The Importance of Upgrading Outdated Electrical Panels
Ensuring Safety and Efficiency in Your Home
By William Skipper
Keeping your home’s electrical system safe and up to date is crucial. One of the most important components of this system is your electrical panel, sometimes called the circuit breaker panel. When it becomes outdated, you risk both safety hazards and decreased energy efficiency. In this guide, we’ll discuss why upgrading an old electrical panel is so important, the dangers of delaying an upgrade, and how a modern panel can improve your home’s performance.
If you’re in Lakewood, WA or the surrounding areas, remember that Skipper & Sons Electric is the number one company to call for all your electrical panel upgrade needs.
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Understanding the Electrical Panel
The electrical panel is essentially the “brain” of your home’s electrical system. It distributes power throughout your home and prevents overloads with circuit breakers. As technology evolves, our electricity usage increases. That’s why it’s important to ensure your electrical panel can handle modern demands without compromising safety.
Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
- Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips: If your breakers trip regularly, your panel may be overloaded. This can occur if too many devices are drawing power on the same circuit, signaling that your panel may not meet your current power needs.
- Flickering or Dimming Lights: Do your lights flicker or dim when you switch on appliances? This often means your electrical system is struggling to supply enough power. Over time, these fluctuations can damage sensitive electronics.
- Old Fuse Box or Circuit Breakers: Homes built before the 1960s often still rely on fuse boxes instead of modern circuit breakers. These older panels may lack safety features and have trouble handling today’s larger electrical loads.
- Burning Smell or Scorch Marks: A burning smell, scorch marks, or signs of corrosion around your electrical panel are serious red flags. These could indicate that your panel is overheating or failing and needs immediate attention.
- Inadequate Amperage Capacity: Older panels often have a 60-amp (or lower) rating, which is generally not enough to power modern appliances and electronics. Newer panels typically offer 100 to 200 amps, allowing for higher energy usage.
- Lack of GFCI or AFCI Protection: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) prevent electrocution, and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) help prevent electrical fires. If your panel lacks these features, it’s time for an upgrade.
The Risks of Keeping an Outdated Electrical Panel
1. Increased Fire Hazard
Outdated panels are more prone to overheating, which can lead to electrical fires. Overloaded circuits are a major contributor to house fires, making an old panel a significant risk.
2. Equipment Damage
Old panels may cause voltage fluctuations that can damage your appliances and electronics, leading to expensive repairs or replacements.
3. Inadequate Surge Protection
During storms or power surges, older panels typically lack the safeguards to protect your home’s electronics. This can result in extensive damage during unexpected events.
4. Insurance Complications
Home insurers often require electrical systems to meet current code requirements. An outdated panel could lead to higher premiums or even denied claims if you neglect to upgrade.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
1. Enhanced Safety
Newer electrical panels adhere to modern safety standards, dramatically reducing the risk of fires and electrical accidents. GFCI and AFCI breakers are especially valuable for protecting your home.
2. Improved Energy Efficiency
A modern panel can handle increased electrical loads with greater efficiency. This can translate to lower energy bills and more consistent performance for your devices.
3. Increased Capacity
Upgrading allows you to support additional appliances, smart home systems, and other growing power needs without risking overload or circuit breaker trips.
4. Higher Property Value
A well-maintained electrical system is a strong selling point. Prospective buyers appreciate knowing the home meets current standards for safety and performance.
5. Peace of Mind
Having a panel that meets today’s requirements lets you enjoy modern conveniences without worrying about overloads or potential hazards.
The Panel Upgrade Process
Upgrading your electrical panel is best handled by a licensed electrician. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial Assessment: A qualified electrician will inspect your existing panel, note its age and capacity, and evaluate your overall power usage.
- Permit Acquisition: They will obtain any necessary permits to ensure your upgrade meets local building and electrical codes.
- Power Shutdown: For safety, your power will be turned off while the work is in progress.
- Panel Replacement: The old panel is carefully removed, and a new panel is installed. Circuits are reconnected, and additional breakers may be added if needed.
- Testing and Inspection: The electrician will test the new panel to confirm everything is working correctly. A final inspection ensures all safety standards have been met.
Call Skipper & Sons Electric for Your Electrical Panel Upgrade
If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above or simply want to ensure your home is running efficiently, don’t delay. Skipper & Sons Electric is the number one company to call for electrical panel upgrades in Lakewood, WA and the surrounding areas. Our team of licensed electricians will guide you through the entire upgrade process, ensuring your home is safe, efficient, and ready for whatever the future holds.
Conclusion
Upgrading an outdated electrical panel is one of the best investments you can make in your home’s safety and functionality. By keeping up with modern electrical standards, you reduce the risks of fires, protect your devices from damage, and potentially lower your energy bills. If you suspect your electrical panel may be out of date, contact a licensed electrician—like the experts at Skipper & Sons Electric—today. You’ll gain peace of mind knowing your home is properly equipped to handle your current and future electrical needs.
Call (253) 212-0951