Considering an Electrical Panel Upgrade
As power flows into your home, it divides into different circuits at the point of the electrical panel. Modern systems use breakers on each circuit to turn off power if there is a fault or overload. This prevents electrocution, fire, and damage to wiring and electronics. The number of circuits you have will largely depend on the type of panel you have. If you live in an older home, it’s likely you are or will soon run out of space in your panel. This is because older panel installations didn’t account for the advancements in technology that we benefit from today. An upgrade will provide access to more circuits. We recommend that you leave space for future upgrades, like the addition of an electric vehicle charging station.
Ensuring you have a safe and properly functioning electrical panel provides several benefits.
- Safety
- Protecting against tripping breakers
- Sufficient distribution of electricity
- Compliance with electrical codes
Older electrical panels are typically 60-amp or 100-amp. Insufficient for today’s demands, panel upgrades usually bring the number up to approximately 200 amps. That’s enough to run several appliances at once, along with smart devices, lighting, your HVAC system, and more.
There are several things to look for if you’re thinking about an electrical panel upgrade. Monitor your electrical system to see if breakers are tripping frequently. This points to electrical overload at the point of your panel. Also, your lights may flicker or dim due to overloading. Adding more appliances and devices will only make the problem worse. You can experience overheating at the panel, causing damage to wires and increasing your risk of a fire.
Upgrading your electrical panel can also increase the value of your home. Potential buyers appreciate knowing that the panel and electrical system in your residence are safe. Also, plenty of room for future upgrades is beneficial. If you plan on selling your home soon, consider this a smart investment for the future. Also, upgrades allow us to bring your electrical system up to code if there are current compliance issues.
When you set up a consultation with our team, we will evaluate your home’s current electrical system and panel. This allows us to determine if there are safety concerns or if anything is out of date. We will recommend a replacement panel if we notice visible corrosion, burn marks, or signs of overheating. Buzzing, sizzling, and crackling sounds are also cause for concern. Our assistance includes helping you choose a new panel using a load calculation. This considers the size of your home, your electrical needs, future expansions, and budget. We may need to work with your energy provider if there is a need to upgrade service on their end.