Upgrading your electrical panel is an upgrade not only to technology, but it is also an upgrade to the safety, efficiency, and functionality of your home. We live in a world where our need to rely on electricity is becoming greater every day, and upgraded electrical panels should be expected. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about electrical panel upgrades.
Know What’s Involved Before Upgrading an Electrical Panel
Electrical panel upgrades are an important step in modernizing your home’s electrical system to ensure that it is in compliance with contemporary safety and efficiency standards. This process includes reviewing the current electrical panel and planning to upgrade the power distribution to meet present and future electrical demands.
Now, let’s discuss what you need to know before you make electrical panel upgrades:
Understand Your Existing Electrical Panel
An electrical panel, also called a breaker box, is the center of a home’s electrical system. It distributes electrical power from the electrical utility line to various circuits in the home. Newer breaker panels are safer, allow for more circuits, and can handle 100-200 amps of service.
Identify the Need for an Upgrade
Before electrical panel upgrades, consider whether it meets the requirements of your residence, such as regular circuit popping, flickering lights, panels that feel warm or burn, new appliances added, HVAC units, or plans to add onto the property.
| Warning! An overloaded electrical panel causes a fire risk; immediately address any popping or tripping circuits. |
Check Local Codes and Permit Requirements
Most areas will require some form of permits during electrical panel upgrades that comply with their local building codes and electrical safety standards. Permits ensure that the electrical panel upgrades are properly installed, grounded, and bonded, and that the wiring and breaker sizing are appropriate.
Upgrade Your Electrical Panel: Do This to Ensure Safety and Efficiency
By upgrading the electrical panel, you are immediately improving safety, efficiency, and function as a whole. Electrical panel upgrades mean your electrical system meets modern standards while accommodating future power demands. This gap between expectations and reality can pose hazards associated with outdated electrical panels.
Steps to take for electrical panel upgrades:
Determine Your Power Requirements
Determine your power requirements for your home by listing all of your current appliances and estimating any future additions like electric vehicle chargers, home offices, or central AC. A licensed electrician can do the load calculations and help recommend the appropriate panel size.
| Pro tip: An electrical panel of 200 amps is best for modern homes! |
Find and Hire a Licensed Electrician
When performing electrical panel upgrades, you should hire a licensed electrician, as they are experts at handling high-voltage electric circuits, preventing electrical code violations, and handling inspections, and they are willing to provide references and proof of licensing.
Plan for the Day of Your Upgrade
Before the day of your upgrade, make space around your electrical service panel for the electrical technician, as well as unplug any sensitive electronics to prevent damage.
Remove Old Panel and Install New Panel
The electricians will disconnect power to the electrical panel, remove the existing panel, label existing circuits, secure the new panel, install new breakers, reconnect circuits and wires, and upgrade grounding and bonding if required after disconnecting power from the main line.
Inspection and Final Testing
The local electrical inspector will come out, inspect the installation, check grounding, bonding, and breaker sizing, and ensure that the panel meets code requirements before restoring power and testing the circuits.
Conclusion
Having an electrical panel upgrade is vital for safety and performance. An upgrade involves looking at your existing electrical needs, how much power you need, and planning for the upgrade. By working with a licensed electrician, the installation will meet the current electrical code and the installation will comply with local electrical codes. In the end, an upgraded electrical panel provides a superior electrical system that will fit your electrical requirements, both now and in the future!
FAQs
Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel?
Yes, most areas require permits to ensure compliance with local codes.
How long does an electrical panel upgrade take?
The process typically takes several hours, depending on the complexity of the installation.
How much does it cost to upgrade an electrical panel?
The average cost for upgrading an electrical panel ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on various factors.
