ELECTRICAL PANEL UPGRADES: SHOULD YOU UPGRADE?
Chances are that you have increased the number of appliances and devices in your home over the years. Also, you are more likely now to use mutli-outlet surge protectors and extension cords than in the past. This extra electricity demands puts extra strain on your home’s electrical system. Unless your home is fairly new, chances are that you need a panel upgrade. Here are some of the signs and reasons why you should upgrade your electrical panel.
Signs That You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
If you haven’t thought much about your electricity for a while, then you may not realize that your system is outdated until you start to have problems. Here are some signs that your electrical system is at capacity and is in need of an upgrade.
Flickering Lights
If your lights flicker, or you notice brown outs with your other appliances and devices, then you may be at your home’s electrical load limit. However, if only one appliance or light is affected on a single circuit, then the problem may be a short in that circuit or a problem with that appliance
Blown Fuses
Fuses wear out, so an occasional blown fuse is not necessarily a sign that you need an upgrade. However, multiple blown fuses over a short period of time is a classic sign of an overloaded panel.
Tripped Breakers
Usually, circuit breakers are more durable and harder to trip than fuses. However, even they can reach their breaking point. If you only have a problem with one breaker, then you may have a problem with just that circuit and only need to reduce that circuit’s electrical load. If multiple circuits break in a short amount of time, then you probably need a panel upgrade.
Signs Your Electric Panel Needs an Upgrade
Electrical panels serve two purposes – to provide electricity and safety. However, for many homeowners, it may be difficult to assess the state of their electrical panels and whether or not the panel does its job properly.
So, you may be wondering if the electrical panel in your house needs to be replaced or upgraded? Electrical panels don’t last forever. The typical lifespan is about 40-60 years. However, age is not always a primary concern. Electrical panels that are undersized or do not offer certain necessary safety protection need to be replaced regardless of age. Some specific brands of older electrical panels have been found to be inherently faulty, and need to be replaced with newer, modern ones with safety upgrades.
Now, I realize that’s oftentimes easier said than done. Electrical updates are not cheap. An electrical panel change – or upgrade – can look like a big challenge to undertake. This is why we need to know how to recognize the signs of a failing electrical panel first, understand the consequences second, and lastly what steps we need to take.
Signs of Rust
Having rust in the panel is never a good sign. This is a clear indication that moisture has gotten inside the electrical panel and we all know electricity and water can be a fatal combination.
The fact that there is rust means that the electrical panel is, or has been, subjected to water. There may be different causes for the rust to appear like chipped paint, higher humidity levels, or water leaks.
Fuse Panel to Breaker Panel change
Any of the above is a valid reason to replace your dated fuse box to a new circuit breaker panel.
Old Breaker panel to New Breaker panel change
An electrical panel upgrade or “panel change” is usually required to alleviate a problem with the existing panel. Sometimes a breaker might overheat to the point that the buss bar in a panel gets burned.
The conductors between the meter and panel may become loose and burn out the main lugs. Other common reasons to change out an existing panel are due to obsolescence and outdated technology. Split-buss panels, lower end builder-grade panels, panels contaminated by water, paint and corrosive environments are often candidates for replacement. Panels long ago manufactured by FPE have many issues and are considered a hazard by many in the industry. Electrical panels are the heart of your electrical system. When your electrical panel goes out almost everything shuts down or worse yet a fire.
Whole House Surge Protector Installations
A power surge can follow through any wire into a home and threaten computers, televisions, smart appliances, home automation, and other equipment. Many homeowners have a false assumption that surge protection is simply a matter of plugging their devices into a low-cost, multi-outlet surge suppressor. Do not be fooled… If you want to protect devices plugged into outlets anywhere in the home, install a whole-house surge protection system. This protection must be hard-wired into the main electrical panel by a licensed electrician. Use smaller whole house surge protection for delicate circuitry, telephone, and cable lines. Use the multi-outlet power strip surge protection as your backup to absorb any excess power that seeps through the primary protection.
Panel Upgrade Electricians
What Is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel is another name for a distribution board or breaker panel. This board/panel is a component of your electrical supply system that divides your electrical power accordingly to units throughout your property
Why Do I Need To Upgrade It?
When you upgrade your property’s panel boxes, you are essentially bolstering the electrical power output and wiring so that your property can handle a greater power output. You may want to consider upgrading your electrical panels if your property has old electrical wiring or if there are any faults you may be experiencing with your current electrical panel
Whether you reside in a rural area or a densely populated location, you will likely experience electrical problems the older your panel box becomes. Since electrical systems are crucial in daily living and other occupational operations it is important your panel box is one of the things you upgrade when it comes to updating the rest of your property. When making these upgrades there are numerous factors to consider which can help determine the overall costs of implementing your new electrical systems.
Modernization of Appliances
Due to the continuous modernization of common household appliances, you may need more power to be exerted from your panels. For example older homes run on panel boxes with low-amperage. Consequently, they may not have central air, satellites, and other electrical advancements due to their low power output. This is a key reason to begin considering upgrading your panel boxes
Relocation of an Electrical Panel
Sometimes when you make advancements to your electrical wiring, problems can arise with the placement of your current electrical panel. If this is something that affects you then you may want to consider the relocation of your panel box
ELECTRICAL PANEL UPGRADES
Ensuring Your Safety & Comfort
If you need additional circuit breakers for your electrical panel or if it’s time for an upgrade, look no further than all of your electrical panel
How to Know if Your Electrical Service Panel Needs Repairs
Also known as a fuse box, fuse panel, and circuit breaker panel, your electrical service panel plays a very important role in your household. Similarly to how a heart distributes blood throughout the body, your electrical panel is trusted to distribute electricity throughout your home.
Electrical Repairs You Can Trust
Your electrical panel is typically meant to withstand many years of use. Thanks to our panel repair services and reliable team, you can rest assured that your electrical system is in good hands.