As our daily lives require more and more electrical power to run all the amenities and devices we have come to depend on, we inevitably put increased demands on the electrical panels that regulate electricity coursing through our home. As a result of such pressure, older electrical panels begin to malfunction and their circuits overload leaving us without power. That means it's time to think about an electrical panel upgrade.
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Service Panel Upgrades Missouri
If you are making additions to your home, do not forget that new rooms, kitchens, hot tubs, and even garage doors will require additional power and an expanded breaker box.
If your house was built before 1990, it may have a service panel with a design flaw that can cause electrical safety issues. The following brands have older panels with known design flaws and should be replaced.
Federal Pacific
These panels were installed in homes and businesses between 1950 and 1980 and have known design and manufacturing defects that can cause fires or electrical shocks.
Zinsco
Although Zinsco panels were taken off the market in the 1970s, those that remain allow the power to flow even when the breakers are switched off. That makes these panels a serious fire and shock hazard. Some Zinsco panels were rebranded as ITE-Sylvania and may also present safety hazards. However, not all Sylvania panels are defective and you should consult an electrician to find out more about yours.
Pushmatic
Pushmatic-Bulldog panels have weak breaker switches that become harder to reset over time and do not have a main breaker switch that stops power flow into the panel.
Older electrical panels - or fuse boxes as they used to be called - can only handle 100 amps of power or less while modern homes require 200 amps. Insufficient power causes more than an inconvenience, it can be a significant fire and electrocution risk. If you have an older electrical panel, contact your electrician for an evaluation and advice.
5 Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
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Service Panel Repair & Installation