Maintenance of electrical panels is necessary to ensure the safety and stability of the electrical system in your home or in any commercial building, as regular maintenance helps prevent sudden malfunctions and reduces the risks of fires and electrocution incidents, which maintains your safety and the safety of those around you. Regular maintenance also helps improve the efficiency of the electrical system, which leads to reduced energy consumption and lower electricity bills. But, how is maintenance done?
These panels and how do you know if they have problems or not? This is what we will explain: Over time, the electrical panel may become damaged or become old, which may pose a risk to your safety and the security of your home. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the electrical panel regularly in order to avoid these risks and keep your electrical system running smoothly and efficiently. But how do you know that the electrical panel actually needs maintenance?
Frequent power outages
If you have to repeatedly reset the breaker because of a power outage in one area, this is a sign of a problem with the panel.
Effects of fire
Look for signs of burning or discoloration on or near the panel box, as this may indicate a previous fire.
The smell of burning plastic
If you smell burning plastic near the breaker box, turn off the power immediately and contact a professional electrician.
Old valves
If your panel has fuses instead of modern circuit breakers, it’s time for an upgrade.
hot plate
If the breaker panel is abnormally hot to the touch, this is a sign of a problem that requires a technical inspection.
How are electrical panels maintained?
The electrical panel is maintained through some steps, which are as follows:
Visual inspection
Inspect the panel for any signs of damage, such as cracks, corrosion, or burnt marks. Also make sure that all wires are securely connected and that breakers are working properly.
Cleaning
Turn off the power to the panel and use a dry cloth to remove dust and dirt. Do not use water or any liquid cleaning agents, as they may damage the electrical components.
Check breakers
Make sure that all breakers are in good working order and are not tripped, and if you notice any breakers tripping frequently, replace them with new ones.
Tighten the connections
Over time, the connections in the panel may become loose, tighten all connections using a suitable screwdriver.
Ensure ventilation
Make sure that the ventilation holes in the board are not blocked to prevent the board from overheating.
Hire an electrician
It is important to have a qualified electrician check the electrical panel periodically, especially if it is old or if you are experiencing any electrical problems in your home.
Types of electrical panel maintenance
Preventive maintenance
This maintenance is performed periodically to inspect the components of the electrical panel and identify any potential problems before they occur. During preventive maintenance, the technician carefully inspects all electrical parts and connections to ensure that they are free of any damage or corrosion. The devices and systems associated with the panel are also checked to verify their proper operation, and if any problem is detected, the necessary corrective measures are taken immediately.
Corrective maintenance
This maintenance is performed to fix any electrical faults that occur in the electrical panel. Corrective maintenance may include replacing damaged breakers or wiring, or fixing any other panel problems.
Retrofit maintenance
This maintenance is performed to update old electrical panel components with modern, safer components. Retrofit maintenance may include replacing the entire electrical panel, or replacing only some of its components, such as breakers or wiring.
Tips to keep the electrical panel from causing any problems
- Perform regular maintenance on the electrical panel every two to three years.
- Do not install any new electrical appliances in your home without consulting a licensed electrician.
- Be aware of symptoms that may indicate a problem with the electrical panel, such as frequent flashing, strange noises, or overheating.
- Do not attempt to repair the electrical panel yourself if you are not a qualified electrician.
- Make sure to keep flammable materials away from the electrical panel.
- Turn off the main breaker if you will be leaving your home for an extended period of time.
By following these tips, you can ensure the safety and maintenance of the electrical panel and prevent any problems from occurring.
