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An Electrician Outlines Signs You Need An Electrical Switchboard Upgrade | Tyler, TX

An electrical switchboard is a vital part of your building’s infrastructure. It helps to distribute electricity throughout the premises safely and efficiently. However, switchboards can become outdated over time and may no longer comply with current safety standards. If you’re unsure whether your switchboard needs an upgrade, here are 6 signs to look out for.

Your Switchboard Is More Than 2 Decades Old

If your light switchboard is more than 2 decades old, it is a sign that you need an electrical switchboard upgrade. As your family and home appliances grew, so did your energy consumption. The average home today consumes 3x more electricity than it did in 1990. If your electrical system is not equipped to handle this increased demand, it strains your wiring, circuits, and switchboard – which can lead to fires and blackouts.

Upgrading to a modern switchboard will help prevent blackouts and protect your home from fire hazards. It will also save you money on your energy bill, as newer switchboards are more efficient at managing power consumption. So if your light switchboard is over 2 decades old, don’t wait any longer – contact a qualified electrician in Tyler, TX, today to get started on your electrical switchboard upgrade.

Your Circuits Trip Frequently

Believe it or not, your home’s electrical system is much like your circulatory system. Both have a central point where all the arteries and veins (or wires in your home) originate. The heart is the powerhouse that drives blood through the body (or in your home, the main service panel is the powerhouse that drives electricity through the wiring). Just as your heart can develop blockages that impede blood flow and cause health problems, your home’s wiring can develop problems that cause blackouts and electrical fires.

If your trip circuits frequently, it’s a sign that you need an electrical switchboard upgrade. A switchboard upgrade involves installing a new main service panel with higher-capacity breakers. This will provide more protection for your wiring and keep your power on even if one circuit trips. Plus, it will give you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe from electrical fires. So if you trip circuits frequently, don’t wait to call an electrician for a switchboard upgrade.

You Are Still Using Fuse-based Switchboards

If your home still uses a fuse-based electrical switchboard, it’s time to upgrade. While fuse-based switchboards were once the standard, they are now outdated and can pose a safety hazard. Fuses are designed to break the circuit if there is an overload of current, but spikes can also damage them in voltage. This can leave your property vulnerable to fire or other damage.

Modern circuit breakers are much more reliable and can better protect against electrical hazards. Call a licensed electrician to evaluate your switchboard and determine whether an upgrade is necessary.

Fire Damaged Switchboards

One of the most common signs you need to upgrade your electrical switchboard is if it has been damaged by fire. While this may seem like an obvious sign, many people overlook it or believe that the fire damage is not extensive enough to warrant an upgrade. However, even if the fire damage is minimal, it can still cause significant problems with the switchboard itself.

A fire-damaged switchboard may not provide adequate protection for your home. Call a licensed electrician in Tyler, TX, to inspect the damage and determine whether you need a new switchboard. In most cases, it is best to err on caution and upgrade to a new switchboard.

You Have Added New Appliances or Renovated Your Home

As any homeowner knows, appliances and renovations are a big investment. Not only do they add value to your home, but they also improve your quality of life. However, these investments can also come with a hidden cost: the need for an electrical switchboard upgrade. New appliances often require more power than older models, and renovations can expose your outdated electrical system to new risks.

As a result, it’s important to be aware of the signs that you may need an electrical switchboard upgrade. If you’ve recently added new appliances or renovated your home, having an electrician check your switchboard is a good idea to ensure it can handle the increased demand. It will keep your home safe, efficient, and up-to-date.

Burning Smell Coming from Your Switchboard

If you’ve ever walked into your home and smelled something burning, only to see that it’s coming from your switchboard, you know you need an upgrade. A burning smell indicates that the switchboard is overheating, which means it’s working overtime to distribute power. This can result in circuit breakers tripping or even sparks and fires. If you’re worried about your switchboard, contact a licensed electrician to have it inspected. They can determine whether or not you need an upgrade, and if so, they’ll handle the installation process. Don’t wait until it’s too late – if you smell something burning, call an electrician in Tyler, TX, immediately!

Stay Alert!

Your electrical switchboard is a crucial part of your property’s electrical system, so it’s important to watch for signs that it might need an upgrade. If you’re unsure whether or not you need an upgrade, err on the side of caution and call in a professional electrician for an inspection; they’ll tell you for sure whether or not you need to make some changes. And if you see any sparks, flames, smoke, or strange smells near your outlets or switchboard, evacuate the premises immediately and call 911—then call an electrician!

We Are the Electrical Experts to Call

Have you noted signs that it might be time for an electrical switchboard upgrade in your home? Don’t hesitate to call electrical experts from Mister Sparky of East Texas. We have been helping homeowners with all their electrical needs for years with a wide range of services, including electrical switchboard upgrades, so we’re sure to have what you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Photo By Roman Zaiets at Shutterstock