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Immediately turn off the breaker for that circuit at your main panel and unplug any devices from the affected outlet. For an emergency like this, a master electrician dispatched from near the Maurice River Township Municipal Building can typically be on site within 10 to 15 minutes using NJ-47. Do not attempt to reset the breaker or use the outlet. A burning smell indicates active overheating and potential arcing within the wiring, which is a serious fire hazard that requires professional diagnosis and repair before power is restored.

Moderate seasonal thunderstorms can cause momentary fluctuations. However, persistent flickering inside your home often points to a connection issue, such as a loose neutral at your service entrance or a failing breaker. Surges from the utility grid can damage sensitive electronics like smart thermostats and computers. Installing a whole-house surge protector at your main panel is a recommended defense, but diagnosing the root cause of the flickering requires a professional assessment to rule out hazardous wiring faults.

All panel upgrades require an electrical permit from the Commercial Township Construction Office. The work must be performed by a contractor licensed by the New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. They will ensure the installation complies with NEC 2023, which is the adopted code in New Jersey. After completion, the work must be inspected and approved by the township inspector before your utility, Atlantic City Electric, will reconnect service. Handling this red tape is a standard part of our service.

Overhead mast service requires attention to the weatherhead and mast itself. Inspect for rust, damage, or where the service drop from the utility pole connects to your house. Ensure tree limbs are trimmed well clear of the lines to prevent abrasion and outages during storms. The point where the conduit enters your home should be sealed to prevent water intrusion, which is a common failure point. Only a licensed professional should handle any work on or near the service entrance conductors.

Your current setup presents two critical issues. First, Federal Pacific panels are a known safety hazard; their breakers have a high failure rate and should be replaced immediately regardless of other plans. Second, adding a heat pump and Level 2 EV charger to a 1970s-era 100-amp service is not feasible. These devices require significant dedicated amperage. A full service upgrade to a modern 200-amp panel with AFCI/GFCI protection is the necessary first step to safely accommodate modern high-load appliances and ensure your home meets current NEC 2023 standards.

For winter, ensure your heating system is on a dedicated, properly sized circuit and consider a hardwired backup generator with a proper transfer switch—never use a portable generator indoors or through a window. Summer brownouts from peak AC demand stress older systems. Having an electrician evaluate your panel's load balance and connections can prevent overheating. In both seasons, a whole-house surge protector guards against voltage spikes from grid instability, which is more common during severe weather events.

Yes, terrain directly impacts grounding efficacy. The sandy, often moist soils of the coastal plain can provide a decent ground, but they are also subject to shifting and corrosion. Your grounding electrode system, including rods and clamps, should be inspected periodically for integrity. Proper grounding is non-negotiable for safety, as it directs fault currents safely into the earth and stabilizes voltage. An improperly grounded system in this environment may not perform during a lightning strike or internal fault.

Your home's 55-year-old electrical system is facing a load it was never designed for. Original NM-B (Romex) wiring from that era, while still functional, was installed when the average home used far fewer high-amperage appliances. Modern demands from devices like large refrigerators, multiple televisions, and kitchen gadgets can overwhelm a 100-amp panel from that period. This strain often manifests as dimming lights or tripped breakers, signaling the system is operating at its safe capacity limit.