Understanding and Addressing Common Electrical Panel Glitches
Your electrical system runs 24/7 and keeps your home comfortable during any time of the year. Summer is the most stressful time for your electrical system since there are usually more utilities. There are several common problems among the issues an electrical panel can have that you should understand.
Moisture Around Electrical Panel
Water and electricity are dangerous to mix, and our experienced electricians can safely handle the situation. Moisture around or inside the electrical panel can lead to rust stains on the panel or corrosion of the wires. Water contact with your electrical panel is more common than you would think.
Water can come from anything, including humidity or a dripping faucet. The situation is dangerous and can cause serious damage no matter where the water comes from. Remove the water’s source to prevent the corrosion of the electrical panel.
Missing Knock-Outs and Clamps
Electrical panels have breaker twist-outs or knock-outs to create access points for electricians. Always replace knock-outs when you remove or break them to prevent gaps. The gaps can allow electricity to flow into the enclosure and create a dangerous situation.
Knock-outs and twist-outs don’t always break but may get lost after cutting during work. Moving the knock-outs around can damage them over time as well. Replacing damaged or missing knock-outs can increase the safety of your electrical system and reduce the panel’s strain.
Improper Wiring
The wiring of your electrical system brings power to every room of your home. Correctly installing wiring can decrease the chances of issues in the future. Our electricians can inspect and correct faulty wiring within your electrical panel.
Improper Hardware
Breakers aren’t the only components that keep your electrical panel running safely. The manufacturers list the necessary components their panels need, including screws, lugs, and wires. Replacing breakers and screws are simple. Remember to always use flat screws instead of pointed-tipped ones.
Oversized Fuses
Overfusing means the breakers are too small and won’t trip when the circuit breaker overloads. The wires can’t safely carry electricity because the breakers can’t handle the load with the wrong sizes. The situation is dangerous and raises the risk of electrical fire in your home.
Double Taps
Double tapping is when multiple wires connect to the same lug. Double tapping isn’t a serious safety issue, but double tapping wires isn’t a professional way to add new circuits. Wires with breakers are the most common wires to use a double tap, but this is usually performed when there isn’t room for more circuits.
Electrical panels keep your home or business running year-round during any weather. The complex parts of your electrical system can suffer issues that can become serious problems. If you need upgrades or repairs for your electrical panels in Cedar Falls, IA, call us at Henninger Electric for a free estimate.
