Winter can be a beautiful time of year, but the weather can be unpredictable with sub-zero temperatures, wild snowstorms, and ice. Mother Nature’s wintry elements increase electrical risk for homeowners in several ways. It’s time to “get to know” your electrical panel and ensure this device is working properly and ready for action when needed.

It Works Hardest in Winter

The electrical panel, also referred to as the breaker box or fuse box, plays a key role as the control center of the home. This hub safely distributes power to various spaces in the house, and at the same time, restricts excess power from being redirected.

Winter weather keeps your electrical panel on its toes, so to speak, and works its hardest as higher electricity demand can strain the panel and circuits.

Regularly Inspect the Panel

Many home electrical panels are located in the basement or a utility room, and most folks walk by the boxes constantly and ignore them. However, expert electricians advise doing regular inspections throughout the winter. For instance, open the panel door and look for frequently tripped breakers. Also, be on the alert for any warm breakers or buzzing sounds coming from the panel. If you observe rust or moisture inside the panel, these issues could pose serious problems in a fire and overheating. A professional electrician should immediately visit the residence to repair the damage.

Test the Outlets Inside the Home

Moisture and cold during the winter season can spell trouble in rooms like your kitchen and bathroom, as well as the garage and exterior locations. Use the test button on your ground fault (GFCI) and arc fault (AFCI) outlets to ensure they are functioning properly. If your outlets do not trip or reset properly, they need replacement.

Examine Outdoor Electrical Components

Snow and ice can quickly become the enemy of your outside electrical parts. For instance, cracked outlet covers, exposed wiring, loose fixtures, or missing weatherproof covers are potentially dangerous problems for your exterior outlets.

Winter moisture increases the risk of shock inside your breaker box and outside with your electrical components.

Update an Outdated Electrical Panel

Some homes have aging electrical panels that have to work twice as hard during a cold winter to keep up with the increased demand from heaters, lights, gadgets, and more. An outdated box will often trip breakers or cause lights to flicker, and overloaded circuits can cause a fire. Your home may require a new electrical panel.

Do You Have an Electrical Panel Winter Safety Checklist?

Stay warm, safe, and powered this winter in Lincoln, NE, and reach out today to the expert team at Ambition Electric for electrical panel services.