There are more than 46,000 home fires in the United States every year that result from electrical failure or malfunction. This causes billions of dollars in property damage. More than two-thirds, or 68 percent, of these result from faulty wiring.

Staying on top of your electrical system is important, and that starts with your electric control panel. If you are having issues, the good news is that there are some basic steps you can take to identify and address the problem.

Below is a guide to troubleshooting electrical control panel issues. Following these steps can help you identify common issues and understand way to address them. Keep reading to find out how to get your control panel back in proper working order.

What Is an Electric Control Panel?

An electrical control panel contains the main controls for every electrical component in a building or section of a building. It is often a metal box that has plastic molding. Panels are important for controlling residential electricity to specific appliances or electrical fixtures.

Common Electric Panel Issues

If you are experiencing electricity problems, the control panel is a good place to start. Here are a few of the most common issues you might encounter and how to address them.

Stuck Breaker

Power overloads will cause breakers to trip (or will sometimes blow fuses). When this happens, switching the breaker back on restores power.

Some breakers will trip but not completely move to the "off" position. In most cases, simply moving the breaker completely off and then back on does the trick.

If you follow this step and the breaker still fails to reset, it could be due to ongoing electrical overload. Things like AC compressors or kitchen breakers (where a lot of appliances are drawing power) are common culprits.

Give it a few minutes, then try flipping the break back on. If this does not fix the issue, it is likely a sign of an ongoing power surge. In these instances, it is best to contact a trained professional to assess the issue.

Incorrect Wiring

Many homes have improperly wired circuit breakers in their control panels. These include circuits linked to the wrong amperage or crossing wires inside the electrical panel. These issues are common, especially if you have an older home.

If you suspect circuits or wiring could be the source of electrical issues, consider hiring a professional electrician. Often, simply replacing the breaker or redoing the wiring (pretty straightforward tasks) is the solution.

Carbon Buildup

Over time, corrosion can build up on the relay or contacts. If severe enough, this can cause a disturbance in electrical current flow.

If you suspect this is the case, you can use a volt meter to check the current. If there is no electricity, you will need to clean the relay or contacts, or replace them.

Damaged Service Cables

Your utility company is responsible for maintaining cables running between external power and your electric control panel. If these show signs of wear or damage, reach out to your service provider immediately.

This includes detached cables or insufficient insulation. As these situations can be your source of power issues, the utility should want to make repairs as soon as possible.

Find Professional Electrical Control Panel Repair in Sanibel, FL

Now that you understand how to identify and troubleshoot some common electric control panel problems, you can assess your issue. A trained technician can help you better determine the source of the problem and possible solutions.

Powerhouse Home Services, our core values are quality, service, consistency, reliability, and people over profit. We offer a range of services, including HVAC, gas, plumbing, and electrical. Reach out to us today to schedule service.