Is it Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
The electrical panel is the heart of the electrical system of your house. Unfortunately, many homeowners choose to ignore it. It’s hidden behind a metal door. It also does not look appealing.
Electrical panels are also known by several other names. This includes a service panel, fuse box, and breaker box. It’s the nerve center for your electricity needs. The job of your electrical panel is to separate voltage into various circuits to power devices and appliances.
Over time, your electrical panel can get outdated. Thus, you might have to upgrade it. Today, we’re going to share with you several signs that indicate you need to upgrade your electrical panel. If you do have to upgrade it, make sure you hire a professional electrical contractor in West Atlanta for help.
Old House with Rewireable Fuses
Old electrical panels have lower quality compared to modern ones. That is why they might stop working and you’ll have to replace them. In addition to that, old panels have limits on the available space to add fuses or circuits. A couple of panels have maxed out their available circuits. If this is the case, you can’t add another circuit if you’re planning to upgrade your home.
Also, older panels might still have rewireable fuses rather than circuit breakers. These types of fuses present hidden risks. When upgrading your electrical panel, you should also replace old fuses. Modern electrical panels are a lot better when it comes to protecting your property.
Flickering Lights
It might be a sign that you’ve got problems with your electrical panel if your fuses are blowing unexpectedly and your circuit breakers are tripping constantly.
If electrical trips happen too often, your appliances might be consuming more energy than your current system can handle. The solution to meet your electrical needs is to upgrade your system.
You should also be careful if your panel is warm when you touch it. The reason for this is that it is another possible indication of overloaded power.
Overcrowded Look
Your electrical panel might start to look overcrowded if you continue adding more electrical devices to your home.
Almost every home constructed before the 1990s has a 100-amp electrical panel. For a modern family, it might not be enough. Tons of electrical devices may lead to a messy panel. Wires typically cross each other, creating an ugly appearance.
Circuit breakers with messy wiring can be extremely dangerous. They can cause electrical fires and arcs if you’re not careful. To prevent this from happening, you should consider upgrading your electrical panel today.
How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost? How Long Does It Take?
Usually, a professional electrician takes around 4 to 8 hours to upgrade an electrical panel. It greatly depends on how old your house is. For example, a simple upgrade for a newer home will take less time compared to a house that is over 40-year older.
When it comes to costs, it greatly depends on how much a professional electrician charges per hour.