Electrical Panels–Our Overlooked Silent Heros

Most of us don’t give our home’s electrical system much thought.  That is until the lights are off or a breaker keeps tripping, or worse, something shorts out and melts.  Until then, the electrical system is out of sight, out of mind.  However, like a roof, flooring, and any other hardworking system, the components of a home’s electrical system have a finite lifespan. Yes, electrical components have to be updated occasionally and there are steps you can take to extend their life expectancy.  In this post, we’ll talk about the longevity of electrical panels and breakers. We’ll also show you some red flags that need urgent attention.  One note of caution, please leave electrical repairs to a licensed electrical contractor.

How long Do Electrical Panels and Breakers Last?

Electrical panels are durable but may not last forever. On average, electrical panels have a lifespan of 40+ years. Inside the panel the breakers are the weakest link. These fire preventing and life saving devices have a life expectancy of 30-40 years according to most experts including the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The shorter life expectancy of the breakers may cause the panel itself to become outdated.  As electrical demands change and advances are made in breaker technology, it may become easier to simply change to a new panel instead of locating an old-style replacement breaker.  Factors such as use, maintenance, humidity, dust, tripping, and the evolving demands of modern technology can influence how long your breakers will last.

Warning signs you can see that indicate your electrical panel or breakers need service or are showing their age. 

      Red Flags:

• Rust and Corrosion:Check the panel for any signs of rust or corrosion, especially around the circuit breakers. These can be indicators of moisture infiltration, which compromises the panel’s integrity. The more rust and corrosion present the more likely the panel will need repair or replacement.
• Charred Marks or Discoloration: Dark or discolored areas on the panel may suggest overheating, a common issue in older panels struggling to handle increased electrical loads. If you see any signs like these, please contact a licensed electrical contractor immediately.
• Tripped Breakers: If your circuit breakers frequently trip or fuses blow, it’s a clear signal that your electrical panel is overtaxed and struggling to manage the load. It may also mean that a specific breaker is failing and needs replacement.
• Flickering Lights: Lights that flicker or dim unexpectedly could indicate voltage fluctuations, a common problem in outdated panels.
• Buzzing Sounds: Unusual sounds, like buzzing or crackling, coming from the electrical panel are cause for concern. They may suggest loose or damaged wiring.
• “Knockouts” Missing: Empty openings where a breaker should be is dangerous and should be fixed immediately.  Empty slots may indicate non-professional tampering with the electrical panel.  
  
• Limited Capacity: Older panels often have limited capacity, making it challenging to meet the demands of modern electrical appliances and devices. If you find yourself constantly needing to reset breakers, it’s time to consider an upgrade.
• Outdated Wiring: Inspect the wiring connected to the panel. Outdated or deteriorating wiring can compromise the entire electrical system’s safety and efficiency.
• Lack of Safety Features: Older panels may lack advanced safety features present in modern ones, such as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs).
• Missing Door: All electrical panels should have a functioning door that latches and stays closed.

What are the Problems With Older Electrical Panels

A home with an old electrical panel is more than just a minor inconvenience. More than a simple annoyance, frequent power disruptions may disrupt your daily life, affecting everything from cooking to work. More significantly, the safety risks old electrical panels pose more than a mere inconvenience, they could put your life and property at risk.  Older electrical panels are serious safety risks including a higher probability of electrical fires.

How About Fuse Boxes

The use of fuse boxes was phased out in the late 1960’s in the United States. If your home has a fuse box, at best the box is at least 55 years old and, more than likely, much older.  Although once standard, fuse boxes lack the capacity to handle the electrical demands of today’s homes. The urgency of replacing a fuse box lies in its limitations—outdated technology that can lead to inconvenient power outages and potential safety hazards. Just think how much phones have advanced in the last 55 years. If your home still has a fuse box, it’s time to call an electrician.

Caution: Federal Pacific Electrical Panels

Federal Pacific electrical panels are known serious safety risks. Federal Pacific panels were used from the 1950s-1980s. These biggest risks associated with Federal Pacific was breakers that fail resulting in overheating and fire.  Most of these issues were linked to their “StabLok” technology.  A lot of these panels were installed during the 1960s and 1970s due to the ease of installation with the StabLok feature.  It is now standard practice in the electrical service industry to replace them when found in a home.  If you have a Federal Pacific panel, contact a licensed electrical contractor immediately. Given that the panels are considered unsafe and the fact that they are more than 40 hears old, it is very important to replace it as soon as possible.  A replacement electrical panel may cost several thousand dollars but can you put a price on the safety of yourself and those in your home?

Installing a New Electrical Panel

Installing a new panel upgrade’s your home’s electrical system.  Newer electrical panels can handle more amperage (units of power), and offer improved safety features, such as advanced circuit breakers that provide better protection against electrical faults. Older electrical panels were generally rated for 50-100 amps. Most modern homes now have 200amp service with some homes having more.  Additionally, modern electrical panels are designed to meet the increased electrical demands of contemporary homes, providing enhanced functionality and convenience.

Electrical Panel Maintenance

As mentioned at the start of this talk, there are steps you can take to help your electrical panel last as long as possible.

• Moisture Prevention: Keep your electrical panel dry. Promptly repair any roof leaks that are in the vicinity of the panel.
• “Cycling”: Annually cycle the electrical panel breakers through all functions: “off”, “on”, and the GFCI/AFCI “test” buttons.
• Tripping Breakers: Contact an electrician to determine why a breaker keeps tripping (repeated tripping decreases the breakers life span substantially).
• Limit Dust: Keep the electrical panel door closed to limit the breaker’s exposure to dust and debris. Obviously, if the door is missing, it should be replaced quickly.
• Check-ups: Annually visually check the electric panel looking for discoloration, tripped breakers, rust, damage, tampering, and corrosion.

Electrical Panels Our Silent Heros

The electrical panel(s) is basically a sentry protecting your physical safety and your property. Everyday for years on end this silent hero stands guard. Just as any good soldier eventually retires, your electrical panel will occasionally need repairs and eventually replacement.  By taking a few simple steps, you may enable it to do its job longer. Just remember if you experience any issues with your electrical panel or observe any of the red flags discussed, please contact a licensed electrical contractor promptly—it may save your life or your property.