8 Reasons To Consider An Electrical Panel Upgrade
The electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes power from the main electrical line to the various circuits in your home. Over time, your panel becomes overloaded or outdated, posing a severe fire hazard.
If you have an older home, its electrical panel may not handle current demands. Look for electrical installation services in Naples, FL, to understand what an upgrade entails and the benefits.
What Is An Electrical Panel Upgrade?
Before we jump into discussing the reason why you must consider an electrical panel upgrade, first, it is very necessary to understand the kind of panel that is installed in your home.
Does your system have round glass fuses? Then there are chances that the panel is already very old. Or maybe the black switches that you use to control the electrical flow in your home are old as well.
If you have an outdated panel, then they are most likely to experience failure. So, if you have a system that is nearly around 15-20 years old, then you will definitely require an electrical panel upgrade. But what is an electrical panel upgrade?
Well, an electrical panel upgrade is more like a process where you replace an old, existing electrical panel with a new and safer one. Some might even opt for a new one to meet all kinds of electrical needs of a home or a business.
If we talk about the cost, the overall cost of an electrical panel upgrade is highly dependable on that specific type of upgrade, along with the location, local labor rates and the additional electrical work that is required.
Here Are 8 Reasons To Consider An Electrical Panel Upgrade
Your electrical panel is the most crucial part of your home. It is specially designed to keep all your appliances and systems running smoothly. In the modern age of electronics, it has become necessary to upgrade your electrical panel.
Many homeowners fail to consider the major importance of electrical panels until something actually goes wrong. Here, in this section, I am providing you top reasons why you must consider getting an electrical panel upgrade.
1. You Have Frequent Circuit Breakers Tripping
If the circuit breakers frequently trip, your panel is overloaded. An upgrade will increase your electrical panel’s capacity, so it doesn’t trip as often. It includes adding more circuits to handle the additional load. However, ensure the new panel can handle the increased power load by checking the amperage and voltage.
2. Your Home Is Undergoing Additions or Renovations
If you’re planning to add an appliance or make other changes to increase your home’s power needs, you may need an electrical panel upgrade. The new panel should accommodate the additional load to avoid overloading the existing system. Also, consider future needs when making your selection.
3. The Lights Flicker When Large Appliances Are On
If the lights flicker when you turn on the washer, dryer, or other large appliance, your electrical system can’t handle the current demand. Upgrading to a larger panel will solve the problem. Loose wiring connections could also cause the issue.
Have an electrician inspect your system to rule out other potential problems. However, consider an upgrade as you increase the number of devices plugged into the system over the years.
4. You Have Fuses Rather Than Circuit Breakers
If your home has a fuse box rather than circuit breakers, it’s time for an upgrade. Fuses offer less protection and are more dangerous than circuit breakers. They can also be challenging to find when you need to replace them.
An electrical panel upgrade will give you peace of mind knowing your home is up to code and safe. The breakers offer better protection against power surges that could cause damage to your appliances and electronics. They’re also easier to reset if they trip.
An electrical panel upgrade is a selling point if you plan to put your home on the market
5. Your Home Is More Than 40 Years Old
Homes built before the 1970s often had 60-amp panels. Today’s homes need a 100-amp panel to accommodate the increased power demand. If your home has a 60-amp panel, upgrading to 100-amp provides enough power for your needs and future-proofs your home.
6. There Is Scorching or Burning Around the Panel
Scorching or burning signifies an overloaded system. The wiring may be too small for the current load, or there may be a loose connection.
An upgrade will correct the problem and prevent a fire. Also, note that when the wires are old, they become brittle and break. The current may not flow correctly, so the heat builds up and causes a fire.
7. The Panel Is Rusted or Hot to the Touch
A rusted or hot panel is a sign of an overloaded system. The increased load causes the system to overheat, and the rust signifies damage. An electrician will inspect the panel to ensure it’s safe. An upgrade will protect your home from an electrical fire.
8. You Need More Power Outlets
If you need to plug in multiple appliances or devices and don’t have enough outlets, it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel. The addition of new circuits will give you the outlets you need. It will also prevent overloading the existing system. An electrician can help you determine how many outlets you need and where to place them.
Another Reason: You Want to Increase the Value of Your Home
An electrical panel upgrade is a selling point if you plan to put your home on the market. It’s also a good idea if you’re planning to keep the house for many years. You’ll have peace of mind that comes with knowing your home can handle the current demand and any future needs. Most importantly, your home will be safe.
Another major reason can be the undersized panel without any room for the breakers. The smaller as well as oldr homes have a 100 amp electrical panel. However, in the case of modern homes, if it has central AC, then it would require a 200 amp electrical panel. So, it is obvious that you will need a large panel.
However, in such cases, your electrician can also make the final decision. But, it is recommendable to choose a large breaker box that can help you to make further upgrades and renovations in the future.
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