Electrical Panels: The Basics – Part 2
In our last post, we began talking about residential electrical panels, how they work, why they are important for our homes, and their main parts. Electrical panels are in essence protective forts that safeguard our electrical systems, our appliances and other devices plugged into our wall sockets when there is an electrical storm, power surge, or other electrical phenomena.
Electrical panels are made up of several main parts including:
Main Breaker – protects the home’s electrical system and dictates the total amperage of electricity for the panel.
Circuit Breakers – the on-off switches that control the ability of electricity to flow to particular circuits of the house.
Neutral Bus Bars – the points of connection for the circuit’s neutral wire: the white wire brings electricity back to the panel once it is used by appliances and other devices.
Grounding Bus Bars – these connect the system to the grounding bar and the grounding conductor.
All of these parts make up the electrical panel that keeps our electrical systems and those things that rely on them to function safe.
Reasons to Replace Your Electrical Panel
There are a few reasons to replace your electrical panel in your Colorado Springs home: improved functionality, update your system, and replace damaged panels.
Your Home Needs More Power
Some reasons you may need more power for your home include:
- Remodeling and expansion
- Installation of new, modern appliances
- Increased charging needs – from household electronics to Electric Vehicles
If you think you may need more power for your home, it’s best to consult a licensed electrician. Simply replacing an electrical panel on it’s own will not solve your power problems. Often you need to replace your electrical panel, as well as your cables and electrical meter to get adequate power to your home. Front Range Electric provide free consultations, so you can understand your electrical needs before investing in new panels and wiring.
Your Panel is Old and Outdated
Often those living in older homes will find that they need to upgrade their electrical panel. As we’ve mentioned before, one of the jobs of an electrical panel is to regulate amperage. In older homes, panels are made to provide for lower amperages than modern homes. Due to the increased use of electronics and appliances in our modern lives, older homes often require panel upgrades to accommodate modern appliances and the charging needs of electronic devices.
Your Panel is Damaged
Electrical panels tend to last 25-40 years. After years of use or other factors, panels may become damaged and need replacement. Damaged panels should be replaced as soon as possible. Signs that your panel might be damaged include:
- Circuits tripping frequently
- Lights dimming when you use your appliances
- Using an excessive number of extension cords to “make” more sockets
Want an Electrical Panel Evaluation?
Are you constantly having to flip your breakers? Do you feel that the power available to your home is insufficient? Are you remodeling your home? Contact the residential electricians of Front Range Electric! We can help you replace your electrical panels, have electrical wiring and systems up to code and more! We’d love to help you have a home that serves your family’s electrical needs, protects your appliances and other investments, and keeps your family safe. Visit our electrical panel page to learn more, and schedule a free consultation with us, Colorado Springs Top Rated Local® electrician!