Electric panels in our homes are often overlooked. After all, they’re usually in our basements or garages–making it easy to go unseen. However, we should pay more attention to our electric panels since they keep the house running.

Our homes are constantly running on electricity whether you want to admit it or not. We watch TV, use our kitchen appliances, and charge our gadgets with electricity. 

Can you imagine if the power went out? It would be chaotic and we’re pretty sure it would get in the way of your day-to-day life.

So, now that you realize that your electric panel is an important part of your home, we think it’s time to pay more attention to it. 

Although it may look sturdy and may survive years of use, electric panels are actually obsolete. Electric panels need to be replaced every 25-40 years. But there are other signs to look for if you feel that your electric panel is outdated.

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In this article, we’re going to tell you 3 signs that you need an electric panel upgrade.

1. Small shocks

Have you ever touched your microwave or any device and shocked yourself? If the answer is yes, then you might have faulty wiring. This is a serious problem. 

In fact, faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of fires in American homes. The older your wiring is, the more likely it is to be faulty.

Other signs of faulty wiring include flickering lights, a smell of burning, sparking on power outlets, and warmth around the electric panel.

2. Tripping circuit breakers

Circuit breakers are modern versions of fuses but they function in the same way. When a current in a circuit is too high, the circuit breaks and stops electricity from flowing. 

Although this is annoying because your power gets cut off, it’s actually a major safety feature in a home and should be a good warning sign to get your electric panel checked. 

3. Power strip galore

Like the ancient fuse boxes, electric panels are just not designed for modern electrical usage. Nowadays, we’re constantly charging our phones and laptops with the television running in the background.

The reality is that technology plays a key role in our daily lives these days. Back then, wall sockets in homes were very limited. To help accommodate this, we turn to power strips and extension cords. 

Using power strips and extension cords in your home is a sure sign that you are using more electricity than your home can supply. 

Final Thoughts

Now that you have a rough idea of what to look out for when it comes to upgrading your electric panel, you can start by getting your electric panel inspected by a professional.

Sometimes your electric panel might need minor upgrades and if you’re lucky you might not need to replace the whole panel! However, it’s still crucial to get a professional to look at it to ensure that your home is safe and sound from any potential electrical problems.