Key Takeaways
An overloaded electrical panel can increase your risk of having an electrical fire. If you are seeing frequent breaker trips, a warm panel or outlets, flickering lights, smelling burning, or hearing buzzing, it may be time to upgrade your panel. Hampton Roads homeowners should also upgrade 60- and 100-amp panels to meet modern demand
Introduction
Between 2020 and 2024, US fire departments responded to an annual average of 46,652 electrical fires. One of the biggest risks is an overloaded electrical panel. However, many Hampton Roads homeowners have no idea they are overloading their panels. How can you tell if your panel or breaker box is having issues? Here are some warning signs to look for:
Frequent Breaker Trips
It’s not unusual for breakers to trip occasionally. However, if you have a breaker that needs resetting every week or every few days, then there is likely an underlying load issue. Never tape breakers into position. If your breaker is tripping, you need to address the issue.
The Panel is Unusually Warm
Sometimes an overloaded electrical panel itself may start to get hotter than normal. A little bit of warmth from your breakers is normal. A lot is a red flag. In fact, if your service panel is hot, you should get service right away. Some fires start in the panel itself.
Also watch for warm or discolored outlets or switches, which are also signs of overheating. Turn off the affected circuit and call for service.
Flickering Lights
If your lights flicker when you turn something on, that indicates not enough power is coming through that circuit. This is common in older homes with 100-amp panels, but can also happen if you put too many appliances on the same circuit.
On the same note, appliances may malfunction if they are not getting a consistent current. They may turn off without warning, slow down, or break down randomly. You may also find that if you turn on multiple heavy-duty appliances at the same time, a breaker will trip. Sometimes moving one of them to a different circuit can be enough to resolve the problem.
If your lights flicker when you turn something on, that indicates not enough power is coming through that circuit. This is common in older homes with 100-amp panels, but can also happen if you put too many appliances on the same circuit.
On the same note, appliances may malfunction if they are not getting a consistent current. They may turn off without warning, slow down, or break down randomly. You may also find that if you turn on multiple heavy-duty appliances at the same time, a breaker will trip. Sometimes moving one of them to a different circuit can be enough to resolve the problem.
You Smell Burning
Any burning smell near outlets, switches, or your panels should be considered an emergency. You need an electrician right away. You may already have a fire smoldering inside your walls. Sparks when you plug something in can also indicate a problem.
You Hear Buzzing
You should never be able to hear your circuits. If you hear a buzzing or sizzling sound, that often indicates a circuit running at the very edge of capacity. It also means power is being turned into noise and, thus, wasted.
You’re Using a Lot of Power Strips
Power strips are great, but if you’re using them a lot to overcome insufficient outlets, you may want to upgrade your systems. Power strips can overload a single circuit, especially if you use them to power things other than computers and entertainment centers. Never chain power strips, and don’t use them for heavy-duty appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, hair-care appliances, and portable air conditioners.
You Have an EV or Plug-In Hybrid
Most modern homes can handle charging an electric vehicle, while some older ones can’t. Before getting an EV or plug-in hybrid and installing a charger, double-check with an electrician to make sure your home’s circuit is up to it. If you have a 100-amp panel, you will definitely need to upgrade (and should consider it anyway).
If you have any of these warning signs, if you have a 60- or 100-amp panel, it may be time to upgrade. Contact Smith & Keene today for an assessment and avoid an overloaded electrical panel. We also offer emergency service!
