What is Involved in Electric Panel Upgrades

Your electric panel is an important part of your home and is vital in keeping your home running and safe. Upgrading your electric panel can help keep your family safer, and help to better accommodate the vast amount of technology constantly using electricity in your home.

Signs You Need to Upgrade 

Regardless of damage, you may want to consider upgrading the electric panel in your home for many other reasons. Older electric panels are not built to withstand the capacity at which we use electricity in our homes in the modern era and may cause circuit breaks to interrupt your day. What are some signs that you might need an electric panel upgrade?

Damage

If you look at your electric panel and notice any type of damage, such as rust or scorch marks, it may be a sign of internal damage that can be very dangerous. If your panel is damaged, you may want to consider an electric panel upgrade to get rid of any damaged parts and make your home safer.

Too Few Outlets

If you constantly find yourself looking for a space outlet or using extension cords, it may be a sign you need some electric panel upgrades. Homes weren’t originally made with as many outlets that we use today, so electric panels weren’t built with the capacity for as much electricity that we use today. Having fewer outlets than average can be a clue that your electric panel doesn’t have as much amperage, or electrical strength, as you need in your home.

Fuse Vs Breaker

Old homes, especially, may still have fuse boxes, rather than breakers. Breakers are an electrical switch that stop the flow of electricity when there is an overload of electricity being used, but they can easily be reset without having to be replaced. Unlike breakers, fuses break when they overheat and have to be replaced each time they break. Fuses can also be dangerous and a fire hazard for your home. If your home has a fuse box and no breakers, it’s time to get electric panel upgrades for your home’s safety.

What Electric Panel Upgrades Does Your Home Need

An upgraded electric panel means no more dim lighting when you use large appliances, like your microwave. It means less overloading of the breakers, which saves you a trip to reset them. An electric panel upgrade will increase the capacity of your electric panel and make your life easier. 

The New Panel

One of the biggest components and costs of electric panel upgrades is the new panel itself. To get a higher amperage for your home, you will need a higher amp electric panel. The higher the amperage of an electric panel, the more expensive the new panel is going to be, but the more amps of electricity you’ll be able to use. More amps means you can use more electricity simultaneously without triggering a breaker!

The Install

In order to install your upgraded electric panel, your electrician will first have to turn off the main circuit breaker so your electricity will be out during the installation. Next, they will have to remove the outer panel and be careful not to touch the wires, as there are live wires that can be harmful. It’s important to be careful around live wires, even if the electricity is turned off. The cables will then have to be removed, along with the individual breakers or fuses. Then, the main breaker will be removed as well. Now the space is ready for your new panel! Your electrician will place your breakers in your new electric panel and connect them. Make sure to label our breakers to help in the future! The last step is to turn your electricity back on and enjoy your new electric panel upgrades!

Need An Electric Panel Upgrade for Your Home?

The professionals at Stack Heating, Cooling, & Electric are here for you and your needs. Based out of Cleveland, OH, since 1976, our team can help with all of your electric panel upgrades, including installation and repairs. Visit our website or call us at (440) 294-5970 to get an estimate!