When you think of home maintenance, you probably picture yourself cleaning the floors, mowing the lawn and changing HVAC air filters. Even though these forms of upkeep are vital to keeping your home comfortable and well-maintained, you shouldn’t forget about your electrical panel. If you don’t take time to keep the panel in good condition, there’s a much higher chance of loose connections and electrical faults that could start a house fire.
Damaged Wiring Creates Conditions for Dangerous Arcing
Just because the panel’s wires are tucked away in a sealed box doesn’t mean they stay perfectly safe. As power flows through the wires each day, the electrical components inside the panel are constantly heating up and cooling down. Over time, this can loosen terminal screws and weaken connections. When electricity tries to flow through these damaged or loose areas, dangerous arcing can occur, potentially starting a house fire. Staying on top of regular maintenance is the best way to keep the home safe.
Rust Weakens the Panel’s Critical Components
If you open the panel door and notice a bit of rust, don’t brush it off as a minor cosmetic issue. This is a major clue of moisture buildup inside the box. If the rust continues to spread, it’ll ruin the tight connections between the circuit breakers and main bus bars. And these connections may eventually become loose or overheat. With regular maintenance, a pro can catch and fix rust and corrosion problems in their earliest stages before they result in safety hazards.
Rodents and Pests Eat Through Wires
Even if the rest of your home doesn’t have problems with mice or other rodents, this doesn’t necessarily mean they haven’t nestled inside the electrical panel. They love building nests here because of the enclosed space. But as they’re settling in, they like to eat through wires, gnawing them down to the bare copper. When exposed wires touch one another or come into contact with metal components inside the panel, this can create a short circuit or even spark a fire.
This is why it’s so important to inspect the panel once a month for pest intrusions. If this is a problem that you’re constantly dealing with, an electrician may recommend sealing the entry points with knockout plugs or approved electrical sealants. Doing this will make the pests have a much harder time making their way into the box and causing damage.
Scheduling an annual panel inspection is a smart move for keeping your home and family safe year-round. If any of the connections are loose or worn out, the electrician will replace them. With proper upkeep, you can expect your panel to last at least 25 to 40 years before it needs a replacement. If you live in Topeka, KS or a surrounding area and need electrical panel services, make your first call to Electrical Pros.