If your home has outdated electrical wiring, you may be at risk of an electrical fire or power outage. Electrical panels are the main source of power in a home. You need to upgrade this equipment from time to time to keep your home safe and running smoothly.
Do you know the signs of when it’s time to get an electrical panel upgrade? Understanding the signs will help you identify when it’s time for an upgrade. It will also keep your home safe and efficient. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to call a qualified electrician to come and assess your home’s electrical system. Be sure to never attempt this upgrade if you are unsure, as you pose a risk of electric shock among other serious issues.
What is an Electrical Panel?
Electrical panels are the main electrical equipment that is located in a home’s electrical system. These panels are generally located in the basement or garage and provide electricity to the entire home. Electrical panel circuit breakers come in two categories: single-pole breakers and double-pole breakers.
A single-pole breaker is the most common breaker, protecting one energized wire. It handles 15-20 amps.
]Meanwhile, the double-pole breaker protects two wires and comes in up to 200 amps.
To successfully upgrade an electric panel, you’ll need knowledge in panel wiring, breakers, and where fuses are located.
Signs that your Home Needs an Electrical Panel Upgrade
You may notice that your home’s electrical panel has some upgrades that need to be made, but it’s still in working condition. But if your panel’s wiring is outdated or worn, you may experience some issues, such as a power outage, a house fire, or a reduction in the efficiency of your home’s electrical system.
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to call a qualified electrician to come and assess your home’s electrical system and make the necessary upgrades. These are the signs that an upgrade is in order:
– Your breaker panel keeps tripping. If your breaker panel keeps tripping, it’s a sign that your home’s wiring is not up to code and needs to be upgraded.
– The house has a lot of electrical mishaps, like circuit breakers that trips or lights that flicker and sizzle. If you are experiencing these issues, it’s a sign that your panel is outdated and needs to be upgraded or replaced.
– You notice that your appliances are running a lot hotter or slower than usual. This could be a result of poor electrical installation, poor wiring, or poor electrical panel.
The Importance of Electrical Panel Upgrades
Upgrading your home’s electrical panel is important for many reasons. First of all, electrical panels are a primary source of electricity in a home and they need to be updated when they become outdated.
This keeps your home safe and running efficiently. When your electrical panel has been updated, it’s also good to inspect your entire electrical system and make sure it’s up to code.
Upgrading your panel can also save you money over time. Most panels are good for about 25 years, depending on installation. So when it’s time to upgrade, you’ll get a better electrical panel with more energy-saving features and a longer lifespan for a lower price.
Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost
The cost of an electrical panel upgrade depends on a number of factors, such as the size of the electrical panel and the amps. If you need to replace your entire electrical panel, you will likely spend more than if you have an upgrade.
In addition to the cost of the electrical panel and the labour to install it, you might also have to pay for an electrician to wire your home for the new panel or for an electrician to inspect your existing wiring and make necessary repairs. The cost of an electrical panel upgrade can vary significantly. In some areas, it might cost as little as $1,300, while in other areas, the cost might be as much as $4,000.
The cost of an electrical panel upgrade will also depend on the quality of the electrical panel that you’re replacing. If you have a sub-standard electrical panel, an upgrade is likely to cost less than if you have a high-quality panel.
When to hire a Qualified Electrician to Upgrade Your Electric Panel
A qualified electrician can come to your home and assess your electrical panel and make any necessary upgrades. A qualified electrician can determine if your panel needs to be replaced or if you need to upgrade it. The professional can also help you determine if your wiring needs to be re-wired or if you need to make repairs to your home’s electrical system.
Safety Measures for an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Are you thinking of taking on an electrical panel upgrade project by yourself? Before upgrading your electrical panel, you will want to make sure that your home is safe. You should shut off the power to your entire electrical system at the electricity panel, if possible. If your electrical panel is in a garage, you should also cover it with a tarp to keep out animals and debris while it’s out of operation.
- Make sure the main power is turned off before starting the upgrade.
- Wear insulated gloves and safety glasses.
- Do not attempt to upgrade the panel if you do not have the proper experience and training.
- Always work with a qualified electrician if you are not qualified to upgrade the panel yourself.
- Make sure there are no sparks or flames near the panel while performing the upgrade.
- Keep all tools and equipment away from the electrical panel while working.
- Make sure the panel is properly grounded before turning the power back on.
- Test the panel after the upgrade to ensure that it is functioning properly.
As always, Dadz is here to offer a helping hand when you are overwhelmed with your home electric projects. Please do not risk your health or safety if you do not feel confident in this project.
Troubleshooting Common Electrical Panel Problems
If you’re experiencing any issues with your electrical panel, there are a few things that you can do to troubleshoot the problem. If you’re experiencing any issues with your electrical panel, like a tripped breaker or a circuit that isn’t working, you can troubleshoot the problem by following a few easy steps.
Check the circuit breakers – Circuit breakers are the most common cause of electrical panel problems. If one has tripped, reset it and see if that resolves the issue. If not, you may need to check the wiring to identify any loose or corroded connections.
Look for loose or damaged wires – Loose wires and damaged insulation can cause arcing and other problems in the electrical panel. Inspect each of the wires and replace any that appear to be frayed or corroded.
Test the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) – The GFCI is designed to protect you from electrocution. If this device is not working properly, you could be in danger. Please contact a professional electrician for help with testing.
Clean the electrical panel – Dust and dirt can accumulate in electrical panels over time. This can cause the circuit breakers and other components to overheat, leading to problems. Clean the electrical panel with a vacuum or compressed air and make sure all of the components are clean and free of debris.
Check the main breaker – The main breaker is the main switch that controls the entire electrical system. If this breaker is tripped, it can cause a variety of problems. Make sure the main breaker is switched on and that all of the wires are properly connected.
Maintenance Tips for Electrical Panels
When it comes to electrical panels, maintenance is key. This can help to extend the lifespan of your panel and ensure that it is working efficiently. You should also make sure to check your electrical panel at least once a year. This is to make sure that everything is working properly and that you’re not experiencing any issues.
When it comes to maintenance for your electrical panel, you should follow these tips.
- Make sure that your electrical panel’s breaker box is secure and not exposed to the elements.
- Ensure the panel is grounded and not exposed to water.
- Check that your electrical panel is properly sized for your home.
- Make sure that your electrical panel is up to code.
Upgrade Your Electrical Panel with the Help of Dadz
Are you in need of an electrical panel upgrade? The best way to get started is by contacting an electrician in Lynnwood, WA. At Dadz, we provide professional panel upgrades for your peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more.