How to Upgrade Electrical Panel in a Home

How To Upgrade Electrical Panel In A Home

As a homeowner, you may have noticed that your electrical panel is outdated and not able to handle the demands of your modern household. This can result in frequent power outages, overloaded circuits, and potential safety hazards. To ensure the safety and efficiency of your home, upgrading your electrical panel is necessary. However, this may seem like a daunting and overwhelming task for those who are not familiar with it. But fear not, B&K Electric is here to guide you through the process of upgrading your electrical panel in your home.

B&K Electric is a family-owned and operated electrical business that has been serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. Based in Warwick, RI, we are rooted in community and customer service, making us the go-to electrician for homes and businesses in the greater Providence area and surrounding zip codes such as 02905 in Washington Park, Providence.

Why Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?

Before we dive into the steps of upgrading your electrical panel, it is essential to understand why this is necessary. Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system, responsible for distributing electricity to all the circuits in your house. As technology advances and the demands for electricity increase, an outdated electrical panel may struggle to keep up, resulting in tripped breakers, flickering lights, and other electrical issues.

Furthermore, an outdated electrical panel may not be equipped to handle the safety demands of your household. Overloaded circuits and outdated wiring can increase the risk of electrical fires. In addition, an electrical panel that is more than 25 years old may not have modern safety features such as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) or arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which protect against electrical shocks and fires.

Steps to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

Step 1: Hire a Licensed Electrician

Upgrading your electrical panel is not a task that should be taken lightly. It requires the expertise of a licensed electrician to ensure it is done safely and correctly. B&K Electric has a team of skilled electricians who can help you upgrade your electrical panel in no time.

Step 2: Calculate Your Electrical Needs

The size and capacity of your new electrical panel will depend on the electrical demands of your household. Your electrician will assess your current usage and determine the appropriate size for your new panel. This step is crucial as over or under-sizing of the panel can lead to safety hazards and inefficiencies.

Step 3: Obtain Necessary Permits

Before any work can begin, you must obtain the necessary permits from your local building department. Your electrician can help you with this process and ensure that all regulations and codes are followed.

Step 4: Shut off the Power

To safely upgrade your electrical panel, your electrician will need to shut off the power to your home. This is typically done by flipping the main circuit breaker in your old panel. It is important to remember to shut off all appliances and electronics before the power is cut off.

Step 5: Remove Old Panel and Install New One

Once the power is shut off, your electrician will remove the old panel and install the new one in its place. This involves rewiring and connecting the panel to the main electrical service.

Step 6: Label Circuits

To avoid confusion and potential danger, your electrician will label all the circuits in your new panel, indicating which areas and appliances they supply power to.

Step 7: Turn on the Power

After the new panel is installed and all circuits are labeled, your electrician will turn the power back on and test the new panel to ensure everything is working correctly.

Step 8: Dispose of Old Panel

Your electrician will dispose of your old panel safely and in accordance with local regulations.

Closing considerations

Upgrading your electrical panel is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and efficiency of your home. It is a complex task that requires the expertise of a licensed electrician. At B&K Electric, we specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, making us the go-to electrician for homes and businesses in the Warwick and Providence areas. Let us help you upgrade your electrical panel and give you peace of mind.

Topics:

Residential Electrical Panel,

Electrical Panel Upgrade,

Licensed Electrician Services