When you think of home safety, the last thing that probably comes to mind is the electrical panel. In reality, your electrical panel is one of the most dangerous places in your house.
If you live in an older home, there’s a good chance you have original electrical wiring and electrical panels from the 1930s. Old electrical panels are a serious safety hazard. They have been known to set homes on fire and even cause explosions.
An old electrical panel may also put your family at risk by having older fuse boxes with little to no breaker or switch labeling. Here are a few reasons your home’s electrical panel may need an upgrade.
Circuit Breakers are Outdated
Circuit breakers are what trip and shut off the power to your home when something goes wrong. If your circuit breakers are old, they may be unreliable and prone to tripping for no reason. This can be dangerous.
The best 1 Pole Square D 50 amp breaker can help prevent your home’s circuits from overloading.
Your breaker panels are what distribute electricity to your home’s wiring. If they become corroded, they won’t work as efficiently. They may also create sparks when you turn on your appliances.
Fire Risk is Extremely High
Electrical fires occur when faulty wiring overheats and starts a fire. They are extremely dangerous and can cause significant damage to your home. Electrical fires are responsible for thousands of deaths every year.
In fact, electrical fires are the most common type of house fire. Faulty wiring, corroded connections, or overloaded circuits often cause electrical fires. Old electrical panels are more likely to have these issues.
Old Electrical Panels are a Shock Risk
Being shocked or electrocuted is no joke. It can cause serious injury and, in extreme cases, even death. Electrocution occurs when current travels through your body, often due to faulty wiring or live wires. It’s a very real risk if you have an old electrical panel.
Electrocution is the second most common type of fatal shock in the US. Being shocked can damage your internal organs, muscles, and nerves. It can also cause significant pain and discomfort. Electrocution is a silent killer.
You won’t hear a noise or feel a burn. If you’re standing in water or on a wet floor and come into contact with a live electrical wire, you’ll be just as electrocuted as if the wire were dry.
Faulty Wiring is a Safety Concern
If your electrical panel is more than a few decades old, the wiring inside of it is likely outdated. Wiring can get old and deteriorate over time. Wiring that is decades old is likely to be unsafe and should be replaced immediately.
Wiring that is more than 30 years old is also not up to current safety standards. It’s not uncommon for electrical panels with old wiring to trip breakers or blow fuses when they are put under stress. You may have faulty wiring if you need to turn on an appliance or light only to have it blow a fuse and shut off.
The electrical system in your home is responsible for powering all the appliances and devices you use daily. It’s important to keep this system in good shape. If your electrical panel is over a few decades old, it’s time to replace it. You’ll want to hire a professional to do the installation. Electrical panels require an electrical permit, so you won’t be able to do it yourself.