A panel replacement is a complete replacement of the electrical service at the point where it enters your home. The electrical panel is the center for your entire electrical system and distributes power to all your appliances and outlets. Replacing your electrical panel may be necessary to comply with current safety codes or to create space for additional breakers required for remodeling or additional electrical components, without adding substantial electrical load.
Typically, the reason for an upgrade of your service is to increase the electric capacity, to allow additional electrical load. An upgrade creates space for additional space and ampacity. This significant infrastructure change can provide the ability to supply the high current electrical demand of an EV charger, and will be helpful if you are considering any future home additions.
How to Know if an Upgrade is Needed?
You may require an electrical upgrade if your existing service shows signs of struggling, or if you are planning to add an addition to your home that would require a higher amount of amperage.
Often, the symptom of your electrical system struggling is when breakers are consistently tripping. This means that circuits are overloaded, and the safety features in your panel shut the power down to prevent overheating. If individual breakers trip, you may be overloading the existing circuits. If the main breaker trips, the entire service could be overloaded. These symptoms reveal insufficient electrical capacity for your home.
Another way that could indicate that you need an upgrade is when lights flicker or dim as large appliances, such as a refrigerator or air conditioner, cycle on. This shows a strain on the electrical system feeding your home. Physical signs located near the electrical panel would be burn marks, a burning smell, and buzzing noises. This may signal that the system is operating at a very high temperature, and you should immediately contact an electrician.
If you plan to install high-current appliances such as EV chargers, electric tankless water heaters, or central air conditioning, this can place great stress on your present electrical system. Contact an electrician to review your present system and to offer advice as to whether you need to upgrade your service amperage.
Panel Upgrades versus Replacements
The replacement of your electrical panel, scope of work, and cost are less than an upgrade. This involves a like-for-like switch, getting a new panel for an old one that may hold out-of-date fuses, and this would likely be in older homes. The electrical capacity will not increase, but a new panel replaces the old and offers the latest safety standards.
A panel upgrade involves increasing the amperage of your service, such as from 100 amp to 200 amp or greater. The scope of work for an upgrade requires changes outside of the breaker box and includes where the electric power is connected to the house. This involves changes to the utility connection to allow for a higher current to be received safely. The utility company will be involved and assess the capacity of its existing equipment. Many factors help decide the load needed for your home, depending upon its size, appliances, and other apparatus, to make sure that the system is sufficient for safety.
When upgrading your electrical system or replacing your electrical panel, it is recommended to engage a professional. A licensed electrician can obtain the permits and inspections as needed, and coordinate with the utility company for their design and work with their crews as needed for installation, as the change is made.
Reasons For Upgrading and/or Replacing Your Electrical Panel
- Aging Systems
- Increased Power Needs
- Safety & Code Compliance
- Frequent Breaker Tripping
- Flickering or Dimming Lights
- Burning Smell or Marks
- Buzzing or Crackling Sounds
Reasons to Hire a Licensed Electrician
- Safety and Efficiency of Work Performed
- Electrical Code Compliance
- Obtaining Permits
- Passing Inspection
- Danger of Working with Electricity
- Extensive Training of Licensed Electrician
Planning for Your Electrical Upgrade
It is recommended that you meet with a licensed electrician to determine your home’s electrical needs. They will inspect the present system and advise whether any upgrades are needed to meet your needs safely. It would be good to discuss with them your possible future requirements, such as a home addition or EV charger, as examples.
You may also want to engage in this endeavor when electrical power is not critical during the time the work is being performed, such as the need for air conditioning or heating systems to be in operation. The power will typically be off for the entire day of installation.
Owings Mechanical offers expert electrical services for all your home’s needs. Whether you desire new lighting fixtures, EV chargers, panel upgrades, or replacements from the smallest to the largest job, we are your electricians. Call us today! 410.549.3800