Electrical Panel Repair: Signs, Safety, and Solutions

An electrical panel is the central control center for a home’s electrical system. Also sometimes called breaker boxes or load centers, electrical panels distribute power and protect circuits from overloads.

A safe, functioning panel is critical to the safety of your home’s electrical system. Without a functioning electrical panel, you run the risk of overloads, leading to fire hazards and other major issues. We’re going to discuss the signs you need electrical panel repair services and highlight professional solutions from Dauenhauer.

What Is an Electrical Panel and Why Is It Important?

An electrical panel functions as the central control point for a home’s electrical system. It safely distributes power from the electric company through circuits to outlets, appliances, and lights. It contains circuit breakers, also known as fuses, that protect against overloads and short circuits.

Electrical panels play a central role in protecting your home from electrical hazards. They’re the central hub for power distribution and management. They include a main switch or breaker that can shut off all power to the home and have circuit breakers to control power to individual circuits.

Common Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs Repair

How do you know you need circuit breaker repair? There are a handful of important signs to be aware of that indicate you may need breaker box repair, including:

• Frequently tripping breakers: A circuit breaker tripping occasionally, isn’t immediate cause for concern, but if it’s happening frequently and randomly, you may need to repair your electrical box.
• Burning smell or scorch marks: Burning smells and scorch marks are serious signs of fire hazard. Turn off the power immediately to the breaker and call an electrician.
• Buzzing or crackling sounds: If you hear buzzing or crackling sounds, it’s a sign of electrical arcing, loose wiring, or overload.
• Flickering or dimming lights: Flickering or dimming lights indicate loose connections in the panel, damaged wiring, or overloaded circuits.
• Outdated/fuse-based panels: If you have an old fuse-based electrical panel, you should strongly consider electrical panel replacement. Outdated panels use screw-in fuses instead of circuit breakers to protect against overloads. They lack the safety features of modern panels and aren’t designed to manage today’s electrical loads.
• Panel feels warm or hot: If your panel is warm to the touch, it indicates there’s an issue that needs to be resolved. Panels should not be warm when functioning safely.

Risks of Ignoring Electrical Panel Problems

These signs of a bad electrical panel should never be ignored. There are several risks of ignoring the signs of electrical panel problems, including:

Fire hazards

The first and perhaps most important reason to not ignore electrical panel issues is the risk of fire hazards. Electrical fires can break out when there’s loose or faulty wiring that causes sparks. Protect your home from fire hazards by calling a licensed electrician at the first sign of electrical panel issues.

Electrical shock risk

The risk of electrical shock significantly increases as you ignore signs electrical panel repair is needed. Faulty panels lead to exposed wires with poor connections. If a person encounters a live electrical current, they can face electrical shock.

Damage to appliances and HVAC systems

Another important reason not to ignore warning signs is damage to appliances and HVAC systems. When electrical panels are unreliable, they can cause power surges and provide inconsistent electrical supply which can damage appliances and HVAC systems.

Reduced energy efficiency

You may see reduced energy efficiency when your panel needs repair. This is because components are working harder and using more energy which can lead to increased electrical bills.

Repair vs. Replacement: Which Do You Need?

Electrical panel repairs are often sufficient to keep your electrical system safely up and running. However, sometimes breaker panels need complete replacement due to age, insufficient capacity, or other physical damage. A professional inspection will help you understand whether repair or replacement is necessary.

Why Electrical Panel Repairs Should Be Done by Professionals

Homeowners should not attempt DIY electrical panel repair. Electrical panel repair requires proper training and safety precautions. It’s unsafe for homeowners to try to complete breaker box repairs on their own.

Licensed expertise

Calling a licensed electrician means that the professional has passed a comprehensive licensing exam administered by the state. They’ve demonstrated the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience required for safe electrical work. Additionally, using a licensed and insured electrician protects your home from property damage caused by faulty work.

Code compliance and permits

Hiring a professional electrician ensures you’re working with someone knowledgeable of local, state, and national electrical codes and permit requirements. A licensed electrician will make sure all electrical panel repairs or replacements are compliant and handle necessary documentation and inspections.

Ensuring long-term safety and reliability

DIY electrical panel repair is not safe. Working with a licensed electrician, such as those at Dauenhauer Plumbing, ensures the long-term safety and reliability of your electrical system. Professional electricians have the skills and experience necessary to complete efficient and effective electrical panel repairs.

Dauenhauer’s Electrical Services

At Dauenhauer Plumbing, our electricians offer local expertise in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. We’re full-service home experts providing plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services. If you need help identifying what’s wrong with your electrical panel, we’re here to help with maintenance and inspection. Our Lexington and Louisville electrician services keep homeowners safe and comfortable.  

Electrical panel repairs cannot wait. It’s essential that you call an electrician right away if you notice warning signs such as frequent breaker trips, burning smells, buzzing sounds, or flickering lights. Prevent fire hazards and electrical shock by addressing issues quickly.  

If you suspect electrical panel problems, contact us today for expert electrical repair in Louisville, Lexington, Elizabethtown, and Shelbyville.