Power Outages During Winter Are No Fun – Check Your Electrical Panel Now
The electrical panel is often referred to as the brain of a home. It’s a critical device that shouldn’t be neglected, especially during the winter season. The breaker box or fuse box are other names for the electrical panel that houses multiple breaker switches, distributing electricity throughout the home. To prevent power issues during the season, take the following steps to ensure your electrical panel is running properly and in tip-top shape.
Regular Visual Checks
Most homeowners are not licensed electricians, but most people can still do visual checks to ensure the electrical panel appears free of damage. For instance, rust is the enemy of any breaker box. Experts will remind you that rust signifies moisture is around, and water and electricity don’t mix. Moisture can eventually lead to corrosion and weaken the function of your panel.
If you see rust, it’s time to call in the professionals. Or if you hear buzzing sounds or detect a burning odor coming from the box, your panel needs service.
Overload Prevention Tips
Most people use more electricity during the winter season, and not just for home-heating demands. The shorter daylight hours require more lighting, and extra time spent indoors using electronics, more hot water use and entertainment devices can all increase energy consumption.
The professional advice here is to avoid plugging in too many high-watt devices on one circuit. You don’t want to trip a breaker or cause a fire. Don’t force a breaker if it refuses to stay on. Consult with an electrician.
Also, ensure that your furnace, radiant floor circuits or heat tape aren’t overloaded to prevent a tripped breaker.
Clear, Labeled Circuits
If you open your electrical panel and it reads like a maze, you have a problem. Every circuit should be clear and labeled appropriately. During an emergency, you want a clutter-free electrical panel with circuits that are easily identifiable. You need access to this box.
When the labels are clear, you can find simple circuit fault tracing or come up with another diagnosis. This way, if an issue arises, you do not need to inspect each breaker in your panel.
Here’s another tip. Test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets by pressing TEST/RESET to ensure they cut power and restore it. These outlets are found in moisture-prone areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
Is Your Electrical Panel Ready for Winter?
If you live here, then you understand the wild weather winter can cause unexpected power outages. Reach out to the expert team at Henninger Electric in Cedar Falls, IA for electrical panel services. We’ve got you covered from minor fixes to complete electrical panel replacement.
