In most cases, it is difficult for a homeowner to determine if they need to replace their Electrical Panel. Here are a few tips to determine if it's a good time to call a qualified electrician.
Age-
Normally if your electric panel is over 25 years old, it is a good time to have it checked out by a licensed electrician. Panels can last well over 25 years, however the cable outside generally doesn't. If the cable outside has rips and holes in it, or the sealant is no longer present on the meter pan connector, this can lead to water in the electrical panel. A panel tune up is a good decision to replace older breakers and tighten any loose connections.
Obsolete Brands-
It is difficult to put a warranty on service work done in an obsolete panel. The breakers may either be final stock, old, used, or made by a third party company.
Breakers that are no longer manufactured by the panel manufacturer may not be available when the next issue arises. If these companies don't sell enough of a particular brand or ampacity, they won't manufacture them.
It is important to replace obsolete panels for many reasons. The breakers are normally older and will not function as well as a new one. A fraction of a second makes a difference. There are also some brands that are now considered fire hazards and have been part of class action lawsuits.
If you are unsure of your panels age or condition, feel free to give us a call at 609-245-8863.
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