Your electrical panel is a failsafe device that prevents power overload by temporarily disabling electrical flow to the affected circuit. If you find that your appliances turn off when your turn on another, or if you experience any of the signs below, it may be time to consider upgrading your panel.
Your panel is more than 20 years old
An electrical panel typically lasts around 25 to 40 years. If your panel was installed more than 20 years ago or you are living in an older home, check for signs of wear and tear. The panel should not be running hot or making unusual noises. Otherwise, it is time to replace it to mitigate the serious risks of fires due to overheating.
Flickering or dimming lights
If you notice that power-hungry appliances like your microwave are causing lights to dim, your electrical panel might be struggling to keep up with your home’s energy demands. Check the label inside your panel. If you are running into issues with a 60 amp or 100 amp panel, it’s time to consider upgrading to one with a higher amperage to ensure you have adequate capacity in the years to come.
Frequently blown fuses or tripping breakers
More than the annoyance of resetting your circuit breaker or fuse, frequently blown fuses or tripping breakers are safety issues. The panel wiring can potentially be loose or exposed which can cause dangerous sparks or fires. This can also be a sign that your panel is overloaded. All these are reasons to schedule an upgrade to prevent further damage and more costly electrical repairs down the road.
Adding new electrical loads
Most homes have panels that have enough capacity to power traditional appliances heating and general electrical circuits. With more people interested in electric cars, hot tubs or adding a secondary suite you may not currently have the capacity for the additional load. To ensure you are within the safe operating range of your current electrical service we can help determine how much available power you have and provide options if your future needs are greater than what you have available.
Empower Electric can help you upgrade your home’s electrical panel safely, efficiently, and with minimal downtime. Our friendly experts can upgrade 60 amp to 100 amp, 100 amp to 200 amp, or 200 amp to 400 amp panels. We ensure that your home stays safe, energy-efficient, and meets your family’s everyday needs today and for years to come.
