Your electrical panel needs to handle all of the electrical load requirements for your home, from its appliances, entertainment systems, lighting, HVAC, and the army of gadgets we take for granted. You may have tripped a circuit before and had to reset it. However, when should you upgrade your electrical panels. Here is a general guideline to upgrading:
- New Appliances Installed: Depending on the age of your home, recently installed new appliances (washer/dryer, HVAC, or even an electric vehicle charging station) you may need to upgrade your electrical panel to handle the new electrical needs.
- Older Panels: Hazards posed by older panels, Federal Pacific, ITE Pushmatic, Zinsco and GTE/Sylvania have been shown to pose a fire hazard and are still installed in many homes. Know what type of panel you have by consulting with a qualified electrical contractor.
- Using Many Power Strips and Cords: over use of power strips and/or extension cords could pose a potential hazard. Look into what can be done to avoid this issue. Hire a qualified electrical contractor and come up with a solution to handle your power needs.
- Remodeling your Home: If you are in the midst of a remodel of your home then it makes sense to look into upgrading your panel to handle the new power requirements. Chances are you will have new outlets, lighting, or appliances installed. With the changing electrical code requirements a new panel might be needed to meet those codes.
- Wiring: When upgrading your panel take into consideration the type of wiring you have. Consult with a qualified electrical contractor to thoroughly look into the possibility of a complete upgrade. Panel and wiring upgrades will help put your mind at rest knowing your home is fully up to date.
If any of these ring true for you, then give NIC Construction & Electrical a call. We would be happy to help you with all your electrical needs. (661) 600-2851
When Should You Upgrade Your Electrical Panels?
