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Learn what causes corrosion in electrical panels and how to prevent a corroded electrical panel from becoming a fire risk.

Power outages can strike unexpectedly, and when they do, a portable generator can be a lifesaver. Whether it's due to downed utility lines, storms, or blackouts, these devices provide a temporary solution for keeping essential appliances running. However, using portable generators safely is critical to avoiding dangerous situations. From preventing carbon monoxide poisoning to avoiding electrical hazards like backfeeding, following our generator safety tips is key to protecting both your home and family. Why Portable Generator Safety is Crucial Portable generators are handy machines, but improper use can lead to serious hazards. Generators emit carbon monoxide (CO), a toxic and potentially deadly gas that can build up quickly in enclosed spaces. Additionally, electrical issues, such as backfeeding a generator, can create a serious risk for utility workers or anyone in the home. Before you start your generator, understanding these dangers and following safety protocols can make all the difference. 1. Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas produced by the combustion process in portable generators. Exposure to CO can cause severe illness or even death in minutes. Here are some portable generator safety tips to minimize the risk of CO poisoning: Always operate the generator outdoors in a well-ventilated area, at least 20 feet away from any windows, doors, or vent openings. Never use a generator inside your home, garage, or enclosed space, even with the door open. This is a common mistake that can lead to deadly CO exposure. Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home, especially near sleeping areas, to alert you if CO levels become dangerous. Make sure the generator’s exhaust is directed away from your home and other buildings. These precautions are essential in keeping your home safe while your generator is running. 2. Avoiding Electrical Hazards A critical aspect of generator safety involves managing the flow of electricity. Improper connections can lead to electrocution, fire hazards, and damage to your appliances. Use the right cords. Ensure all appliances are connected directly to the generator using heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords. Inspect cords for cuts, tears, and make sure they have a three-pronged plug, including the grounding pin. Never plug the generator directly into a wall outlet. This can cause backfeeding, a dangerous situation where electricity flows back into power lines. Not only is this illegal, but it poses a severe risk to utility workers trying to repair the lines, as well as others in your home. To avoid backfeeding, have a qualified electrician install a transfer switch or an interlock kit that isolates the generator's power from the utility grid. This allows you to safely connect the generator to your home’s wiring system and ensures that both power sources cannot operate simultaneously. If you're looking for a professional installation to ensure your generator is set up safely and efficiently, check out our Generator Installation Services. Turn off the generator before refueling. Generators get extremely hot during operation. Refueling a hot generator can lead to fire hazards, so always allow it to cool down before adding more fuel. 3. Handling Fuel Safely Fuel storage and usage are key elements of generator safety. Because fuel is highly flammable, it’s important to store it carefully and use it safely when refueling the generator. Store fuel in proper containers. Always use containers labeled for gasoline storage and keep them in a well-ventilated area away from living spaces. Turn off and cool down the generator before refueling. This simple step can prevent dangerous fires. Keep generators dry. Never operate a generator in wet conditions, as water can cause short circuits and electrical shock. Use your generator on a dry surface and, if necessary, cover it with a canopy to keep it dry. 4. Additional Generator Tips Here are some other tips to ensure your portable generator is operating as safely as possible: Perform regular maintenance. Like any machine, your generator needs upkeep to run efficiently and safely. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for changing oil, replacing filters, and inspecting the system. Test your generator regularly. It's a good idea to test the generator periodically, even when you don't need it. This ensures it's ready for action when an outage occurs. Know your wattage limits. Overloading your generator by trying to power too many appliances can cause it to overheat, leading to fires or damage. Know the wattage limits of your generator and prioritize essential devices like refrigerators, sump pumps, and lights. Download our Generator Safety Practices PDF for a handy reference guide to keep you informed about generator safety procedures. Are You Curious About How to Hook Up Your Portable Generator to Your House? If you're ready to safely connect your portable generator to your home, check out our Generator Installation Services and learn how.

The electrical panel is like the heartbeat of your home’s electrical system, silently working behind the scenes to keep everything powered. But what happens when that heartbeat starts to falter or can’t keep up with the demands of modern life? The decision to upgrade or replace your electric panel isn’t always an easy one, but it's one that could impact your safety, property value, and even your future plans. Let’s dive into some of the most compelling reasons why upgrading might be the right move for you. 1. Safety Concerns: The Hidden Danger in Old Panels Imagine relying on a decades-old system to power today’s high-tech world. Many homes still have electrical panels that are dangerously outdated. We’re talking about Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Push o matic, and even fuse boxes. These panels are famous for failing under pressure. The risk? Overheating, fire hazards, and potential electrical failures. If your panel shows signs of rust or damage, you’re not just dealing with an eyesore, you're dealing with a safety risk. In fact, many insurance companies won’t insure homes with fuses because of the danger. The cost of replacing your electric panel is small compared to the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected. 2. Prevent Overloading: More Power, Fewer Problems Modern homes demand more power. Between smart devices, larger appliances, and even electric cars, it’s easy to overload an old electrical panel. If you’re experiencing constant breaker trips, flickering lights, or even appliances that seem to struggle, your panel might be waving a white flag. Upgrading helps prevent overloading, and more importantly, it protects the rest of your home from the damage that power surges and outages can cause. 3. Boost Your Property Value: The Upgrade Buyers Will Love A modern electrical panel isn't just about functionality, it’s an investment in your home’s value. Buyers today are more educated about what makes a home not only desirable but also safe. An outdated panel can turn away potential buyers and could even affect the resale price of your property. By replacing your electric panel, you’re making your home more marketable, which could be the deciding factor for future buyers. 4. Support Room Additions or Remodeling: Powering Your Vision If you’re dreaming of adding that extra room, building out a home office, or remodeling your kitchen, your current panel might not be able to handle the extra load. Even small projects can push an older panel to its limits. Before you find yourself halfway through a renovation with an overloaded system, consider upgrading to ensure your home has the power to match your vision. Think of it as future-proofing your home for any expansion you have in mind. 5. Prepare for Electric Vehicle Charging or a Hot Tub: Ready for the Next Step Whether you’re adding a hot tub for weekend relaxation or considering an electric vehicle, these require a significant power boost. A hot tub electrical installation or an EV charger installation is not something an older electrical panel can always support. By upgrading your panel now, you’re setting your home up for smooth installations down the road. It’s not just about having enough power; it’s about ensuring everything runs safely and efficiently. 6. Future Proofing: An Investment in Tomorrow’s Tech Technology is advancing faster than ever, and your home needs an electrical system that can keep up. From heat pump systems to fully automated homes, the demand for reliable, high-capacity power isn’t going anywhere. By upgrading your electrical panel, you’re preparing your home for the future.. It’s about building a system that can grow with you, rather than limiting your possibilities. Costs to Consider It's essential to understand the potential costs involved. An electrical panel upgrade cost from 100 to 200 amp can vary depending on the complexity of your current setup. Several factors determine the cost. Whether the electric service is underground or overhead, electrical panel replacements are generally easier when they are surface mounted in a basement vs an in the wall system. A simple 100 amp panel replacement could be as little as $600 but a full 100 to 200 amp service upgrade usually starts around $1,950 and can go up depending on complexity. The Bottom Line: Why Wait? Upgrading or replacing your electric panel is more than just a maintenance decision, it’s an investment in safety, value, and peace of mind. Whether you're worried about safety, facing the limits of your current panel, or planning future home upgrades, making this change is a powerful way to secure your home’s future. Yes, electrical panel upgrade cost and electrical panel replacement cost are factors, but the long-term benefits far outweigh any initial expenses. Is your panel keeping up with your home’s power needs? Our residential services cover everything from panel replacement to upgrades.