There are many things you think about throughout the day, but your electrical panel will rarely cross your mind. Yet, it is responsible for distributing electricity from the main power line to the circuits throughout your house while also safeguarding your home from electrical overloads, short circuits, and fires. It is important to ensure your electrical panel is up to date to keep your family and home safe but also to be properly covered by your home insurance policy.
Warning Signs of a Faulty or Outdated Electrical Panel
If you haven’t checked your electrical panel in a long time then it would be smart to be aware of the following things to determine if your panel may need replacing.
- Your home is over 25-years-old
- Breakers frequently trip
- Lights constantly flicker or dim on their own
- The panel is very warm to the touch
- Your panel or outlets emit strange noises or smells
Outdated Electrical Panels That Must Be Replaced
The second leading cause of house fires is electrical failure or malfunctions, so it is a priority to make sure your panel is in great working order. An outdated electrical panel may not be covered by your home insurance policy and more importantly, be a great risk to you and your family.
Fuse boxes: These were common in homes built before the 1960s. They use fuses instead of breakers and are considered inadequate for protecting a modern home and its energy needs.
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels: They were installed in many homes built from the 1950s to the 1980s. They have a history of causing electrical fires due to failing to trip when overloaded.
Zinsco Panels: This is another common brand from 40 years ago with breakers that may not trip during a short circuit causing the risk of overheating leading to fires.
60-Amp Electrical Panels: There was a time when 60-Amp was more than enough to meet the electrical and power needs of a home. Our increased use of electronics like computers, game consoles, and home entertainment systems, and the regular use of appliances like dryers and dishwashers mean these panels will quickly become overloaded.
In 2018, the Ontario government altered the building code to require 200-amp electrical panels in all new builds, but for now, 100-amp is considered acceptable for modern homes by insurance companies and professional electricians.
When Will Home Insurance Cover Replacing an Electrical Panel
The replacement of an electrical panel is usually only covered by home insurance when damaged by peril specified in your policy, such as an electrical fire, lightning, flooding, or other natural disasters. It is not covered by malfunctioning due to lack of maintenance, being outdated, or misuse.
If you’re concerned about your electrical panel, then check the manufacturer’s label for brand and model. It also is smart to consult a professional electrician for advice and to see if your panel is up to code.
Grenville Mutual Can Help
The cost of installing a new electrical panel and system can be anywhere between $1000 to $6000, but considering reports in Ontario have found electrical fire on average causes a loss of up to $73 000, it is a very worthwhile investment. An up-to-date panel that is properly installed by a certified electrician is a crucial step in keeping your home safe. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Grenville Mutual Insurance agent or broker to help guide you on how to protect your family and get the best possible home insurance coverage.
