Can an Electrical Panel Be Repaired?
The electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. What happens when your panel is damaged? Can it be repaired? Is there anything that can be done to remedy panel damage?
The answer is no. Repairing a panel is akin to repairing a light bulb or breaker. It is simply not done. These are items that are typically replaced once it’s life is over.
Not every electrical problem originates in the panel, but if the problem is indeed due to a damaged panel, there is no simple repair to be made to the panel itself.
How do you know your electrical problem is due to a damaged panel? Sometimes there is visual damage, but many times it is not visible. Panel damage symptoms may include the following:
- Flickering lights
- Power loss
- Appliances not working
- TV’s or computers burning up or being damaged for no apparent reason
- AC unit going out
- Crackling sounds
The bigger power users in your home are most affected by damaged panels. Panel damage is often exposed when larger appliances are running at the same time. It rears its head when there is a large load on the whole system.
If you suspect panel damage, you will need to contact a professional electrician in order to prevent a serious fire hazard! No one but a licensed electrical contractor is qualified to examine and diagnose malfunctioned electrical panels. Our contractors at Aha! Electric are properly licensed and trained to recognize if a panel is damaged even if there are no visible markings on the panel itself . A damaged panel must be removed and replaced immediately.
What if a trained professional advises you that a panel can be repaired? This may happen! If it does, beware! A method known as “filing and sanding” the bus bar is a common practice among contractors. If a contractor suggests filing and sanding your panel, terminate all agreements with them immediately. It is dangerous and illegal to attempt this type of repair on a panel!
The only safe and legal means of repairing a panel is very impractical. The manufacturer must be called and a large sum of money will have to be paid to Underwriter Laboratories to certify the repair. In fact, is less expensive to properly replace the panel!
If you suspect damage to your panel, contact Aha! Electric. We will send one of our qualified electricians to examine and diagnose the problem. Remember, if an electrical contractor tells you that your damaged panel can be repaired, terminate the relationship immediately and find a qualified electrician to properly replace the panel!