Electrical Panel Replacement

  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—like the team at Jolly Roger Electrical.

|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 electric 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 may not function as well as new ones.  A fraction of a second makes a difference.  There are also particular brands that are now considered fire hazards and have been part of class-action lawsuits.  Even some current trusted brands have breakers from certain date ranges on recall.  To determine if your panel is one of these, you can search the brand online for any recalls or lawsuits.  

    If you are unsure of your electric panel's age or condition,  feel free to give us a call at 609-245-8863.