Homes and businesses today have more electrical devices plugged into outlets than ever before. Many buildings also have automation features that place extra burdens on the electrical system. Unless your property is new or recently upgraded, its electrical panel is probably not designed to handle all these power needs. Are you asking yourself should I upgrade my electrical panel?
Keep reading to find out if you might need an upgrade, what an upgrade involves, and how an upgrade would enhance your property.
Signs That You Need an Upgrade
That a look at your electrical panel—it’s the box where you find your fuses and circuit breaker. This equipment is crucial for both power and safety reasons. Here are some questions to ask as you visually assess the equipment:
- Do you see damaged wiring or cables, moisture or rust in or around the panel, or other signs of wear and tear?
- Do you notice a burnt odor or a buzzing or hissing noise?
- Do the panel, light switches, or outlets feel warm?
- Have you noticed a lot of breakers tripping, lights flickering, or appliances seeming to not work well?
- Is your panel more than 25 years old?
A “yes” answer to any of these questions means that it’s probably time to call an electrical expert and get an upgrade.
The Upgrading Process: What to Expect
An electrician will come to your property, inspect the electrical panel, determine what actions are needed, and give you an estimated price for the work. An upgrade could involve different levels of service, depending on your particular requirements.
The simplest service would involve adding more circuit breakers to your existing electrical panel system. A more complicated service would involve removing your old fuse box and replacing it with a new box capable of meeting all of your property’s electrical needs. Those needs might require upgrades of anywhere from 100 to 400 amps.
In addition to meeting your power demands, safety is the top priority. So, the technician will replace anything that poses safety risks, whether that involves bad circuits, faulty wiring, or an entire outdated or damaged panel system.
What Are the Benefits of an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
Once you get the panel upgrade, you’ll immediately enjoy a number of benefits, such as:
- Prevention of fuse and breaker problems
- Less crowding of outlets
- Greater efficiency of large appliances
- Protection from power surges and appliance damage
- Protection against fire hazards and electrocution
- Sufficient power for remodeling
Let Kalahari Electrical Services Provide Your Electrical Panel Solution
Whether you need a minor or major electrical upgrade, the experts at Kalahari Electrical Services are here to help. We have been meeting the residential and business electrical needs of the Atlanta Metro area for more than 20 years. Our trusted electricians will perform a thorough electrical inspection, giving you peace of mind and guiding you to the best service option. We offer upfront, affordable pricing and often same-day service, as well as 24/7 emergency electrical work.
Should you upgrade your electrical panel. We can help you know the best path forward. Schedule an electrical inspection with Kalahari Electrical Services today.