Electrical Panel Upgrade in 2024: 4 Factors and Tips
Are you experiencing frequent tripped breakers or flickering lights in your home? It may be time to upgrade your electrical panel. But how do you know what size electrical panel is suitable for your home? And when is the right time to upgrade?
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and more. So you can make an informed decision about your electrical panel needs.
What is an Electrical Panel?
Before we dive into the details of panel size and upgrades, let’s first define what an electrical panel is. An electrical panel, also known as a breaker box or fuse box, is the central hub of your home’s electrical system. It receives power from the utility company and distributes it to the various circuits in your home.
How Does an Electrical Panel Work?
The electrical panel is made up of circuit breakers or fuses, which act as safety devices to protect your home from electrical overloads. When too much electricity flows through a circuit, the breaker or fuse will trip, cutting off the power to that circuit. This prevents damage to your electrical system and reduces the risk of electrical fires.
Determining the Right Panel Size for Your Home
The number of circuits your electrical panel can accommodate determines its size. A circuit is a path that electricity flows through, and each circuit is protected by a breaker or fuse. The more circuits your home has, the larger the electrical panel needs to be.
Factors to Consider When Determining Panel Size
When determining the size of your electrical panel, there are a few factors to consider:
The size of your home: Living in a larger home typically means more electrical appliances and fixtures. As a result, your total electrical load will be higher. A larger home may require a larger panel to handle the increased load.
The age of your home: If your current panel is outdated or damaged, it may not be able to handle the current load, even if it's not oversized. In such cases, upgrading or replacing the panel may be necessary.
Number of electrical appliances and fixtures: Count up the number of major appliances in your home. Consider the power consumption of each appliance to estimate the overall load. Additionally, consider the number of smaller appliances, lights, and electronics you use regularly.
Future plans: If you plan on adding onto your home or installing new appliances, it’s important to consider the potential need for a larger panel in the future.
Typical Electrical Panel Sizes for Homes
The most common electrical panel sizes for homes are 100 amps, 150 amps, and 200 amps. However, the size of your panel may vary depending on your specific needs. It’s best to consult with a licensed electrician to determine the appropriate size for your home.
Key Indicators Your Electric Panel Needs Attention
The following are few signs that may indicate it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel:
Tripped circuit breaker: Experiencing frequent tripped breakers? This could be a sign.
Outlet Expansion: If you're considering adding more outlets, it might be time for an upgrade.
Old School Fuses: Still using fuses instead of modern circuit breakers? Time for a change.
Overheating Issues: A panel that's hot to touch is a red flag.
Visible Wear and Tear: Rusted or broken panels need immediate attention.
Unsettling Noises: Hearing odd sounds from the panel? Don't ignore them.
Alarming Scents: A burning smell or visible smoke is a definite emergency. Call an electrician immediately.
Physical Damage: If the panel appears damaged or loose, it's a concern.
New Appliance Installation: Got a new, power-hungry appliance? Your panel might need an upgrade.
Flickering Lights: If lights dim or flicker when using other devices, your panel might be struggling.
All the signs above are clear indicators that your electrical panel might need some professional attention, either upgrading or adding electrical sub panel. Ensuring it can handle your home's power demands and meets current industry standards is not just about convenience—it's about safety. Don't wait for a sign; if in doubt, it's always a good idea to consult with a professional electrician.
DIY vs. Professional Electrical Panel Replacement
Can a homeowner replace an electrical panel? Obviously not recommended. Working with electricity can be dangerous. Important to have the proper knowledge and training to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
According to the US Fire Administration report, electrical malfunctions at home are responsible for 24.200 fires in 2021 which increase 11% from the previous year. Even though the number of deaths decreased, the loss of property rose significantly up to 27% in the same period.
This highlights how crucial it is that professionals handle the electrical installations in your home to avoid any mistakes. Pricier starting out, but far less expensive over time.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional
Hiring a licensed electrician to install your electrical panel offers several benefits:
Safety: Hire a professional electrician whose knowledge and training guarantee a safe job.
Quality work: By getting a professional, you reduce the risk of future problems because they'll do the job correctly.
Compliance: A licensed electrician will ensure your electrical panel meets all local codes and regulations.
Warranty: Many electricians offer a warranty on their work, giving you peace of mind.
Electrical Panel Upgrade Costs
The cost to upgrade electrical panel varies depending on several factors, including:
Panel Size and Type: Larger and more advanced panels are naturally more expensive. The price based on The Home Depot website can start from only $30 for 100 amp max load up to $683 for 200 amp max load.
Labor Costs: Experienced electricians with specialized certifications can command higher rates. But worth the price to ensure the perfect installation.
Additional Services: Adding electrical work like rewiring or new circuits increases the project cost.
Location: Labor costs and materials can vary depending on the region.
Tips to Get the Best Price
If you’ve determined that it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel, here are a few tips to help you get the best price:
Get multiple quotes: It’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple electricians to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
Ask about discounts: Some electricians may offer discounts for certain services or for first-time customers.
Consider the type of panel: Different types of panels can vary in cost. So it’s important to consider your options.
Plan ahead: If possible, plan your upgrade during a slower time of year for electricians, as this may result in a lower price.
Conclusion
Your electrical panel is a crucial component of your home’s electrical system. It’s important to ensure it is the appropriate size for your home and to upgrade it when necessary. By understanding the factors that affect panel cost and how important it is to not DIY this project, you can ensure your home’s electrical system is safe and efficient.
