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Top Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
By Mike Holmes
Mike’s Advice / Electrical
Monday, October 21st, 2024 @ 2:07pm
Why is a Well-Maintained Electrical Panel Important
Your electrical panel is the electrical brain of your home and it must be properly maintained. It provides a safe and efficient point of connection and bridges the external and internal wires of your home. The panel is typically made up of several circuit breakers with a designated amount of power or electrical load. If the electrical load is overloaded or exceeds the designated amount of power the circuit will “trip”. Tripping is a safety mechanism that protects the electrical equipment and installation in the home.
I am no electrician, but on every project we work on there are always electrical issues, and Frank, a licensed electrician, is always by our side to help us make things right —so I’ve learned a few things.
Here are some good reasons to get your electrical panel upgraded.
Why Do We Upgrade The Electrical On Every Job We Work On?
Photo of an Eaton loadcenter
Almost every time we start a new project, we find something that’s just not up to code or isn’t equipped to handle the demands of today’s homes. That’s why upgrading the electrical panel is non-negotiable for us. It’s about more than just ticking a box; it’s about the safety and longevity of the home we’re giving back to the homeowners.
We also make sure to look at the entire electrical load to make sure the system can handle everything you’re throwing at it, from upgraded HVAC systems to all those modern gadgets, including EV chargers —which we’ve installed a few of. An outdated panel can lead to frequent trips, or worse, put your home at risk of an electrical fire and we don’t want that.
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Why Do We Install Surge Protectors With Every Panel?
There’s also something else a lot of homeowners don’t think about. Power surges. These can come out of nowhere, and without proper protection, they can fry your electronics and even damage your wiring. Trust me, it’s happened to me and it wasn’t good I lost a lot of money having to replace my appliances.
That’s why we always install a surge protector. It’s a small investment that can save you big in the long run.
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New Code Requirements
The Ontario building code was updated in January 2018, to require all new homes to be equipped with 200-amp service and the underlying infrastructure for an electric vehicle charger already installed. In the United States, the National Electrical Code (NEC) also emphasizes the importance of having a 200-amp service in residential properties, particularly as household energy needs increase.
Upgrading to a 200-amp service not only aligns with these updated codes but also prepares your home for future electrical demands. If you have an older home that hasn’t been upgraded yet, you should seriously consider doing this soon.
Your Panel is 25 Years or Older And You Want Your Home to be Safer
If you live in an older home and your electrical panel is 25 years old or older then, you need to hire a licensed electrician now!
The primary benefit of replacing your electrical panel is the added safety it offers. Your property could be completely destroyed in the event of an electrical fire caused by a malfunctioning electrical panel.
Your panel may appear to be working but most modern-day appliances and technology require an upgraded system. Not to mention just the wear and tear of an old system could put your home and family at risk.
Homeowners Tip: To ensure your electrical panel is performing optimally, I suggest hiring a licensed electrician to perform a test and troubleshoot service call every 3 to 5 years. It’s good practice to ensure your home is safe.
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Are fuse boxes still up to code?
Fuse boxes and fuses are still present in some older homes, even though circuit breakers and service panel boxes have mostly replaced them. They are nonetheless functional and frequently code-compliant depending on the area you live in.
However, fuse boxes lack some of the basic safety protection in modern breaker boxes. For example, AFCI stops arcing faults.
It’s always smart to get a licensed electrician to do a test and troubleshoot your electrical system to ensure there are no red flags and it’s in good working order.
You Are Experiencing Electrical Faults
Ensuring a steady supply and distribution of electricity is one of an electrical panel’s main functions. Signs your electrical panel is malfunctioning or having issues include:
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Tripping circuits
- Melting or burnt wires
- Odd sounds from the panel.
Regular power surges and outages also signal that your home’s electrical load is becoming too much for the electrical panel to handle. So if you see any of these signs, it is best to upgrade your panel at this time.
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Your Power Demand Has Increased
A surefire way to determine if your power demand is going to increase is when you add new items to your household, such as a new hot tub, a pool, or an EV Charger. These will have special requirements and will increase your electrical demand.
Always work with a Licensed Electrician to find out the next steps BEFORE you decide on adding extra items to your home.
Electrical power demands come from:
Your home’s electrical panel works hard to keep everything running smoothly, but some things demand more power than others. Here’s where most of your power is being used:
- Heating and cooling – typically one of the highest in a home
- Water heating
- Lighting
- Refrigerator
- Washer and Dryer
- Electric Oven
- Dishwasher
- TV, sound system, and gaming units
Additional Power Draws:
- Hot tubs
- Pools
- Spas
You Are Renovating And Want More Electrical Outlets
Upgrading your electrical panel means it can accept more load. This will allow you to add more outlets in your house especially if you’re building a new addition or sunroom.
Installing GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens provides additional safety and complies with local building codes in many areas. During a major renovation of an older home incorporating more outlets provides added convenience.
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Electrical Considerations When Renovating (The Process)
You Are Looking to Increase Your Property Value
Electrical upgrades are an investment and can significantly increase your property’s value. This upgrade will make your home offering more attractive to potential buyers or even renters.
A 200-amp service would cover you for most modern-day appliances and demands, including an EV Charging Station. Now that is a smart way to future-proof your home!
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Upgrading Your Electrical Panel Is Not A DIY Project
But here’s the deal—electrical work isn’t a DIY project. It’s important to hire a licensed electrician to handle these upgrades. They’ve got the training and expertise to make sure everything’s done right, according to code. Even if we don’t do it ourselves, make sure to hire Frank to help us with all the electrical work.
If you’re looking to find a licensed electrician in your area check out the Eaton Certified Contractor Network (ECCN) at myhome.eaton.com
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Ensuring your electrical panel is up-to-date and code-compliant is essential and helps keep you and your family safe. If you have concerns contact a licensed electrician and book a test and troubleshoot service call. The licensed electrician will ensure your home is safe and will highlight any deficiencies that require repair or immediate attention.
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How To Choose An EV Charger For Your Home
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