Don’t Ignore These Signs to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

It was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

You plugged in a crockpot and a fryer, and then the power went out.

You thought these appliances were the problem.

What if the real culprit was an outdated electrical panel?

Understanding electrical panel upgrades is crucial for maintaining an efficient home.

We’ll go over:

Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade

Flickering or Dimming Lights

This issue can stem from an overloaded circuit or worn-out wiring. 

The increasing demands of modern appliances overwhelm circuits, leading to inconsistent power distribution.

If you experience frequent flickering or dimming, have a professional inspect your panel. They'll determine if an upgrade is necessary.

Frequent Breaker Trips

Breakers trip when their circuits try to draw up more power than they can handle. This is a safety measure to prevent overheating and potential fires. 

If you're resetting them a lot, your panel probably can’t handle your electrical demands. 

This can happen when an old electrical system can't handle the extra load of new appliances.

Outdated Panel with Fuses

If your home is an older construction, it might still have a fuse-based electrical panel. 

Fuses work by allowing electricity to flow through their metal strip. If the current exceeds what the fuse can handle, the metal strip melts, and the fuse blows to break the circuit.

Fuses blow frequently under high load conditions and are less convenient to replace. Moreover, they can pose a higher risk of electrical fires.

Modern electrical systems use circuit breakers, which are more reliable and safer as a reusable switch and spring break the circuit. 

Burning Smell or Scorch Marks

A burning smell or visible scorch marks near the panel are serious warning signs that require you to call a professional electrician immediately. 

These indicate overheating and likely a panel upgrade. 

Overheating occurs due to: 

  • loose connections 

  • overloaded circuits

  • outdated components that can no longer handle the current load

Additions or Major Renovations

Your current electrical panel might not support the increased load of significant renovations.

Each new appliance or addition increases the demand on your electrical system. 

Upgrades are particularly important for additions with high energy demands. These include home offices, entertainment systems, or electric vehicle charging stations.

Rust or Corrosion

Signs of rust or corrosion on your electrical panel suggest moisture intrusion. This leads to the degradation of your electrical components. 

Moisture enters the panel through leaks or high humidity, leading to rust. 

Corroded connections cause arcing, shorts, or even fires.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel

Improved Safety

New panels have better circuit breakers and more robust insulation to prevent overloads more quickly. This allows them to manage high electricity demands without compromising safety. 

Modern panels comply with the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) standards to protect you and your home from electrical hazards.

Enhanced Efficiency

Modern electrical panels are engineered for efficiency. 

Advanced circuit design and better materials lower resistance and improve conductivity. 

They distribute electricity more effectively throughout your home, reducing energy waste. 

Increased Home Value

By upgrading to a new panel, you are making your home more attractive to prospective buyers. 

It signals that the home is well-maintained and up-to-date with modern standards. 

Compatibility with Modern Technology

Upgrading your electrical panel ensures compatibility with current and future technologies. 

For instance, smart home devices often require stable power to function correctly. 

An upgraded panel provides the necessary infrastructure to support these devices efficiently.

What Happens from Consultation to Installation

Homeowners can expect to spend between $1,500 and $3,000 for a complete panel upgrade, including permits and labor costs. 

The installation itself generally takes a full day (approximately 6-8 hours).

Consultation and Assessment

Your electrician will add up all the wattages of your appliances to determine the amperage of an appropriate panel size. 

The load of your appliances should equal 60% or less of your panel’s capacity so that you have room to expand in the future.

Selecting the Right Panel

Electrical panel sizes range from 100 amps to 400 amps. 

The right size depends on your home's electrical load and potential future expansions. 100 amp panels are better for homes under 2,500 square feet, while 400 amp panels are great for homes over 3,500 square feet.

Permits and Compliance

The process includes:

  • Obtaining Necessary Permits: The electrician will secure permits from local authorities by submitting an application.

  • Ensuring Compliance with Codes: The electrician will adhere to electrical codes meticulously.

Installation

The actual installation involves several meticulous steps:

  • Disconnecting the Power: Your home's power is disconnected by either having your power company or electrician pull the electric meter outside.

  • Removing the Old Panel: The old panel is carefully disconnected and removed. 

  • Installing the New Panel: The new panel is mounted and connected to your home’s electrical system. This involves running new wires, connecting circuits, and installing breakers.

  • Grounding and Bonding: The electrician ensures that the new panel is correctly grounded to the earth via a conductor to safely reroute excess electricity.

  • Assessing Existing Wiring: The electrician will inspect your current wiring to determine if it can handle the new panel.

  • Replacing Outdated or Damaged Wiring: Any outdated or damaged wires are replaced.

  • Integrating New Circuits: New circuits are added if your electrical needs have grown.

Final Inspection

The electrician tests the new panel and all connected circuits. This includes checking for correct voltage levels and ensuring breakers work properly.

They’ll also explain the new system's features and answer questions.

Choose New London Electric for Your Electrical Panel Upgrade

An updated electrical panel is key to ensuring a safe and efficient power supply for your home.

New London Electric is here to help with all your electrical needs. We can upgrade your home's electrical panel too!

Our team of electricians will ensure the job is done right.

Contact New London Electric today for an estimate on your electrical panel upgrade!

 

FAQs

How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be upgraded?

If you experience frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or notice a burning smell near your panel, it’s likely time for an upgrade. Additionally, if your home’s electrical needs have increased or you have an old fuse-based panel, an upgrade is advisable.

What are the symptoms of a bad electrical panel?

Symptoms of a bad electrical panel include: 

  • frequent circuit breaker trips

  • flickering or dimming lights

  • burning smells

  • scorch marks near the panel

Other signs are rust or corrosion on the panel and appliances not receiving enough power. These issues indicate the need for a professional inspection.

How do I know if my electrical panel is outdated?

An electrical panel is outdated if it uses fuses instead of circuit breakers or if it’s over 25-30 years old. Frequent electrical issues like breaker trips, insufficient power for appliances, and the inability to support new technology also suggest an outdated panel needing an upgrade.

When should you get a new electrical panel?

You should get a new electrical panel if your current one is outdated, showing signs of wear like rust or scorch marks, or frequently trips breakers. Additionally, consider an upgrade if you’re planning major home renovations or adding high-demand appliances like a home generator or EV charger.

Joanne O'Neill