The electrical panel, also known as the circuit breaker box, is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes power to various circuits and safeguards your house from electrical overloads. Over time, with the increasing demand for electricity in modern households, it becomes essential to consider upgrading your electrical panel.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the signs and symptoms that indicate when it’s time for an upgrade and learn why it is crucial for the safety and efficiency of your electrical system.
Age of the Electrical Panel
The main reason to consider upgrading your electrical panel is its age. If your home was built several decades ago and the panel has not been updated since, it’s likely that it doesn’t meet the requirements of modern electrical demands. We’re all using much more electricity these days, and older home panels simply can’t keep up. Older panels might have fuses instead of circuit breakers, making them more prone to malfunctions and dangerous situations. As technology advances and electrical needs evolve, it is essential to install an electrical panel that can keep up with the load demands.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping
Circuit breakers are designed to trip and cut off power when they detect an overload or short circuit, protecting your home from electrical fires. However, if you find that your circuit breakers are constantly tripping, it could be an indication your electrical panel is overburdened. This could be due to an increased demand for electricity from modern appliances, lighting, and other electronic devices. An electrical panel upgrade can provide the capacity needed to support these additional electrical loads and prevent frequent tripping and homeowner frustration.
Insufficient Power Outlets
In older homes, the number of power outlets might be inadequate to meet modern requirements. People often resort to using extension cords and power strips to compensate for the shortage, which can lead to overloaded circuits and potential hazards. Upgrading your electrical panel allows you to add more circuits, power outlets, and smart home devices to distribute electricity more efficiently and safely throughout your home.
Addition of High-Power Appliances
When adding high-power appliances such as air conditioners, electric vehicle chargers, or hot tubs to your home, your existing electrical panel might need more capacity to handle the increased load. These appliances require dedicated circuits with higher amperage, which an older panel may not be able to provide.
Upgrading your electrical panel ensures that you have the necessary electrical capacity to support these power-hungry devices without risking electrical hazards or the integrity of your home.
Flickering Lights and Dimming
If you notice flickering lights or dimming when you use certain appliances, it could be a sign of electrical panel issues. Although this typically happens in older homes, the fluctuating voltage levels might indicate that your panel is struggling to distribute power evenly. This situation can be dangerous and should be addressed promptly. An upgrade will ensure stable and consistent electricity flow throughout your home.
Home Renovations or Remodeling
Home renovations or remodeling projects that involve adding new rooms or significant electrical changes may require an electrical panel upgrade. With the addition of more electrical circuits and devices, the existing panel might not have the capacity to handle the increased load. Upgrading the electrical panel during these renovations ensures that your home’s electrical system can accommodate the changes and comply with safety codes.
Safety Concerns
Above all, the safety of your home and family is paramount. Older electrical panels might have outdated designs and may need to be updated to properly meet current safety standards. Faulty panels can result in electrical fires and pose a significant risk to your property and loved ones. By upgrading your electrical panel, you invest in the safety and well-being of your household.
Protect Your Home With An Upgraded Electrical Panel
Upgrading your electrical panel is not only about meeting the demands of modern electrical usage but also about ensuring the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system. If you experience frequent tripping of circuit breakers, notice flickering lights, or have an older panel with limited capacity, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Staying proactive today can save you from potential hazards and costly repairs in the future.
At Jason Wright Electric, we deliver exceptional, personalized service in the Kansas City metro area. When you work with our team, you can rest assured you’ll know every detail of your electrical project is met with excellence from start to finish. Our highly-qualified electricians strive to provide fearless personal service, regardless of your home electrical project.
Contact us today to experience our excellent customer service and upfront pricing. We look forward to serving you.