Why You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade Today

Do you enjoy using your computer? Do you like storing perishables in the fridge? How about cooking? If so, you probably like your electrical panel more than you might know. Your electrical panel is the secret behind all of your powered devices, and it determines how much stuff you can power at one time.

The problem is that your electrical panel won’t let you know when it’s time for an electrical panel repair or even a new electrical panel installation. In this article, we’ll guide you through electrical panel upgrades and how to know if you need a new panel right now.

What Is an Electrical Panel Upgrade?

Before discussing electrical panel upgrades, let’s learn a little about the electrical panel itself. Your electrical panel is the device driving everything in your home that uses a plug. If it needs electricity to function, you can thank your electrical panel for delivering that power.

When your electrical service sends power to your home, that power goes through your electrical panel, which then directs energy to every corner of your home through several circuits. All of the outlets in your home draw power through those circuits to power your devices and appliances.

Your electrical panel has a specific capacity to power your home. When that capacity is exceeded, bad things start to happen to your electrical system. An electrical panel upgrade replaces your electrical panel with a more modern panel, usually with a higher capacity.

A higher capacity electrical panel will enable you to run more (and more powerful) devices and appliances throughout your home in a safe manner.

The Best Time to Upgrade Electrical Panels

Electrical panels are a big investment, so picking the right time to get a replacement is critical. Of course, you can replace your electrical panel any time you feel it’s appropriate, but because installation isn’t the least expensive thing in the world, timing can help your budget.

If your situation falls into any of the categories below, replacing your electrical panel might be one of the best things you can do right now:

You Live in an Older Home

Older homes tend to have older and even frightfully outdated electrical systems. This obsolescence, of course, includes electrical panels. If you live in a home that’s 25 years old or older, there’s a good chance your electrical panel is a little out of date.

While an outdated system can be a downer, it’s important to look at this as an opportunity. You have the chance to increase your system’s capacity and improve your home’s overall safety. Plus, a new electrical panel will only enhance your home’s value.

You’re Remodeling

If you’re in the middle of remodeling, are building an addition, or are planning to soon, you should upgrade your electrical panel at the same time. Remodeling allows you to rewire your home, add additional outlets, and replace major appliances.

To keep things going smoothly, a new electrical panel will give you the capacity you need. This capacity is especially important if you are planning an addition. An addition means more outlets and more power draw. Your current electrical panel might not be up to the task of supporting a new part of your home.

You’re Adding New Major Appliances

Thinking about getting a new refrigerator? Or maybe you’re planning on a new electric oven? New major appliances can put a huge amount of strain on your old electrical panel. If your panel is old enough, you risk overloading the circuit.

Extension Cords are Everywhere

Extension cords by themselves aren’t a problem. However, when you find that you have extension cords snaking out of every outlet around the home, you might have a big problem. Extension cords give you the chance to plug in more devices at a time than a single outlet can typically support. After all, there’s a limited number of slots available.

Extension cords get around that. When you have several power-hungry devices plugged into outlets all over the home, you’re probably overloading your electrical panel.

This situation can pose a huge risk. Not only do you risk dealing with unstable power for one or more of your outlets, but you also risk damaging your electrical panel and starting a fire.

Signs You Might Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade Soon

While there are ideal times to replace your electrical panel, there are some situations when it’s closer to an emergency than an opportunity. In these cases, the danger is immediate, and you should consider an electrical panel repair or upgrade as soon as possible:

Circuit Breakers Tripping Constantly

If your panel is constantly tripping or circuits always need to be reset, there’s an issue. Either the circuit is severely overloaded, or your panel cannot keep up with the demand of whatever is on that circuit. A new electrical panel installation will increase your capacity and let you tackle that troublesome circuit safely and more easily.

Damaged Electrical Panel

A faulty electrical panel is something you should take very seriously. Your panel may be damaged if:

It is unusually warm or hot
Crackling sounds seem to be coming from the panel
Corrosion or rust is visible on the circuit breakers

If you find any of these issues, you should seek an electrical panel repair or upgrade immediately to keep your home safe.

Faulty Electrical Throughout Your Home

If your electrical system seems to be faulty in general, your electrical panel may be the center of the issue. Keep an eye out for:

Cracking, sizzling, or buzzing from receptacles or outlets
Burning odors
Shocks and tingles from appliances, switches, or outlets
Flickering, blinking, or dimming lights
Frequently tripped circuits
Warm or discolored wall plates
Appliances that are not running at their full capacity
Utility bills that seem unusually high

Your electrical panel may not be the root cause for the above issues, but it could be involved. In any case, if you notice these, it’s time to consult with an electrician to investigate the matter.

How to Find an Electrician Near Me?

When you’re considering an electrical panel installation, finding the right electrician for the job is vital. You don’t want shortcuts and shoddy work to stab you in the back later on. The right electrician will perform thorough inspections and take the time to do the job right the first time.

When searching for an electrician for your home, consider the following:

Are they licensed?
Are they insured?
How experienced are they?
What’s included in their estimates?
How soon will they be able to do the work?
Does their work include any guarantees?

Don’t settle for electricians that aren’t licensed, insured, or experienced. Always research what’s included in an estimate, as many electricians include free inspections for added value. If guarantees are included with the work, you can contact your chosen electrician to ensure the work completed is up to your standards.

Upgrade Your Electrical Panel with Barnett Electrical Services

If your home requires an electrical panel upgrade, Barnett Electrical Services is the name to trust. We have proudly served the Oklahoma City area for over 35 years. Our electricians have the experience your home deserves. Call or contact us today to schedule your free estimate.