Upgrading the electrical panel is a home upgrade that’s often put on the back burner due to cost and inconvenience. However, overlooking this critical home maintenance task could put your home and family in danger. At some point, an outdated or damaged electrical panel becomes a liability and safety issue.
If you’re wondering when you should invest in a new electric panel, keep these sure signs that it’s time for an upgrade in mind.
If you still have fuses rather than circuit breakers, you were overdue for Panel Upgrades a decade ago. While some people still use fuses as a money-saving strategy, circuit breakers are much safer and reliable in modern homes. Modern circuit breakers tend to incorporate safety measures like Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) to turn off the power if water gets into your system, preventing costly fires and electrocution risks.
While fuses are affordable and easier to replace, there’s too much room for error to make the cost savings worth it. If you use a fuse that’s too small, it won’t last long before it blows. Conversely, if you use one that’s too large, it won’t overload when it should and cause a fire or explode. As a result, insurance companies charge more for homes that have fuses.
If you notice the breakers tripping when you run multiple appliances at the same time, you likely need a system upgrade. While panels can last for 25 years, technology evolves so quickly that older panels don’t meet modern demands. Our fridges, dishwashers and laundry machines are larger and more powerful than they once were. We also have new appliances like air fryers and Keurigs that put a lot of stress on older systems.
While you can try to limit which appliances you use on the same outlet or at the same time, it’s likely more economical in the long run to get a panel upgrade.
If you’re adding rooms or outlets to your home, you may require a panel upgrade to handle the extra burden on your electrical system. This isn’t always the case, but you’ll want to consult with a skilled electrician regardless. They’ll be able to tell you if you need an upgrade and can wire your new additions correctly to ensure safety and efficiency.
If there are any signs of direct damage or degradation on your electrical panel, you should upgrade immediately. Rust is a common sign of moisture or water damage caused by age or direct contact. If you notice rust, it’s essential to determine the cause to prevent future damage to your new panel.
Neither your panel nor outlets should feel hot to the touch. This issue means that they’re overloaded and at risk of bursting into flames. If you have a breaker panel, it’s intended to flip a breaker and shut off the electricity if it gets overheated. Failure to do so indicates a deeper issue that puts your home and safety at risk.
Keep in mind that electrical fires tend to start within the walls and go undetected until it’s too late. If your panel or outlet bursts into flames, it won’t be in a dramatic, noticeable fashion; it’s better to be safe than sorry when dealing with electricity.
Finally, if you have an older home and you’re putting it up for sale, upgrading your panel could be a selling point. Many potential buyers will even incorporate this upgrade as a contingency to the sale. Being proactive here can get you a better asking price and limit your time on the market during colder selling periods.
If you notice any of these issues or signs, it’s time to book an electrical panel upgrade. Call a trusted electrician for a quote and get the work done as soon as possible.
When designing or upgrading a kitchen, selecting the right appliances is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A well-chosen suite of appliances can enhance your cooking experience, increase your home’s value, and provide a cohesive aesthetic that ties your kitchen together. Achieving the perfect balance between functionality and design might seem daunting, but […]
Got a small space and big dreams for your living room? You’re not alone. Many face the challenge of finding living room furniture that fits tight spots but still oozes style. It’s like trying to squeeze into jeans from high school—tough, but not impossible. Here’s a cool fact: you can have chic and functional spaces […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]
A thoughtful U shaped modular kitchen design can enhance functionality, and aesthetics in your kitchen, as well as in the dining and breakfast areas. With the various modular kitchen options available in India, the following ideas can help you envision your customized U shaped modular kitchen design. 1) Explore Neutral Color Palette The kitchen’s neutral […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
Gate Design is an important feature of any home. Numerous scopes for experimentation open up when delving into the design possibilities. Materials like wood and black steel are popular options in Indian homes. At the same time, designers also experiment with a combination of materials that suits their aesthetic. Buying mass-produced Sydney automated gates has […]
Hyderabad is a city that boasts a rich and diverse architectural heritage that has been shaped by its history and cultural influences. The city has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Qutb Shahis, the Mughals, and the Nizams, who have all left their mark on its architecture and influenced young architects in Hyderabad. The […]
Should I study architecture or Interior Design? This is a question every high school graduate comes across. Moreover, the difference is not as commonly clear as it seems. Students often end up getting wrong advice like ‘they both are very similar’ and ‘you only need to be good at drawing’ etc. Well, that’s not true […]
The magic of creating a Space is the end-users ultimate urge to wish and spend all their time and grow old in it! This might just be the biggest success of an Architect, who is responsible for turning the client’s requirements and designing an aesthetically pleasing livable space. The Architect’s Diary has carefully curated a […]
Turning an empty plot and executing an entire design from plinth to top is like taking a blank canvas and painting an entire story on it! Architects are creators; creators of spaces, giving life and meaning to them. The Architects not only represent their city, but are also extraordinarily responsible in shaping the city’s skyline.The […]