If the lights in your home are flickering or you have a circuit breaker that keeps tripping, a fault in your electrical panel may be the source of the problem. Your electrical panel distributes power to every part of your home, and it contains circuit breakers and fuses that protect you and your family from overloads and electrical fires. Electrical panels do not require a great deal of maintenance, but they should be checked from time to time. Here are some things you should look out for when you check your electrical panel.

Signs of Wear and Tear

Before you start checking wires and connections, you should visually inspect your electrical panel. Use a flashlight to provide proper illumination, and look for frayed wires, burn marks and rust. Corrosion can be caused by water leaks or high humidity, and it’s a problem because it increases electrical resistance. Burn marks in an electrical panel are signs of a far more serious problem. Burn marks reveal that your electrical panel is being overloaded, and you should call an experienced electrician if you see them.

Dirt and Debris

Dirt can interfere with electrical connections, so you should take steps to make sure that it doesn’t accumulate in your electrical panel. A rag or soft brush should be all that you need to keep the connections in your electrical panel free of dust. Make sure that you close the panel cover when you’re done. If you notice dust in hard-to-reach places, use a can of compressed air to remove it.

Loose Wires or Connections

Proper electrical connections prevent arcing and overheating, so you should make sure that none of the wires in your electrical panel are loose. If your electrical panel was installed by experienced professionals, all of your connections should be tight and secure. The power flowing into your home can be very dangerous, so call a reliable electrician if you notice anything amiss.

Faulty Circuit Breakers

Once you have cleaned your electrical panel and made sure that all connections are safe and secure, you should flip each circuit breaker off and then back on again. The circuit breakers should feel crisp when you flip them. If any of your circuit breakers feel spongy or don’t click firmly into position, it may be time to call an experienced electrician.

Call for Peace of Mind

If you notice loose wires, corrosion or burn marks when you check your electrical panel, our experienced professionals can fix the problem and provide you with peace of mind. We have been serving area residents for almost two decades, and we always put the customer first. For top-notch electrical panel installation, maintenance and repair services in Maui, HI, call Electric Service of Maui today.