Most homeowners are fairly familiar with their breaker panels or fuseboxes. In the event of a power problem in one area of the house, this is the first place to check. How do you know, however, when your panel needs to be upgraded? How can you tell what size panel you need, how many breakers should be inside and how many circuits your home requires to function properly? If you have recently performed a remodel, or have been having problems with your electrical system, it may be time for an upgrade.
Most homes are built to handle the amount of electricity that is required at the time that the house is built. As your home ages, so does your breaker panel. Our electrical needs have grown exponentially over the past 50 years, meaning that there are many homes out there that can no longer safely handle the amount of electricity that is used on a daily basis. Rather than addressing this issue properly, by having an electrical panel upgrade, many homeowners choose to deal with frequent flipped breakers and other issues. In some cases, however, this could be dangerous.
You may need a breaker panel in the cases below:
A� Your breakers trip frequently
A� You have added a larger, or additional air conditioning unit
A� You have remodeled your home by adding additional rooms
A� You have installed tankless water heaters or central heat and air
A� You have installed Marketing Letter For Electrical Contractor new kitchen appliances
A� You are using 240V tools in your garage
A� You still have a fuse box, or other outdated electrical panel
An upgraded electrical panel can not only improve the operation of your home’s electrical service, but also be a great benefit when you decide to sell your house. Because building codes have changed and evolved over the years, there is a good chance that part of your home could no longer be in compliance with local ordinances. Upgrading your panel gives you the opportunity to not only make sure that your electrical service provides the power that you need, but also that your entire electrical system is safe and up to date.
In some cases, an electrical panel upgrade may be required as a result of damage, or electrical technologies that are known to be dangerous. In fact, some electrical panels that were once deemed to be completely safe can cause electrical shocks, fires and other hazards. If left as is, these dangerous electrical panels can result in catastrophic damage and injuries to your home and your family. If you ever see any damage, or live in an older home, it can really pay off to have an electrician inspect your breaker panel.
Although there are many safety benefits to installing upgrading your breaker panel, the most common reason that homeowners have this upgrade done is to allow for a growing and changing electrical system. Whether this Electrical Technology Degree Salary means adding new circuits for rooms or appliances, or overhauling the entire thing to allow more access to your electrical utility, an electrical panel upgrade can make your life as a homeowner much more functional.
