When it comes to ensuring the safety and functionality of your home, one component that often goes overlooked is the electrical panel. Nestled quietly in a corner or tucked away in a basement, the electrical panel is the nerve center of your home’s electrical system, responsible for distributing power throughout the house. However, despite its importance, many homebuilders and new homeowners underestimate the significance of regular inspections for their electrical panels, especially given the ever-evolving electrical codes.
Electrical panels, like any other system in your home, are subject to wear and tear over time. Loose connections, outdated wiring, and overloaded circuits are just a few of the potential issues that can arise within the panel. Left unchecked, these problems can lead to electrical hazards such as fires, shocks, or power outages. If you live near Burleson, Granbury, Cleburne, or are in the surrounding area, you’ll know that electrical demand can fluctuate widely with the seasons, so ensuring the integrity of your electrical panel becomes even more crucial.
In order to reflect advancements in safety standards and technologies, electrical codes undergo revisions year by year. For example, recent updates prioritize the integration of ARC fault and GFCI breakers throughout the panel to mitigate fire and shock risks. Additionally, the absence of a surge protector in many panels poses a significant vulnerability. However, a trained inspector is well-versed in these evolving codes and knows precisely what to look for during an inspection.
During a recent inspection, it became evident that many panels lacked the necessary ARC fault and GFCI breakers, alongside the absence of surge protectors (see photo). These critical components should have been installed by licensed electricians. A comprehensive panel inspection conducted by a certified professional can identify such deficiencies and recommend appropriate actions to enhance safety and compliance. Don’t wait until disaster strikes – schedule a comprehensive inspection today and gain peace of mind knowing that your electrical panel is in good hands.