Upgrading the Electrical Panel in Your Providence, Rhode Island Home

How To Upgrade Electrical Panel In A Home

Are you a homeowner in the 02909 zip code area of Providence, Rhode Island, looking to upgrade your electrical panel? If so, you may be wondering where to start and what exactly is involved in this process. We heavily rely on electricity for almost everything in our homes, from powering our appliances to charging our devices. As a result, a properly functioning electrical system is crucial for the safety and comfort of our families. This is where a licensed electrician comes in.

B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, Rhode Island, is here to guide you through the process of upgrading your electrical panel. With over seventeen years of experience, we specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. Our team of skilled electricians has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island, making us your go-to electrician for all your electrical needs.

But before we dive into the details of upgrading your electrical panel, let’s first understand what it is and why it’s essential.

What is an Electrical Panel?

The electrical panel, also known as the circuit breaker box, is the center of your home’s electrical system. It is the control unit that distributes electricity throughout your home and protects your appliances and wiring from overloading. The panel contains circuit breakers, which are switches that automatically shut off the power when there is an overload, preventing electrical fires.

Why is it Important to Upgrade?

If your home is more than 25 years old or if you frequently experience tripped circuit breakers, it may be time to consider upgrading your electrical panel. As our reliance on technology and electricity increases, older homes may not have the capacity to handle the demand, resulting in frequent electrical issues and potential safety hazards.

Moreover, upgrading your electrical panel can increase the value of your home. With technological advances, new panels can accommodate more circuits and have better safety features, making them more appealing to potential buyers.

Now that we know the significance of upgrading your electrical panel, let’s look at the process involved:

1. Assessment and Planning

The first step in upgrading your electrical panel is to assess your home’s electrical needs. This involves an inspection by a licensed electrician, who will evaluate your current panel’s size, condition, and capacity. The electrician will also check the quality and size of the wiring in your home to ensure it can handle the increased electricity flow from a new panel.

Based on the assessment, the electrician will plan the panel’s size and placement, keeping in mind local building codes and safety regulations.

2. Obtaining Permits

Before any work begins, your electrician will obtain the necessary permits from the local authorities. This ensures that the upgrade is done safely and up to code.

3. Shutting Off Power and Re-wiring

Upgrading an electrical panel requires temporarily shutting off the power to the entire house. This is why it’s essential to hire a licensed electrician who can safely disconnect and reconnect the power supply.

Once the power is off, the electrician will re-wire the circuits to the new panel, ensuring that all wiring is up to code and properly connected to the breakers.

4. Panel Installation

After the wiring is complete, the new panel will be installed in its designated location, and the wiring will be connected to the corresponding breakers. It’s essential to have ample space around the panel for maintenance and future upgrades, so your electrician will make sure to leave enough room.

5. Final Inspection and Testing

Once the installation is complete, the electrician will conduct a final inspection and test the panel to ensure it’s functioning correctly and all circuits are working. If everything checks out, the electrician will turn the power back on, and your home will be up and running with a new, upgraded electrical panel.

Upgrading your electrical panel is a complex process that should only be done by a licensed electrician. Attempting to do it yourself or hiring an unqualified individual can result in faulty wiring and potential safety hazards. So, when in need of an electrician to upgrade your electrical panel, trust B&K Electric to get the job done efficiently and safely.

How To Upgrade Electrical Panel In A Home

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