As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, your home’s electrical system needs to be in excellent working shape. Electrical maintenance is essential to help keep your home safe and your appliances running efficiently. Your electrical panel is more than a metal wall container full of wires, switches, and breakers. This box serves as the central distribution hub of your home’s electricity. Here’s a checklist to give you peace of mind.
Make a Visual Inspection
Electricity usage increases significantly during the summertime, especially due to air conditioners, fans, dehumidifiers, swimming pool pumps, and more. If your home’s electrical system isn’t equipped to handle the additional load, you could have problems, such as higher energy bills, tripped breakers, or even a fire.
Most homes have their electrical box or panel on the wall in their basement, utility room, or garage in a location that is accessible and dry. It’s important to make a visual inspection for any signs of corrosion or rust. This problem could mean moisture intrusion and pose a fire and safety hazard by damaging the interior components.
Keep the Panel Clean and Dry
Something as minor as dust or debris can cause an electrical panel to overheat. You can clean the exterior panel using a dry cotton rag or microfiber cloth. Electricians recommend turning off the main breaker before cleaning, and never insert a cloth into the slots.
Do not use water, wet cloths, or liquid cleaners on the panel, as any moisture can enter the breakers, bus bars, and terminals. This can be dangerous and result in breaker failure, a fire, or even electrocution.
Trust Your Ears and Nose
Here’s another quick way to ensure your electrical panel is working properly. Electricians recommend listening to the box for any unusual noises, such as humming, buzzing, or clicking. If it’s working right, the electrical panel should be quiet. Loose wires can produce buzzing sounds.
Also, if you smell what seems like plastic or rubber burning, that is not normal, and a professional electrician should be called in for immediate inspection. The odor can occur when a breaker is under stress and handling more current than it’s rated for, and then, it overheats.
Label Each Circuit Properly
The labels of each circuit inside the panel should appear clear and durable. Use a label maker, pre-printed labels, or a printed sheet to clearly identify each circuit. Each one should have a specific title, such as Dryer, Master Bath, Kitchen Fridge, Hall Lights, etc.
Your electrical panel is a very busy hub, especially in summer. Use this checklist to perform a quick inspection of your panel. If you notice something’s not right, don’t try to repair it. Call in a licensed professional. If you have concerns or require electrical panel services, contact Paxton Electric in Rochester, MN.
