As the owner of a vintage home, you likely appreciate its unique charm and craftsmanship. However, one aspect of older homes that often gets overlooked is the electrical system—specifically, the electrical panel. At Scherer Electric, we’ve helped many homeowners with electrical panel replacement and electrical panel repair in Orchard Park, NY, and we’re here to guide you through why this might be an essential update for your home.
The Importance of an Electrical Panel
The electrical panel, often called the breaker box, is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It regulates the electricity that powers everything from your lights to your appliances. Over time, electrical panels can become outdated or even unsafe, especially in homes built several decades ago.
If your home still relies on its original electrical panel, you could face several challenges, including insufficient capacity to handle modern electrical loads, the risk of fire hazards, or even outright failure.
Signs Your Electrical Panel May Need Replacement
Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Frequent breaker trips: If your breakers trip often, it could indicate that your panel is overloaded and struggling to keep up with the demand.
- Flickering or dimming lights: This may signal that your panel isn’t distributing electricity properly.
- Burn marks or a burning smell: Visible signs of damage or unusual odors are serious red flags.
- Old or recalled panels: If your panel is a Pacific Electrical panel or another older brand known for safety issues, we strongly recommend a replacement.
- Limited circuits: Older panels often lack enough circuits to power modern homes efficiently.
The Problem with Pacific Electrical Panels
Pacific Electrical panels, installed in many homes built between the 1950s and 1980s, have a history of safety concerns. These panels are known for faulty breakers that may fail to trip during an overload, posing a significant fire risk.
If your home has a Pacific Electrical panel, replacing it should be a priority. These panels are no longer manufactured, and many insurance companies may refuse to provide coverage for homes that still use them.
Why Replacement Is Often Necessary
Upgrading your electrical panel is about more than just meeting modern electrical demands—it’s also a critical safety measure. Many older panels were not designed to handle today’s appliances and technologies, such as HVAC systems, electric vehicle chargers, and high-capacity kitchen gadgets. Overloading an outdated panel can lead to overheating, short circuits, and fires.
Replacing your panel ensures your home complies with current electrical codes and provides peace of mind knowing your electrical system is safe and reliable.
Professional Inspections: A Key First Step
If you’re unsure whether your panel needs replacing, we recommend scheduling a professional inspection with an experienced electrician. Scherer Electric’s licensed electricians will evaluate your panel’s condition, assess its capacity, and check for potential hazards. This is especially important if you’ve recently purchased your home and aren’t familiar with its electrical history.
Don’t let an outdated electrical panel compromise the safety and functionality of your home. If you’re concerned about your panel’s age or performance—or if you’ve identified it as a Pacific Electrical panel—contact our team for an inspection. We’ll provide you with expert advice and a clear plan to bring your home’s electrical system up to modern standards.
Scherer Electric Is Western New York’s Favorite Electrician! Call us for electrical panel replacement and repair.
