The electrical panel is part of your home’s electrical system. Often called a circuit breaker or a fuse box, it looks like a small metal box with a door on the front. The panel uses switches that turn on and off as needed to ensure that your home has all of the power you need. A good panel can prevent fires and other serious accidents. You should look at the signs that you need to repair or replace this panel in your Rochester, MN home.
Electrical Panel Issues
Do you often sit down after a long day at work and find the lights flickering? This is a sign of a problem with your electrical panel. Another sign is when you have tripped breakers. A circuit breaker trips when it can’t handle the load of power surging through it. You will need to find the panel and move the switch to fix the breaker. Other signs that you have a problem with your electrical panel include:
- You see scorch marks or black spots around the panel.
- There are burning odors in your home.
- Using the outlets and light switches gives you a slight shock.
- Products that use the panel do not work as well as they once did.
Repair vs. Replace
While a simple repair will cost much less than a replacement, there is no guarantee that one repair will take care of all the problems you experience. You should choose to repair the panel if you want to save money and don’t have a lot of time. Most repairs only take a few hours to complete.
The best time to replace the panel is when you worry about the safety of your home and family. Minnesota sees dozens of house fires every year, some of which affect those in the Rochester area. With the right panel, you can both stay safe and get through the harsh winters when temperatures drop below freezing and several inches of snowfall. You’ll have more than enough power to run your heaters and a generator if needed.
Why Pay for Electrical Panel Work?
You should never attempt an electrical panel repair or try to replace it on your own. Working with electricity is very dangerous and can result in accidents that require a trip to the Olmsted Medical Center Hospital or Mayo Clinic. A professional repair also ensures that the electrical panel works before you try to sell your home.
At Paxton Electric, we know that you love your home and want to take care of it, which is why we offer electrical repairs for panels that use either fuse boxes or circuit breakers. Call today if you live in or around Rochester, MN to get help deciding when to repair or replace your old electrical panel.
