There are instances when an electric panel upgrade is simply convenient. According to Home Advisor, replacing an electrical panel will only take 4 to 8 hours. If you’re installing multiple units, it can double the time. Even though it's an easy process, when you have an electric panel upgrade done, you want it to last a long time. Follow these three tips to extend the life of your electric panel upgrade.

1. Schedule Electrical Maintenance

Electrical panels are a crucial component of every home and may develop significant issues that impact the entire structure. Having a qualified electrician inspect your system periodically is a good idea. During your scheduled maintenance session, the electrician will check your circuit breaker and ensure everything is working. Try not to let an issue with your electrical panel go unchecked, if possible. The panel is one of your electrical system's primary defenses, and any malfunction can be detrimental.

2. Understand Your Panel

While you may not be a professional electrician, you should understand how to check the panel and understand what it contains. Uncover your electrical panel to check that everything is on and nothing else seems out of the ordinary. If you notice a tripped circuit, reset it to check if it stays on. If it won't reset or looks stuck between the off and on positions, call in a licensed electrician to check the circuit for you. If your electrical panel is smoking or producing a burning smell, please don't approach it! Contact emergency electrical services right away.

3. Learn the Symptoms of a Faulty Electrical Panel

If your circuit breaker is constantly tripping, it may mean you've connected more appliances than your circuit can handle. If the lights start flickering when you turn on household appliances, there may be an issue with the connection. If an appliance runs, yet output seems diminished, your circuits may be overloaded. If your service box's connection is faulty, it will produce excess power in a small area. As the temperature rises, you'll notice a burning smell. Overheating can also cause discoloration of your outlet, which is a serious problem that needs addressing immediately.

Handle your electrical system with care. To keep it operating efficiently and safely, you need to observe proper maintenance and have repairs done when necessary. For help with maintaining your electric panel upgrade, give Ken-B-Done Mfg. Co., Inc. a call.