You’re running the dishwasher while also cooking on your induction cooktop and suddenly half your home goes dark. At first, flipping your breaker back on seems to work, but then your power cuts out again. This is your first sign that something is wrong with your electrical panel. In this article, we’ll be covering how your electrical panel could be the source of your breaker tripping.
What Actually Happens When a Breaker Trips
Your electrical panel is responsible for distributing power throughout your property. Each breaker monitors a specific circuit and when too much power is poured into it, the breaker shuts off to prevent overheating. This is a safety mechanism that protects your home from electrical fires.
Whenever a breaker trips, it’s not because it’s malfunctioning; it’s simply doing what it’s supposed to. But the question is; what do you do when the breaker is tripping repeatedly?
Circuit Overloads
Most modern homes these days are built specifically to meet the demand today’s appliances require. However, if your home was built in the late 1900s, there’s a good chance the electrical panel isn’t fit to handle this era’s appliances and electronics. An overloaded electrical panel is a very common problem in older homes.
The solution is to redistribute the power by using appliances in different outlets. It’s also important to understand what capacity your electrical panel can hold, which requires the expertise of a professional electrician.
Short Circuits
A short-circuiting electrical panel is a serious issue that requires an electrician to take care of. When a hot wire, which is a wire carrying an electrical current, comes in contact with a neutral or another hot wire. This sudden contact causes a surge of electricity while also generating intense heat simultaneously.
Short circuits can be caused by a few things.
- Faulty wiring
- Water exposure
- Overloaded circuits
- High-voltage appliances
The Panel Itself
In some cases, there isn’t a specific cause; the real problem is the electrical panel itself. Electrical panels have an average lifespan of 25 years. As time passes, the internal components within the electrical panel degrade from wear and tear. Being exposed to humidity can cause the metal components to corrode.
Here are a few signs that your electrical panel needs to be replaced.
- Breakers that are too hot to touch
- A burning smell near the panel
- Visible rust or corrosion
- Breakers that won’t reset or feel loose
A faulty electrical panel can be catastrophic if left unchecked. If you suspect your electrical panel is causing your power outages, the pros are here to help. Contact McHales to schedule an appointment today to address your electrical panel concerns to ensure your Levittown, PA home remains safe.