Revamp Your East Providence Home’s Power Supply

How To Upgrade Electrical Panel In A Home

As a homeowner based in East Providence, Rhode Island, maintaining your home’s electrical system is a top priority. However, many homeowners are unaware of the importance of upgrading their electrical panel. An electrical panel, also known as a circuit breaker or breaker box, is the central point of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity to all the circuits in your home and protects them from overloading. Over time, as technology advances and the energy demands of our homes increase, an upgrade to your electrical panel may be necessary.

At B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, Rhode Island, we have been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. Our team of highly trained and licensed electricians specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. With our roots deeply ingrained in the community, we are committed to providing excellent customer service and making sure your home’s electrical needs are met. So, if you’re looking for a reliable and trusted electrician in the Warwick and greater Providence area, make B&K Electric your go-to.

In this article, we will discuss why upgrading your electrical panel is important and how to go about it. We will also address some common questions and concerns that homeowners have when considering an upgrade. Our goal is to provide you with all the necessary information so you can make an informed decision for your home. So, let’s dive in and learn about upgrading your electrical panel.

Why is an Upgrade Necessary?

The electrical panel is the central hub of your home’s electrical system, and its purpose is to distribute electricity safely to the outlets, appliances, and devices in your home. An outdated or undersized panel can put a strain on your electrical system, potentially causing safety hazards and increasing the risk of an electrical fire. With the increase in technology and energy demands, older homes with 60-amp panels may not be sufficient to meet the electricity needs of today’s household. Upgrading to a 100 or 200-amp panel can not only improve the safety of your home but also allow for additional circuits to be added for future upgrades or renovations.

Signs That Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade

While experts recommend upgrading your electrical panel every 25-40 years, there are some signs that may indicate it needs an immediate upgrade. These include:

1. Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers: A circuit breaker is designed to trip when the circuit is overloaded. However, if you find that your circuit breaker is tripping frequently, it could be an indication of an undersized panel that is unable to handle your home’s electrical needs.

2. Electric Shock: If you experience an electric shock when you touch an appliance or a light switch, it could be a sign of an electrical panel that is unable to manage the flow of electricity in your home.

3. Flickering Lights: Constantly flickering or dimming lights are a sign of an overloaded panel that cannot handle the demand for electricity in your home.

4. Burning Smell: If you notice a burning smell coming from your electrical panel, it is a serious safety hazard that requires immediate attention. This could be a sign of overheated wires or a failing panel.

5. Outdated Panel: If your home is 25 years or older, it is likely that your electrical panel is outdated and needs an upgrade to keep up with the energy demands of today’s technology.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel

There are several benefits of upgrading your electrical panel, including:

1. Improved Safety: An upgraded panel with modern technology and safety features can provide better protection against electrical hazards and reduce the risk of electrical fires.

2. Increased Capacity: Upgrading to a 100 or 200-amp panel can provide you with more circuits and a higher capacity to meet the energy demands of your home, allowing for future upgrades or renovations.

3. Cost Savings: An upgraded panel can help you save money on your electricity bill by providing you with a more efficient and reliable energy distribution system.

4. Home Insurance: Some insurance companies may require an upgraded panel as a condition for coverage, as it reduces the risk of electrical fires.

How to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

While it may be tempting to try and upgrade your electrical panel yourself, it is highly recommended to hire a licensed electrician. Not only is it dangerous to work with electricity if you’re not properly trained, but it could also lead to costly mistakes and further damage to your home.

At B&K Electric, our experienced electricians follow a step-by-step process to ensure a safe and successful panel upgrade. They start by assessing your home’s electrical needs and conducting a thorough inspection of your current panel. Based on their findings, they will recommend the right panel size and amperage for your home. Next, they will acquire the necessary permits from the city or state and schedule the upgrade at a convenient time for you. During the upgrade, they will shut off power to your home and carefully remove the old panel, before installing the new one. Once the new panel is installed, they will make sure everything is properly connected and test the circuits to ensure they are working correctly. Finally, they will clean up any debris and make sure your home’s electrical system is running smoothly.

As a homeowner in East Providence, Rhode Island, upgrading your electrical panel is a vital part of maintaining a safe and efficient home. By hiring a licensed electrician from a trusted and reputable company like B&K Electric, you can rest assured that your home’s electrical needs are in good hands. So, don’t wait until it’s too late, contact us today for an expert panel upgrade!

Topics:

Electrical Panel Upgrade,

Home Maintenance,

Electrical Safety