Electrical Panel Upgrades
Do I Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
Most electrical panels installed prior to the year 2000 were rated to handle somewhere between 60 to 100 amps. While that was more than sufficient at the time, the dramatic rise in power consumption over the last 20 years means that even a 100-amp system usually won’t be able to handle the needs of most homeowners today.
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The wires that run to your appliances are like arteries keeping vital pieces of equipment operational for the safety of the house. The receptacles and switches are like veins that allow you to use the electricity safely. But any small issue like a receptacle not working or a light switch to nowhere, could actually be a bigger problem. Especially as an electrical system ages the devices start to lose their reliability.
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Every year, the power demands of the average home continue to grow. With every appliance and device that you add to your home, you draw more and more electricity. Many older electrical panels and utility services aren’t equipped to handle these increased loads. This is especially prevalent in homes built more than 20 years ago.
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Inadequate power capacity isn’t the only reason to consider electrical panel upgrades. While many panels can last for quite a while, over time, your system will begin to show signs of wear and tear. Sometimes, that wear will be visible; other times, it occurs deeper within the system. If you’re adding on a room to your home, for example, you may need a new panel to meet the increased demand.
Similarly, you may need to upgrade if you install a new appliance, such as a hot tub, instant hot water heater or electric vehicle charger. Finally, you might find that you need to add circuits to be able to install additional switches or outlets throughout your home to meet your increased demand.
