Are you worried about the state of the electrical system in your home? Are you experiencing power outages, flickering lights, or other electrical issues? Nothing lasts forever, and that’s certainly true of a home’s electrical system. According to Angi, the average residential electrical panel lasts 25 to 40 years. An electrician can inspect your system and let you know if it’s time to replace it. Below are a few signs that it may be time for an upgrade.

Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

An occasional circuit breaker trip happens in any home. If the trips become a regular occurrence, that’s a sign that you have a problem. Your current circuit breaker may not be able to handle the amount of electricity your home demands. However, replacing the circuit breaker may not be the only solution. If the wires can’t handle the electricity coming from the new breaker, you’ll still have issues. The best solution may be to upgrade your entire system.

Warm Outlets and Plates

Do your outlets and switch plates feel warm to the touch? Do you have black spots on some of the plates around the outlets? These are signs that there’s more power coming through that outlet than the wires can handle. It’s not just a power issue. It could be genuinely dangerous. You may be at risk for an electrical fire. This is a sign to call an electrician immediately.

Cords and Power Strips Everywhere

Running out of outlets is a common problem in today’s digital world. Homes built even 20 to 30 years ago weren’t constructed with today’s world in mind. Today, we have devices for everything, and every device needs an outlet. The result is not enough outlets for all your appliances and devices. If you’re using extension cords and power strips for everything, that’s a sign that you need more outlets. However, your current system is probably meant to handle the number of outlets you have now. If you add more outlets, you also may need a new breaker and new wires that can better handle the capacity. An electrician can inspect your system and recommend a solution.

Ready to upgrade your electrical system? Contact Rivera’s Electric Inc today to learn more. We can give your home the updating it needs.