There is a certain frustration in having to head down to the basement to reset a tripped breaker for the umpteenth time, or watching your lights flicker as soon as you put something in the microwave. You may even have some quiet doubts about whether the core of your home’s electrical system is running out of steam.
If that is the case, this guide is for you. We at Palomino Valley Electric have put it together for our homeowners in Reno, NV to help you know when your panel is in need of some attention. Of course, if you would like to discuss what you are seeing, pick up the phone and give us a ring at (775)-406-7117.
For the most part, an electrical panel is unremarkable. As the hub for power distribution in the house, it does its job for years without much thought from anyone. Yet an undersized or aging unit can become a nuisance and a hazard. Here are five things to look out for.
1. Breakers That Will Not Stay Put
It is all well and good for a breaker to trip in order to shield your home from an overload. But resetting the same one week in and week out is the panel making its point. Older equipment was not made for the volume of devices we run in today’s homes. When you see a pattern of frequent tripping, it is a sign your circuits are being asked to do more than they were designed for and an upgrade might be called for.
2. Lights That Dim or Flicker
An occasional flicker in a storm is to be expected. But if the room goes dark for a moment every time you fire up the dryer or the A/C, your panel is having trouble with the load. That kind of regular dimming is more than a bother; it is something a professional should examine.
3. An Outdated Panel or Fuse Box
Homes of a certain vintage will have these. They were fine for their day, but they were built for a much simpler time. If your setup has any of the following, it is likely behind the times:
- Screw-in fuses
- A warm or hot box
- Scorch marks or discoloration
- A brand with known safety issues
- No open slots for new circuits
- Worn looking wiring
- The faint smell of burning near the panel
Any of these are reason enough to have a licensed electrician come by.
4. Upcoming Renovations or New Appliances
A kitchen remodel, a home addition or an EV charger all put a significant demand on your system. An older panel will not have the capacity or the room to accommodate them. Do not try to overload what you have; it is not safe. Better to make the upgrade now so your new projects are reliable from the start.
5. The Age of the Panel
Most people do not consider their panel until there is an issue. But after a few decades, it may not be up to code or have the safety provisions of modern gear. While age does not mean it will fail, it increases the likelihood. An inspection will tell you if it has life left in it or needs to be replaced.
When in doubt, call in a pro. There is no room for guesswork with electricity. Palomino Valley Electric is fully licensed and insured and we back our work with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Our 4.8 star rating on Google from over 200 reviews in the Reno area speaks for itself.
We are here 24/7 to handle whatever you throw at us. Why let a small warning turn into something more? Contact us at (775)-406-7117 for a free estimate and we can determine if an upgrade is in order for your home.