Replacing a Breaker Panel
In the process of home renovation, you may have decided that it’s time to replace that old circuit breaker panel. But why upgrade unless you can do it safely? To ensure electrical safety and avoid a shocking surprise, you should call a licensed, professional electrician to perform this task.
First Things First–Call a Professional Electrician
- Replacing a breaker panel is not a job you want to tackle on your own, and your DIY job may not pass inspection or be up to code.
- If you’re not careful, an unexpected short circuit could travel through the breaker and burn you.
- There’s no way to be absolutely certain the surrounding wires are dead without the proper testing equipment.
- Southern Electrical Service Company (SESCO) can install a new breaker and a new panel that work properly, are up to code, and won’t cause any unwelcome surprises.
Why Upgrade Your Breaker?
It’s Not Working Properly
- The breaker keeps tripping for no good reason.
- The electrical panel looks worn or has loose parts.
- Normal electricity use has become impossible.
It Won’t Stay Reset
- You hit the “reset” tab but it doesn’t reset, or it does for a few minutes only.
- You’ve tried turning everything on and off again to see if it will reset–and it won’t.
- You’re not adding any high-wattage appliances to your normal use.
You’re Adding a Circuit
- Sometimes, breakers fail because you’re overloading them, especially with large appliances.
- If you want to upgrade by adding a new circuit, you’ll need a new breaker and a new circuit panel.
- This is a job best left to a licensed professional.
It’s Too Hot to Handle
- Does the panel smell like fire?
- Are the breakers hot to the touch?
- If so, or if there are frayed wires, you have a breaker that’s become too hot to handle your home’s needs, and you could have a fire hazard in the making.
It’s Seen Better Days
- If your home and its electrical system are old, the panel probably needs an update for safety and code reasons.
- Most experts recommend thoroughly checking your breakers every 10 years or so; if this hasn’t been done the breaker may not be in good shape anymore.
- You want to be sure your home passes an inspection.
Home Renovation
Old homes can be charming, but old electrical wiring can be a safety hazard. If your home is 30, 50 or 100 years old, the wiring probably doesn’t meet today’s safety standards and it may not be up to code. Your plans for renovation should include an examination–and even a total overhaul–of your electrical system.
Call SESCO today and have a licensed, qualified electrician perform an audit of the whole system and recommend the right upgrades and replacements.
Electrical Safety
There’s no need to expose yourself to danger by doing this job when help is just a phone call away.
When you call SESCO you can be sure you’re getting the best advice and the most skilled technicians in the industry. We offer:
- a family-owned business staffed by highly qualified, professional electricians.
- decades of experiencing serving Loudoun County residents and businesses.
- a business ethic that puts customers first.
- the most innovative techniques and products available today.
- 24-7 emergency service.
Call SESCO today and discover how easy it is to keep your home safe, your power bright, and all your circuits humming.