If you are experiencing frequent electrical issues in your home or you want to upgrade your electrical system to support increased power demands, it may be time to consider upgrading your electrical panel. An electrical panel, also known as a circuit breaker panel or distribution board, is a crucial component of your home’s electrical system. It controls the distribution of electricity throughout your home and helps protect against electrical overloads and potential hazards.
Why Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
There are several reasons why you might need to upgrade your electrical panel:
- Increased Power Demand: If you are adding new electrical appliances or upgrading your heating and cooling system, your current electrical panel may not be able to handle the increased power demand. Upgrading to a higher capacity panel will ensure that you have enough power to meet your needs.
- Older Home: If your home is several decades old, it may still have an outdated electrical panel that does not meet modern safety standards. Upgrading to a newer, more advanced panel will provide better protection against electrical hazards.
- Frequent Electrical Issues: If you are experiencing frequent tripped breakers, flickering lights, or other electrical issues, it could be a sign that your electrical panel is overloaded or outdated. Upgrading your panel will help to alleviate these issues and provide a more reliable electrical system.
Now that we understand why it’s important to upgrade your electrical panel, let’s delve into the process of upgrading:
The Process of Upgrading an Electrical Panel
Upgrading an electrical panel is a complex task that should always be performed by a licensed and experienced electrician. Here are the general steps involved in the process:
- Evaluation: The first step is to have a professional electrician evaluate your current electrical system. They will assess the power demands of your home, the condition of your existing panel, and any potential safety issues.
- Permits and Approvals: Depending on your local regulations, you may need to obtain permits and approvals before proceeding with the panel upgrade. Your electrician will handle this process, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed.
- Shut Off Power: Before the upgrade can begin, the power to your home will need to be shut off. This is typically done by the electrician in coordination with your utility company to ensure safety during the process.
- Panel Replacement: The old electrical panel will be removed, and a new one will be installed in its place. The new panel will have a higher capacity to meet your power demands and may include additional safety features such as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs).
- Reconfiguration of Circuits: Once the new panel is installed, the electrician will reconfigure the circuits to ensure a balanced load distribution and compliance with electrical codes.
- Testing and Inspection: After the panel upgrade is complete, the electrician will thoroughly test the electrical system to ensure everything is functioning properly. They will also arrange for an inspection to ensure compliance with local electrical codes.
- Restoring Power: Once the new panel has been installed, tested, and approved, the electrician will restore power to your home. You can then enjoy a safe and reliable electrical system.
It is important to note that the process described above is a general overview and may vary depending on the specific requirements of your home and local regulations. It is always best to consult with a professional electrician who can guide you through the process and ensure a successful panel upgrade.
Phasenw Electrical Services offers professional electrical panel upgrades to ensure the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system. Our experienced electricians will assess your power needs, handle all necessary permits, and provide expert installation and testing. Contact us today at Phasenw to schedule a consultation and get started on upgrading your electrical panel.