Key Takeaways
- Breaker trips and flickering lights are red flags that your electrical system is having trouble keeping up with electrical demand.
- If you have an old panel, you may not be able to install new appliances, EV charging stations, or home additions.
- In some cases, an electrical subpanel installation can be used to add circuit capacity to an existing main panel.
- An upgrade to the electrical system can make your home safer, more convenient, and more expandable.
- Professional Local Electrician Services can determine what you need in your home and make a suitable recommendation.
Most homeowners only consider their electrical panel when something goes wrong. Your panel serves as the control center of your home’s electrical system; however, it distributes energy safely to each room and appliance. Modern households rely on far more electronics, smart devices, and energy-intensive equipment, and older electrical panels can fall short.
If you know what to look for, you can avoid potential safety risks, expensive repairs, and disruptive power outages.
Here are 6 Reasons to Upgrade Your Electric Panel
1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
One of the most common warning signs is a breaker that trips regularly.
Occasional trips are normal, especially during temporary overloads. However, if breakers trip whenever you run multiple appliances at the same time, your electrical system may be operating beyond its intended capacity.
For example, if running the microwave and air fryer together repeatedly trips into a breaker, your panel may need additional circuit capacity.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Have you noticed that when you switch on a large appliance such as a refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher, the lights in your house flicker? If you do, then your electric system may be operating improperly.
This is a problem that tends to happen when:
- Air conditioners start
- Refrigerators cycle on
- Electric dryers operate
- Space heaters are used
An undersized panel is a common cause, although sometimes loose wiring is the cause.
3. You Still Have an Older Electrical Panel
Older homes were constructed to serve much less electrical demand than modern homes.
The electrical panel may not be able to handle the electricity usage if it has not been replaced or updated in the past 10 years.
Once an electrician has assessed the situation, they can determine if it’s more suitable to replace the entire electrical panel or install an electrical subpanel solution.
4. You’re Installing an EV Charger
EV adoption is accelerating, and EV chargers require high electric power consumption.
Many older electrical systems are not designed for the addition of EV charging stations. Before installing, it is important to ask if it will be safe to add it to the existing panel.
It may be necessary to upgrade or install a subpanel to accommodate your EV charging requirements.
5. Too Many Extension Cords and Power Strips
If power strips have become fixtures in your home, your electrical system could be lacking in outlets and dedicated circuits.
While power strips may be a quick solution, they are not a replacement for adequate wiring and dedicated circuits.
Upgrading the panel, or subpanel, can provide safer, more reliable power connections.
6. Burning Smells or Warm Electrical Components
If your panel is damaged, it may burn, emit excessive heat, make buzzing noises, or emit burning odors.
The symptoms can indicate serious electrical problems and need to be corrected as soon as possible.
If you notice any of these warning signs, contact trusted local electrician services as soon as possible to check them out.
Conclusion
Your electrical panel will be a vital component of your home’s safety and operation. Common causes for needing an upgrade include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, planned upgrades or renovations, EV charger installation, and an increase in electrical needs.
Early detection of electrical capacity problems, whether it’s a complete panel replacement or an electrical subpanel installation, can benefit not only safety but future growth and peace of mind. When hiring local electrician services, you are guaranteed to have the system assessed accurately and enhanced according to your home requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I install an electrical subpanel myself, or should I hire a professional?
Ans- Electrical work poses a safety risk and needs to be in compliance with local building codes. Anyone who is not licensed should not attempt an electrical subpanel installation at home.
Q. What is the difference between a main electrical panel and a subpanel?
Ans- The main panel is connected to the power company and supplies power to the rest of the house. A subpanel is a panel that gets power from the main panel and distributes power to other circuits in a certain area or for a particular application.
Q. Does adding an electrical subpanel increase property value?
Ans- While a subpanel may not directly raise your home’s appraised value, an upgraded electrical system can make the home more functional and appealing to future buyers.
Q. Can an electrical subpanel support an EV charger installation?
Ans- Yes. Many homeowners choose a subpanel specifically to support EV charging, where dedicated high-capacity circuits are required.
Q. Is a permit required to install an electrical subpanel?
Ans- There are many different regulations that vary by region, and most have permit and inspection requirements for large electrical projects.
Q. How can Local Electrician Services help determine if I need a subpanel?
Ans- A qualified Local Electrician Service will be able to assess the current load on your electrical panel, determine if the panel is adequate or if a sub panel or new panel is needed.
