Electrical Panel Upgrade
Are you experiencing plenty of electrical issues, like sparks, in your house? Do electricians fixing and repairing these electrical issues recommend that you upgrade the electrical panel? Did you know that electrical panel issues, such as trips, are often seen in homes where electrical panels are older and haven’t been upgraded?
Note that when it comes to electric power in your home, the main part of the operation is your electrical panel. It is worth noting that sometimes these electrical panels can be a bit intimidating and confusing to many homeowners. This is because, as a homeowner, you are not sure about their function.
Did you know that the electrical panel is usually the heart that helps power your home? However, note that many homeowners simply do not understand when it is the best time for an electrical panel upgrade.
While you might have opened the electric panel in your home when an electric appliance shuts off, other than that, you may be neglecting your old electric service panel. Note that over time, you may add new circuits and efficient appliances to your home. Although each might seem like a minor addition, note that collectively these appliances and circuits increase the demand on the electrical service panel.
You should know that the primary function of an electric panel in your home is to distribute electric power to all of the designated areas in your home. As your electrical service panel is the hub and control center of electrical activity, its maintenance and upkeep are important to effective and safe power distribution in your home.
This is why upgrading the electrical panel (often known as a breaker box or fuse box) could be the best solution to keeping your home both efficient and safe. If you are having electricity issues in your home or the appliances are not working properly, we will provide information on if and when you have to upgrade the electrical panel, the benefits of electrical service upgrade as well as why hiring a professional electrician is the safest and best way to proceed if you’re considering changing your electrical panel.
What is a Breaker Box or Breaker Panel?
Before discussing why and how your electrical service panel may not be working properly, it is important to discuss the circuit breaker panel. Note that an electrical panel or circuit breaker panel is the hub or central point. Keep in mind that it connects the electric wires inside your home to the external wires.
So, we can say that your breaker panel or electric panel is the main connection between your external power grid and the electrical wiring inside your home.
Your breaker panel is the main distribution point, and it helps ensure that all of the power outlets, lights, and appliances more get the required electric power. Also, it is worth noting those circuit breakers located inside your electric panel help protect the electrical wires in your home from drawing excessive electricity by tripping, and this protects your home from fires.
Did you know that it is usually called the fuse box, main breaker box, and a distribution panel? While it is often located in your garage or a safe utility room, note that it can be anywhere in the home.
When do I need to Upgrade My Electrical Panel?
You will have to look on the inside in order to know the capacity of the existing electrical panel. In most cases, you will find a tag, typically, on the door. This tag will list things, such as maximum voltage, power, and current dissipation capability for your electric panel and busses. Did you know that most breaker boxes are usually 100 amps, 150 amps, or 200 amps?
Also, keep in mind that an average home usually requires about 200 amp electric panels in order to effectively operate all your home appliances effectively and meet your specific electrical needs. Keeping the above information in mind, if your current electric panel does not meet the electricity requirements of your modern home, you can decide it is time for an electrical panel upgrade.
Benefits of Electric Panel Upgrade
There are many benefits to upgrading your electrical panel. Some of them are as follows.
More Consistent Power
If your home experiences intermittent power and fluctuations are common, you will be happy to know that a new and improved electrical panel will help prevent these issues. The new panel will deliver more consistent electric power to the home.
Peace of Mind
Did you know that you can protect your home from many types of electrical hazards and risks, such as overloaded circuits, by upgrading your panel? It is also worth noting that an electrical panel upgrade can lower the risk of an electrical fire in your home and keep you safe.
Resolves Many Electrical Issues and Problems
Keep in mind that blown fuses or flickering lights must not regularly occur in the home. Note that when these issues persist, they often reveal a bigger problem or issue with the whole electrical system in your home.
In many cases, an outdated or older electrical panel in your home could be the culprit. You will be happy to know that an updated or new electrical panel can solve these issues.
Added Home Value
Did you know that an updated electrical panel also increases the resale value of your home? And that is not all; it also gives you the chance to add more home appliances and can better protect pricey electronic equipment in your home.
Prevent Electrical Fires
You will be pleased to know that upgrading the electrical panel in your home can also improve the overall security and safety of the home. For example, a new or updated electrical panel can help prevent electrical fires in the home.
How to Upgrade My Electrical Panel
Take the following steps to upgrade your electrical panel. It is best to do this on your own if you are a skilled electrician.
1. Obtain Permission from the Building Authority
Note that before you decide to upgrade the circuit breaker panel in your home, you’ll have to get permission from the building authority in your area.
2. Turn Off Your Circuit Breaker
You should first turn off your main circuit breaker in order to cut the supply of electricity to your electric panel. Note that you might have to ask the power company to safely shut off all the electrical wires or cables to the home.
3. Open Your Electric Panel
You have to study the electric panel carefully to understand which circuits control the different parts of your home. In many cases, you will likely leave the power for your kitchen and bathroom. However, it is important to assess or evaluate the capacity of all other circuit breakers. You should use a voltmeter or multimeter to perform this task.
4. Remove the Outer Panel
Remove your outer panel after turning off your circuit breaker. When you are unscrewing the panel, you should hold it to ensure that it doesn’t fall.
After unscrewing the outer panel, you should remove it safely in order to avoid getting in touch with any of the several wires underneath. Also, refrain from touching the 2 black wires entering your electric panel from above. You should place your panel as well as screws nearby and keep all of the screws with your electric panel.
5. Remove the Wires
You should label each wire before removing it. Note that this will make the task simpler and quicker when you will add the new electrical panel. Now take out all of the individual fuses or breakers from your panel.
After that, you should remove your ground line carefully. You will find this ground line connected to your ground bar. When you are done, disconnect your neutral bar. After completing the above steps, you should remove your main breaker.
6. Install the New Electrical Panel
Now it is time to add the new service panel. After turning off your mains electricity, you should remove all the old circuits from your electrical panel. Now screw your new service panel carefully into your wall. Now cut off a tiny amount of insulation from your mains wires and then wire up your panel carefully. After that, you may start attaching all of the circuit breakers to your new panel.
7. Divide Your Circuits
Note that you have to divide all the circuits which are under excess strain into different parts. After that, push all your new circuit breakers carefully inside the new slots you will find on the panel. Now locate any circuit wires that you would like to enlarge, wiring these safely into the circuit breakers.
Place the grounded as well as neutral wires securely and safely before proceeding. You can add a few more wires in order to extend the overall reach of the circuit. Now turn the mains power back on, and then check the voltage in all your circuits.
It is best to label each circuit breaker with the right house circuit as it will make the job easier for you in case of any future problems or issues.
Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade
Should I upgrade my electrical panel? This question may pop into your head, especially if you are having electrical issues, such as sparks, in your home. Did you know that electrical panels usually last about 25 to 35 years?
These signs indicate that you need an electrical panel upgrade.
Your Home has a Fuse Box
Does your home still rely heavily on a conventional or outdated panel with fuses? Note that this is very common in houses built before the 1960s. If you are relying on a traditional panel with fuses, you will probably benefit a lot by upgrading to a modern electrical panel that has circuit breakers.
Did you know that fuses can burn out easily and have to be replaced? On the other hand, you can simply reset the circuit breakers with just one flip of a switch.
You are Installing New Home Appliances
Keep in mind that this does not necessarily mean that you will have to make a panel upgrade every time that you buy a new toaster or microwave. However, it is worth noting that for many bigger home appliances, such as conditioners, refrigerators, or anything that needs a lot of electric power, the panel might need more power.
And you definitely would not like to plug in something brand new, only to realize that the electric circuit shuts off instantly.
Your Home is More than Twenty Years Old
Keep in mind that you may have to upgrade your panel if your home is over twenty to thirty years old. Did you know that older homes usually have electric panels that max out at 60 amps or 100 amps? On the other hand, newer homes typically have 200-amp electric panels that fit your needs and lifestyle.
There is no doubt that the electricity needs of today are much greater than in the past with high-definition TVs, computers, refrigerators, smart refrigerators, and many other appliances. This is why you will benefit from upgrading your panel.
Home Remodeling or Expansion
Note that if you are planning a home renovation or an extension, a new and improved electrical panel will likely be required.
Sparks and Burning odors
While an occasional spark in your home isn’t unusual, keep in mind that frequent or large sparks may be warning signs of a faulty circuit or deteriorated wiring. And this can be a serious issue. Also, it is important to pay close attention to any warm and discolored outlets in your home.
And whether the cause of these sparks is an overloaded circuit or faulty wiring, it is best to talk with an experienced electrician regarding these issues.
Faulty Wiring in Your Electrical Panel
You probably know that faulty wiring often leads to home fires. Also, keep in mind that older homes are more prone to this risk. This is why if you have not had a home inspection in quite a while, you should contact a professional to take a close look at the wiring. And some of the signs that you have to watch for are dimming lights and flickering lights.
Your Electrical Panel Trips Frequently
Your electrical panel may have to be replaced if it trips regularly or often makes a strange crackling sound. Did you know that the system will likely trip if you plug way too many devices or appliances into any circuit that needs more electric power than that circuit can reasonably accommodate?
Keep in mind that the cutting off of power or tripping is an important safety measure that prevents the electric wires from the risk of overheating. And this might mean that you only have to replace the breaker and not your entire panel.
How to do a Load Calculation
Do I need to do a load calculation? Note that your electrician should ideally perform a load calculation before estimating your home renovation or addition project.
If you would like to calculate the aggregate load on your breaker panel, just add all the amperage ratings you get from each of your circuit breakers, and simply multiply the sum by 120.
Step One: You should open the door of the breaker panel.
Step Two: Now find out the amperage rating for all the circuit breakers. You will find the rating on your breaker's Reset switch.
Step Three: Now add all of the ratings that you determined in the previous step.
Step Four: The next step involves multiplying the sum from the previous step by 0.8.
Step Five: Now multiply your results from Step Four by 120. Note that this will provide you with the total breaker panel load.
When to Hire an Electrician for a Service Upgrade
If you believe that it’s time to upgrade the electrical panel in your home, you should call an electrician so they can check your system. Although you may do some minor electrical work yourself, it might not be the best idea to upgrade your panel on your own.
Note that when dealing with power and electric issues, many things may go wrong. If you are in Vancouver, we will take care of everything that you may need to upgrade your electrical panel. You should hire a licensed electrician for an electric panel upgrade to enjoy excellent customer service. Our licensed and experienced electricians will help and guide you with your electric panel upgrade. So, schedule a professional electrical service today.