Your home’s heartbeat is powered by your electrical box. Just like your heart, if your electrical panel fails, your house comes to a stop. That’s why its critical you know if your home has an unsafe electrical panel.
What makes an unsafe electrical panel
It’s where electricity from the grid connects to your home. From here your breaker box divides up power to various appliances and areas around your home. In performing that function, breakers in your panel are designed to prevent overloads. Exceed the limit and a breaker trips. At least, that’s what is supposed to happen. Unsafe electrical panel breakers can fail to trip or may overheat. Or, the panel itself may overheat or arc, causing a fire risk.
Unsafe electrical panel brands
If you have one of these brands of electrical panels on your home, it’s widely recommended you have it replaced:
- NicestAlan via Foter.com.
- Zinsco or Zinsco
- Sylvania Home Electrical Panel
- Federal Pacific
- Edison “type” Electric Panel Boxes
- Pushmatic Home Electrical Panels
These unsafe electrical panels have been outlawed. Even though you can’t have one installed, there are millions in place already, putting homes and families at risk.
Other unsafe electrical panels
If your panel is over 20 years old, it needs to be replaced. Here’s why: the demand for power in homes has grown at a rate that couldn’t be predicted when old panels were installed. Your fridge, washer/dryer, air conditioning, televisions, computers, all combined can easily outstrip an aging electrical panel’s capacity.
Not sure about your electrical panel?
Don’t see your breaker on this list? Be sure yours is safe. Visit Is My Panel Safe. You’ll find a list of every unsafe electrical panel. You can also reach out to Right Touch Electrical, our certified HomeShow Pro to arrange an inspection.
While updating your electrical panel may not seem as rewarding as a new kitchen or landscaping the backyard, doing so will provide priceless peace of mind.
