As modern homeowners use more high-wattage appliances, home offices, electric vehicles, and smart gadgets, the electrical panel upgrade is not merely a nice thing to do but a necessity. The following are the most important things homeowners must know before scheduling electrical panel upgrades.
The Reason Older Panels Grow Unsafe with Age
Electrical panels that were installed 25-40 years ago were intended to serve a very different lifestyle. A majority of older houses were wired with 60 or 100 amp panels, but most homes are now wired for 150-200 amps.
Signs that your older panels are unsafe include:
- Frequent breaker trips.
- Stroke-lights that flutter upon appliances opening.
- Burned or buzzing noises on the panel.
- Overheating wires.
- Breaker slots are limited to prevent hazardous double-tapping.
When neglected, such problems may result in early malfunction of appliances- or even fire disasters.
The Advantages of an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Electrical Panel Upgrades Okotoks that are professionally prepared offer:
- Increased electrical capacity: You can run multiple major appliances without overloading the circuit.
- Enhanced safety: The new panels are equipped with modern breakers that respond more quickly to faults.
- Compatible with the latest technology: Many items require stable power, including EV chargers, heat pumps, hot tubs, and home offices.
- Increased home value: Modern electrical systems in homes have been favoured by buyers and insurers.
When You Need to Think About an Upgrade
An upgrade is to be considered in case:
- Your home is over 25 years old.
- You are renovating or extending rooms.
- Installing an EV charger.
- Inclusion of appliances that are in demand. (AC, induction cooktop, etc.)
- You need additional outlets or circuits.
Although nothing may be wrong, preventive upgrades would save thousands of dollars in repair costs and losses due to fire.
What Not to Do as a Homeowner
To maintain safety:
- Never attempt DIY panel work. It is so dangerous and uncertified.
- Adding more heaters or kitchen appliances to the circuits already in use should be avoided.
- Avoid using older fuse panels, as they pose a higher fire risk.
- Smell or heat around the panel should not be ignored because this is a sign of an immediate danger.
Select an Authorized Electrician
Electrical panel upgrades require precise load calculations, the right permits, and professional inspection. A certified electrician will ensure the job is done in accordance with the local codes and make your home safe for decades.
To Sum Up
When many homes are old, and the load is rising, many homeowners fail to realize that their old electrical panels may still not be up to the task of supporting the new loads. So, upgrading your electrical panels at the right time is very necessary.
