Do you need an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Your electrical panel, also known as your breaker box, controls all electricity in your home. It receives power from the utility company and distributes it throughout your home. These circuits supply electricity to appliances, lights, or other electrical devices. The electrical panel is your control center. It allows you to turn off power to specific areas of your home as required.

The electrical panel is more than a switchboard that allows you to turn on the electricity in your home. Your home's safety and the efficiency of your electrical system are two other important functions that your electrical panel serves. A new electrical panel will improve safety for your family and your system's ability adapt to your changing needs. What are the signs that it is time for you to upgrade your electrical panel? These are the signs you should be looking for.

1. Older Home

As technology has become more important, so has our dependence on electricity in our homes. Even though older homes were built before air conditioners, televisions and computers existed, the electrical panels in these homes are not built to withstand the load we place upon them. Many older homes were equipped with 60-amp electrical panels. Modern homes are equipped with 100- and 200-amp panels that can accommodate modern needs.

2. There are not enough outlets

Extension cords indicate that your home doesn't have enough outlets. Extension cords are useful for providing power when it is most needed. Extension cords that are frequently used can quickly become a fire hazard and eventually wear out. You can avoid a trip hazard with network surge protectors and extension cords. Instead, upgrade your electrical panel and add more outlets to your home.

3. There are not enough breakers

Homes built before 1970 may have a fuse-based electric system. This system is outdated and not modern. Overloaded circuit breakers can cause them to "trip". They cannot stop electricity flow safely. Overloaded fuse can cause a short-circuit or melt to the electricity, which could lead to a small fire risk.

4. Breakers keep tripping

If you find yourself constantly returning to the breaker box following a trip to the circuit breaker, it is time to upgrade your electrical panel. Circuits may trip more frequently if your electrical panel is damaged or worn. This could indicate that your panel can't handle your energy needs.

5. You got new Appliances

Your panel was designed to meet the same energy needs as your home at the time it was installed. If you have made your basement more habitable, added to it, or increased your energy consumption, your electrical system will need to be upgraded. If you have modern appliances like a washer/dryer, dishwasher, or other devices that consume a lot of electricity, it may be necessary to upgrade.

6. System is overloaded

Overloading your electric system can cause poor performance and safety risks. If your electrical system is experiencing problems, these signs will be obvious.

• The lights flicker frequently
• The lights dim when an appliance is turned off.
• Breakers often trip or the fuse blows frequently
• Some of your outlets were singed
• It can be difficult to detect the switch or outlet.
• Outlets emit sparks when you plug in or unplug an outlet.
• You get shocked when you plug in or unplug cords