Replacing an electrical panel is an important home improvement project that adds value to your home, increases its safety, and addresses the growing need for energy consumption. At Surge C Electric, we know that this process can seem incredibly overwhelming. In the following guide, you’ll learn the basic details of electrical panel upgrades and what you need to take into account.
ELECTRICAL PANEL UPGRADES And How to Understand Them
An electrical panel, also known as a circuit breaker panel or a fuse board, is the control center of your home’s electrical system. It feeds different circuits and protects against overload and short circuits. If you notice that you frequently trip the circuit breakers, bulbs always flicker, or your house has old wiring, you may need to know how to replace your electrical panel.
Signs You Need an Upgrade
Before proceeding to the next step of upgrading, you need to find out whether your panel needs to be upgraded. Here are some common signs that indicate an electrical panel upgrade is necessary:
Frequent Tripping of Circuit Breakers: If your breakers frequently trip, this means that your electrical panel is unable to provide the power required in your home. As a result, it has been found to cause possible fire-related dangers in the workplace.
Old Fuse Box: Older houses may still use fuses, and since they are older than the circuit breaker, it is highly recommended that they be replaced. Replacing a fuse box with a circuit breaker panel is very important for safety and convenience.
Inadequate Amperage: Most homes currently need a 200-amp service to supply electricity for modern devices and gadgets. If your home has a 100-amp or lower service, now is the right time to upgrade for today’s energy demands.
Warm or Hot Panels: However, indicators that should make you seek the services of a professional immediately are those electrical panels that are warm or hot to the touch. It means that you are having too many tasks in your panel and they require your attention as soon as possible.
Steps to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
The process of upgrading your electrical panel requires the following steps below. Here’s a simplified process to guide you through:
Speak with a Licensed Electrician
It is important to seek the advice of a licensed electrician before any upgrade. They can tell you what your existing electrical system needs, how many circuit breakers your new panel should have, and whether the upgrade is legal.
Choose the Right Panel
Choose a new panel with energy-use requirements. Although most households prefer a 200-amp panel, make sure the panel can accommodate additional circuits in the future.
Prepare for the Upgrade
Choosing the right panel is half the battle. Once you have done this, your electrician will set a date to make the change. Things that should be done before the electrician arrives should include; The area around the electrical panel should be cleaned to allow easy movement for the electrician.
Disconnect Power Supply
It says that before any work is initiated, the electric power supply should be pulled off. Your electrician should arrange to switch off the power supply to your house for some time from your local utility company.
Remove the Old Panel
Electrical wiring will be disconnected carefully by the electrician, which will also safely eliminate the old electrical panel. This process can is somewhat cumbersome and is best done by a professional due to some risk factors involved.
Install the New Panel
Now that the old panel is out, the electrician will put in the new electrical panel into the room. This includes reconnecting the current circuits and is basically an assurance of every circuit being connected as it should be.
Reconnect the Power Supply
Once the new panel is fitted, the electrician will then restore the supply of power and then test for the correct currents and or voltages.
Inspection and Final Checks
Sometimes, at the end of the installation process, an inspection may be carried out to check if the installation was done in compliance to the standard of safety. Your electrician will help you go through this process.
Conclusion
Electrical panel upgrade is a great investment you can make in regard to safety and efficiency of your house. For all your needs, our staff at Surge C Electric is ever prepared to help you through the entire process. If, in the course of reading this article, you realize that your electrical panel may require an upgrade, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us for a consultation. Read on to learn how we help you keep your electrical system up to par with contemporary living standards safely!