The Year of the Electrical Panel

July 18, 2012
It seems that 2012 has become the year of the electrical panel. I have learned more about electrical panels in the past several months that I had known all my adult life. Perhaps it is because codes have changed or perhaps it is because the property inspections have become more and more detailed.
A few items a homeowner might want to check:
1) What type of electrical panel do you have?
2) Do you have one main panel and a sub-panel or two?
3) Do you have circuit breakers that are toggle switches or do you have push breakers?
    (Push breakers are an older style)
4) Do you have more than one wire per breaker?
5) Do you still have the screw-in fuses?
6) What is the make of your electrical panel box? If it is a Federal Pacific Panel, you need to call an electrician. These panels are no longer approved.
7) It is also a wise thing to clean out your panel box. They can accumulate cobwebs, dead spiders, and dust.
8) A good check of your electrical system may often be a helpful precaution whether or not you plan to sell your home.