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How To Upgrade Electrical Panel In A Home

 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, faulty or outdated electrical panels are one of the leading causes of residential electrical fires in the United States. In fact, between the years of 2012 and 2016, electrical fires accounted for approximately 13% of all home fires and resulted in an estimated $1.4 billion in damages. These alarming statistics highlight the critical importance of having a well-maintained and updated electrical panel in your home.

If you are a homeowner in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence County, Rhode Island, you may be wondering how to go about upgrading your electrical panel. As a trusted and skilled family-owned and operated business, B&K Electric has been proudly serving the residents of Warwick and the greater Providence Area for over seventeen years. With our expertise and commitment to customer service, we are here to guide you through the process of upgrading your home’s electrical panel for optimal safety and functionality.

Why Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?

Before we dive into the details of how to upgrade your electrical panel, it is important to understand the reasons for doing so in the first place. Over time, the electrical demands on your home increase due to new technology, appliances, and general wear and tear. As a result, your electrical panel can become overloaded, leading to potential hazards such as electrical fires and power outages.

Additionally, older homes may have outdated electrical panels that are simply not equipped to handle the electrical demands of modern living. In these cases, upgrading your electrical panel is crucial to ensure the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical system.

Signs That Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade

There are several warning signs that may indicate it is time to upgrade your electrical panel. These include:

1. Frequent Tripped Circuits: If you find yourself constantly resetting tripped circuits, it is a sure sign that your electrical panel is struggling to keep up with the demands of your home.

2. Overheating or Burning Smells: If you notice a burning smell or discoloration on your electrical panel, it is a sign of an overheated panel and should be addressed immediately.

3. Flickering or Dimming Lights: This can be a sign of a faulty electrical panel, as it is unable to provide a steady flow of electricity to your home.

4. Outdated Panel: If your home is older and has not had an electrical panel upgrade in many years, it is likely that it is outdated and in need of an upgrade to meet the demands of modern living.

The Process of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel

1. Hire a Licensed Electrician: Before embarking on an electrical panel upgrade, it is crucial to hire a licensed electrician who is experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of panel maintenance and installation. This will ensure the safety and functionality of your electrical system.

2. Schedule an Inspection: Your electrician will schedule a thorough inspection of your home’s electrical system to determine the current state of your panel and any potential hazards that need to be addressed.

3. Decide on Panel Size and Type: Based on the results of the inspection, your electrician will recommend a panel size and type that is suitable for your home’s specific electrical needs.

4. Obtain Permits and Approvals: Upgrading your electrical panel requires obtaining permits from your local building department. Your electrician will handle this process for you to ensure that everything is up to code and in compliance with safety regulations.

5. Disconnect and Remove Old Panel: The old panel will be safely disconnected and removed from the house. This will be done with the utmost care to avoid any damage to your home’s wiring and electrical system.

6. Install the New Panel: The new panel will be properly installed and connected to your home’s wiring. This includes any necessary upgrades to the wiring and breakers.

7. Test and Inspect: The electrician will conduct thorough tests and inspections to ensure that the new panel is functioning correctly and safely.

8. Clean Up and Final Inspection: Once the installation is complete, your electrician will clean up any debris and conduct a final inspection to ensure that everything meets safety and code requirements.

Upgrade Your Electrical Panel with B&K Electric

Upgrading your home’s electrical panel is not a project to be taken lightly. It requires careful planning, the expertise of a licensed electrician, and adherence to safety regulations. As a valued member of the Cranston and Warwick community, B&K Electric is committed to providing exceptional electrical services with a focus on safety and customer satisfaction. Make us your go-to electrician for all your electrical panel needs and trust us to keep your home powered safely for years to come.

Topics:

Electrical Panel Upgrade,

Home Safety,

Electrical Fires