An electrical panel upgrade is a smart way to improve your home’s safety and increase its resale value. However, it is a job best left to an experienced electrician.
An old fuse box may not be able to adequately power modern electronics and appliances, leading to dangerous overloading and arcing. Learn the signs that your electrical panel needs an upgrade, and contact an electrician today.
Overloaded Circuits
Overloading of electrical circuits is one of the major reasons for household fires that result in serious injuries and costly property damage. When an electrical wire draws more current than it is rated to handle, the excess electricity will heat up the wiring until it melts and leads to a fire that can spread throughout your home.
Breakers and fuses in your panel are designed to prevent overcurrent and reduce the risk of fires. However, they don’t prevent circuit overloads altogether. They only shut off the power to a circuit once they detect too much current draw, and there are many warning signs that you may have an overloaded circuit.
Breakers that trip repeatedly or lights that flicker and dim are common indicators of a overloaded circuit. Other signs include discolored wall plates or outlets that are warm to the touch. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to call an electrician to have your electrical system inspected.
Overcrowded Breakers
Your electrical panel is your home’s nerve center. It keeps the power flowing to all your lights and appliances, and it also helps protect the safety of your family.
Older homes often have a fuse box that needs an upgrade to circuit breakers for modern power demands. Even houses that had a switchboard upgraded to a circuit breaker may be overcrowded and in need of an upgrade.
Overcrowded breaker boxes can cause many problems including frequent breaker trips, dim lighting, and a jumbled mess of wires that makes it hard to tell where one begins or ends.
If you are looking to sell your house, upgrading the panel is a great way to make it more appealing to buyers. It lets them know that the house is ready for all their high-tech gadgets, video technologies, and power-demanding appliances. Getting a permit and following the proper procedure for doing a major service upgrade (also called a “heavy up”) is essential to avoiding future issues with your electrical system.
Old Wires
The wires leading in and out of your electrical panel can affect the cost of an upgrade, especially if you need to replace old or damaged ones. However, this can be a worthwhile investment since the improved wiring will prevent house fires and other problems down the line.
Upgrading an electrical panel is also a smart move if you are planning to sell your home in the near future. It will ensure that your property is up to today’s safety standards and will attract potential buyers.
The best way to determine if you need an electrical panel upgrade is to consult with an electrician. They will be able to assess your home’s current needs and advise on the right amperage for your new panel. You can use online calculators to get a ballpark figure, but a professional will be able to give you a more accurate estimate. They will also be able to help you choose the best subpanel for your house, which can save you money in the long run.
Old Panel
An electrical panel upgrade can help you avoid high energy bills. By removing outdated and inefficient circuits, you’ll be able to better regulate your home’s electricity usage and save money on bills.
If you’ve recently added a hot tub, HVAC system, or a new appliance, an electrical panel upgrade is essential to handle the additional electricity demands. It’s also a good idea to consider an electrical panel upgrade during any remodeling project to ensure the home is equipped for future upgrades.
If your house still has a fuse box, this is a major red flag that it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade. Fuse boxes are not only out of date, but they can also be a safety hazard. It’s never safe to continue using a fuse box, so make sure to have your electrician replace it as soon as possible.