Introduction
An electrical panel or a breaker box controls and distributes electricity safely to various circuits throughout your home. An outdated panel is unable to handle the electricity demands of a modern home and appliances and resulting in frequent tripping of circuit breakers. An upgraded panel improves energy efficiency, safer power flow to your home to meet the increasing energy requirements. A compliant electrical system improves insurance eligibility, home value and makes you safe from fire hazards and electrical failures.
A Complete Guide to Electrical Panels and Why an Upgrade is Necessary
Do you experience frequent light dimming and flickering and your circuit breaker trips whenever you plug in your oven or HVAC? Chances are, your home’s electrical panel is overloaded and the outdated wiring and system can’t handle the energy demands of modern appliances. Search for an electrical panel upgrade near me if you want a safer, code-compliant electrical system that provides a safer environment and can handle your home’s ever increasing energy requirements.
| Did you know? Homes with smart electrical panels can reduce electrical costs by up to 30% annually by avoiding electricity waste and optimising usage. |
Here is your complete guide to what an electrical panel is and how an updated panel benefits you.
- What is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel is the hub of your home’s electrical system, contains many circuit breakers and is responsible for distributing energy throughout your home. The panel’s capacity, rated in amps, determines the amount of electricity your system can safely handle.
Each circuit breaker acts as a safety device and safeguards your home against power surges or overloads. It trips when the electricity demand crosses the safe limits of the panel to protect your home from fire hazards.
| Important factAs per a study on US Electrification Readiness, around half of old single-family homes in the US, which make up 68% of the housing market, lack adequate electrical capacity to support modern electrical systems and can benefit from tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements. |
- Why is an Electric Panel Upgrade Necessary?
- An electrical panel upgrade makes your home, appliances and electrical system safe and protects you from power surges and fire hazards.
- A new, upgraded electrical panel can safely accommodate the increasing electrical demands of a modern home. You can install an EV charger and use larger, modern appliances safely without any worry of system overload.
- An updated, up-to-code panel makes your home future-ready and improves its market value. Prospective buyers look for properties that have efficient and up-to-date electrical systems.
- A panel upgrade will improve the energy efficiency of your home and will help lower energy bills.
- A modern, updated electrical panel improves your insurance eligibility and helps you navigate the complex insurance claims easily.
- Compliance with electrical codes improves your chances of the home’s resale quickly
| Fast FactModern electrical panels comply with current electrical codes and can give you an edge when it comes to home resale and insurance claims. Many insurance companies offer a premium for up-to-date electrical systems. |
- Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Upgrade your electrical panel if you notice:
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Buzzing sounds from switchboards
- Burn marks on sockets and switches
- Frequent tripping of your circuit breaker
Conclusion
Upgrading your electrical panel can improve the safety, energy efficiency and value of your home. Consider your home’s present and future energy requirements before deciding to upgrade. An up-to-code electrical panel and system is reliable and can handle the energy demands of modern homes. Schedule an electrician visit now to assess your home’s electrical capacity and requirements and make it future-ready.
FAQs
What are the requirements to upgrade an electrical panel?
An electrical panel upgrade includes a fuse box, circuit breakers and an update of the amp service from the utility company.
Do I need to upgrade my home’s wiring when upgrading the electrical panel?
If your current wiring is relatively new and can handle the load without the risks of overloading or overheating, there is no need to change the wiring.
What is the lifespan of an electrical panel?
An electrical panel can last for up to 25 to 40 years. If you are living in an old home, chances are that you need to upgrade to make your electrical system safe and up to code.
