An electrical panel, also known as a breaker panel, service panel, or breaker box, is a steel box that houses circuit breakers. These breakers are connected to circuits that distribute power throughout your home, making the electrical panel the central hub of your electrical system. It divides your home into separate circuits, each of which can be controlled independently.

Like any other component in your home, the electrical panel can experience wear and tear over time, as it manages the performance of your entire electrical system.

Whether you need a fuse box upgrade, FPE panel replacement, or circuit breaker repair, Probity Electric has the expertise to handle all your electrical panel needs.

Maintaining an up-to-date electrical panel is crucial not only for the efficiency and reliable functionality of your home but also for your family’s safety. The electricians at Probity Electric are here to ensure that you feel secure and confident in your electrical wiring and panel.

Federal Pacific Electric Panels Are Unsafe and Have Been Recalled

Federal Pacific Electric panels lost their UL listing after it was discovered that their breakers might not trip as required. Circuit breakers are designed to match the load they serve and the wire size they protect. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to know for certain if your breakers will function correctly. If electricity fails to shut off during overload conditions, it can lead to serious issues, including the risk of a home fire.

Panel in Poor Condition

Over time, service panels can become damaged. In the Midwest, storms in recent years have caused water damage to panels. Water can cause shorts and, over time, lead to corrosion of the panel components. Severe damage often necessitates replacement. Corrosion can lead to increased resistance and “hot” spots that pose a fire hazard. Additionally, damaged breakers may fail to trip properly, further increasing the risk of fire. Rodents can also damage wiring inside a panel if the cabinet is not adequately sealed, compromising the wiring and creating potential shorts. Improperly sized circuits can overheat components, similar to water damage, leading to further risks. Any of these issues can result in an inspector deeming the panel unsafe, potentially delaying or preventing a home sale or insurance coverage.

Additions to Home Electric Usage

Home improvements or additions often require upgrading the electrical panel and service to a larger size. Many homes initially have a 100-amp service or less, but as modern homes use more devices and appliances, the demand for electrical service increases. Adding items like pools, spas, supplemental electric heat, or additional rooms can necessitate a larger electrical service. Even adding extra outlets for home entertainment systems and computers can overload an existing panel. A licensed electrician can assess whether your circuits can handle these increased loads.

Fuse Panels

Homes built before 1960 commonly used fuse panels to manage electrical circuits. As circuit breaker panels became more common, fuse panels were deemed less safe. Insurance companies and banks may view fuse panels as a significant risk, potentially affecting coverage or loans. Fuse panels themselves are not inherently dangerous, but they can be problematic if fuses are oversized. People often replace frequently blown fuses with larger-rated ones, not realizing that the fuse must match the wire size of the circuit. Larger fuses can allow excessive current to flow through the wire, causing it to overheat and create a fire hazard. Breakers are more complex to change and should only be done by a licensed electrician who will not install a breaker with a capacity exceeding what the circuit wire can safely handle. Instead, the electrician should divide the circuit into two and add a breaker to the panel. This is not possible with fuse panels, as they are typically not expandable.

Whether you need a new electrical panel installed or an upgrade to an existing one, the electricians at Probity Electric are ready to assist. We can evaluate your fuses or circuit breakers to ensure they meet safety standards. If your system is outdated, it may contain parts that are no longer available or less safe compared to newer systems. Considering your supply needs and budget, our electricians can provide upgrades that will meet your power requirements at a cost you can afford.

If you have any questions regarding our organization or the services we provide, please contact us at 888-272-160 today or visit our contact page to send us a message.