corrado Di Rosa
2024-03-26
Excellent customer experience! Matthew is always on point with his recommendations and makes sure the issue is solved. Highly recommend Hi-Lite.
Funk Roberts
Funk Roberts
2024-03-18
I recently had the pleasure of having Matt from HiLite Electrical come over to replace my smoke alarm, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the service provided. From the moment Matt arrived, it was clear he was not only highly skilled but also incredibly personable and professional. His attention to detail was impeccable, ensuring that the job was done efficiently and effectively. What truly set Matt apart was his commitment to going above and beyond. He was punctual, arriving right on time, which is a rarity these days. But more importantly, he took the time to explain the process, what the problem was, and why we couldn't get the unit from the foundation in the first place. He was also amazing to talk about in general (especially fitness, training and combat sports, relationships, and other things), and ensured everything was working perfectly before he considered his job done. I highly recommend Hi-Lite Electrical to anyone in need of electrical services. Their team, from speaking with Ang on the phone to set up the appointment (Happy Angela Day..that's an inside joke) to Matt getting it done, Hi-Lite exemplifies the kind of professionalism and expertise that is all too rare. Trust me, if you want a hassle-free, high-quality service, look no further than Hi-Lite Electrical. A big thank you to Ang and Matt for not just meeting, but exceeding my expectations! Super Happy Customer! Funk Roberts

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