5 Reasons to Change or Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

Your electrical panel plays a crucial role in your home. It is responsible for distributing power throughout your house and using fuses or breakers to protect the lines and cables connecting your devices and appliances. They are often overlooked but fulfill a fundamental role in the way you enjoy your home, every single day. They power a majority of the appliances in your home that help us enjoy the comforts and conveniences of modern living. However, with time and increasing energy consumption, the electrical panel may become outdated, leading to various issues that could affect the safety and functionality of your electrical system. Here are five reasons why you should consider upgrading your electrical panel.

• Safety Concerns: Old electrical panels can be hazardous, as they may have outdated safety features, such as circuit breakers that are not able to protect against overloading, and may pose a fire risk. Upgrading to a new electrical panel can provide you with peace of mind and improved safety for your family and home.

Here is a panel we removed from a customer’s home in December of 2019. The 50 amp stove breaker had been installed incorrectly which lead to a heat buildup over time. This cause the breaker to melt into the backplane of the panel rendering it unrepairable. Luckily the customer contacted us in time before it led to further damage. One factor that led to the problem progressing this far was the fact that the house was rented and the tenants kept resetting the breaker when it would trip.

NSC Electric Inc.

• Increased Energy Demand: If your electrical panel is unable to keep up with the increasing energy demand of modern appliances, it can lead to frequent tripping of circuit breakers, power surges, and other electrical issues. Modern devices such as Electric Vehicle Chargers or heating appliances can draw a significant load on your main panel and service. Adding a stove in your basement unit for rent is another scenario which often requires an upgrade to your main service. Upgrading to a newer electrical panel with a higher capacity can help you meet the increased energy demands of your home.

• Improved Efficiency: Newer electrical panels are designed to be more efficient, reducing energy waste and helping you save money on your electricity bill. They are equipped with features that allow you to monitor and control energy consumption, providing you with greater control over your electrical system. Consider asking your electrician to install a whole home surge protector when they upgrade your panel or service!

• Improved Functionality: Upgrading to a new electrical panel can improve the overall functionality of your electrical system. New panels come equipped with modern technologies that allow you to control lighting and appliances remotely, giving you greater flexibility and convenience. Going from a fuse panel to breaker panel adds a huge convenience to home owners when they need to reset or turn off a circuit. It is also much safer for home owners when they reset a breaker as they are not exposed to any live parts, unlike installing new fuses.

• Compatibility with Modern Devices: If you have modern appliances and devices that require a high amount of power, an old electrical panel may not be able to accommodate them. Upgrading to a newer electrical panel with higher capacity and modern technologies can help ensure that your devices and appliances work seamlessly and efficiently.

In conclusion, upgrading your electrical panel is an investment that can provide you with improved safety, efficiency, functionality, and compatibility with modern devices. Consult with a licensed electrician to determine if upgrading your electrical panel is the right choice for your home or building. Click here to find out how to identify an unlicensed electrical contractor.