The electrical panel or breaker box is one of the most vital components in that system. It controls the current flow in the home and directs the electricity so that all appliances and fixtures work. Nonetheless, with time, electrical panels can become stressed, causing various issues affecting safety, efficiency, and functionality.

Twin Cities Electric is based in Shakopee, MN, and other service areas. We do electrical panel upgrades for homeowners. You should know what symptoms indicate it is time to upgrade those panels. Below, we will discuss these symptoms and the need for professionals to be present during any electrical panel upgrade.

Why Consider Upgrading Your Electrical Panel

Before critically identifying particular signs, it is imperative to communicate why upgrading your electrical panel is essential. Unlike old homes built 20 years ago and 30 years ago, new constructions consume electricity at a different level. With the increased energy demand in a modern-day house, outdated electrical panels may be unable to keep up with demand. A panel upgrade helps provide safety and efficiency with this increased load.

Besides the fact of increased safety and safer operation, another electrical panel upgrade offers benefits such as:

• Increasing home resale value: When selling the house, any potential buyer would be happy to see a new upgraded electrical panel because it signifies that the house’s electrical system is up to date.
• More space for the future: If you are planning any home additions, looking to purchase new appliances, or installing a new electric vehicle charger, you will have to upgrade the electrical panel.
• Saves a home from electrical fires: Overheating or failing electrical panels have always caused most house fires. Electrical panel upgrades guarantee that your panel will handle the impending demand without overheating.

Signs indicating that your electrical panel needs to be upgraded

Most electrical panels are specifically designed for longevity and do not age quickly. Nevertheless, with time, they may become weaker or unable to meet the escalating energy needs of people’s homes. This section focuses on some key signs indicating that the time is ripe for you to upgrade your electrical panel:

1. Your Home Has an Older Fuse Box

Moving to a modern breaker panel will decrease the dangers posed by electrical faults of an older fuse box and sockets, enhancing the home’s safety.

3. Over-using Of Circuit Breakers

Are you one of those users who repeatedly reset their circuit breakers? A circuit being “tripped” is an undesirable state but indicates that the electrical panel has been strained beyond its limits. The circuit breaker “trips” when there is too much current within the circuit. So that wires do not heat up and ignite a fire.

If your panel is constantly overstuffed, it’s time for an upgrade. Replacing the panel will eliminate situations of excessive load in the house.

4. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Even flickering or dimming lights can be a tell-tale sign—they indicate excess power usage by the electrical system or a fault in the panel’s wiring. This is particularly true if the flicker happens when turning on a more significant device like a vacuum, microwave, or A/C.

In such scenarios, enhancing electrical panels will help the electrical power circuitry throughout the house so the lights do not dim or flicker. It can also avert electrical surge-related risks.

4. The Outlets Are Warm Or Have Burnt Spots On Them.

If you have any electric issues in your house that require repairing the outlets, do not be surprised if they are warm to the touch. Warm or discolored outlets may point to excessive current being supplied to the specific socket or, in extreme cases, poor electrical wiring, which can present hazards of fire outbreak.

5. Limited Outlets In The House

Houses from earlier times did not need as many outlets as modern homes do. If you constantly use power strips and extension cords to plug in your devices, you need an upgrade. This is disruptive and makes it necessary to overload the punching holes, which multiplies the chances of having a fire from electricity.

Replace part of your old electrical panel and strengthen your electrical circuits to support your modern way of life.

6. You’re Working on a Construction or a Home Improvement Project or Adding New Devices

If you want to build a house, add some new rooms, or install ‘hungry’ devices like an electric range, spa, or charger for an electric car, you may consider an electrical panel upgrade. Newer appliances might be too much for older panels in the house, which can limit power, leading to blackouts, blown fuses, or worse.

Upgrading one’s panel will ensure that your home can bear more electrical load now, prevent future problems, and make the house safer in the long run.

7. Your Home Is Equipped With Outdated Wiring

Upgrading is a must, predominantly if a house still operates on knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. These high-risk wiring systems lack efficiency and lead to safety threats like overheating and fire risks. Upgrading the electrical panel and the rest of the new wiring systems will provide better safety measures and make the electrical systems more efficient.

Electrical Panel Upgrading: Why A Professional Electrician Must Always Be Called To Perform This Task

Upgrading an electrical panel is an uphill task filled with many risks. At the same time, a person with no qualifications cannot accomplish it safely. Going for an electrical panel upgrade to resolve an electrical panel problem on your own is not only foreboding but can also prove to be fatal as it can lead to severe injuries, property damage, and even death by burning or electric shock. So here are the reasons why you should always hire a licensed electrician from Twin Cities Electric for this kind of work.

1. Safety

Electricians receive lots of training to be well-equipped with the knowledge for doing upgrades, including when using or repairing electrical panels. Someone attempting to perform any work on an electrical panel system without the proper training is asking for trouble through electric shocks, intense fires, or other dangerous occurrences. Due to the complexity of electrical projects, an electrician would also have the proper knowledge and skills to safely and adequately work with various electric systems at home or business.

2. Code Compliance

Residential and commercial electrical work must follow city building codes and safety requirements. The licensed electricians are well-equipped to make electrical repairs. Therefore, your electrical panel upgrade will be done according to the law.

3. Correct Installation

To install the electric panel, one needs to know how the panel is relevant to the wiring in one’s house, the grounding system, and the electrical network. A qualified electrician will ensure that all electrical connections are properly made or that circuits are installed correctly and promptly so that such issues do not occur in the future.

Some errors, such as installing the systems incorrectly, can result in electrical system malfunctions, short circuits, overheating, and even fires. Hence, the work must be left to a licensed practitioner.

4. Reliability in the Long Run

Engaging a qualified expert to replace the electrical panel means elevating the electrical system within the house in the long term. Licensed electricians do not compromise on quality and standards when installing your new panel so that it will last a long time. There’s also no need to worry if things were done correctly with a professional.

Why Choose Twin Cities Electric for Your Electrical Panel Upgrade?

Twin Cities Electric is known for providing quality electrician services to homeowners in Shakopee, MN, and surrounding areas. Our qualified electricians understand the degree of risk associated with upgrading an electrical panel and possess the knowledge and practical skills to be safe and efficient. By choosing us for your electrical panel upgrade, we guarantee:

• Expert Diagnosis: We’ll examine your current electrical system and advise why your home requires system rehabilitation.
• Professional Installation: Our electricians take the necessary precautions and observe all laws to ensure every installation is done satisfactorily.
• Superior Customer Service: Every service or product we offer is taken carefully from the beginning to the end. The process of upgrading services will be illustrated, and what questions must be asked and answered.

All In All

Upgrading your electrical panel is the best choice, and it pays off by improving the safety, functioning, and dependability of your home’s electrical systems. If you have read through the signs above and feel it’s time you sought the services of a professional electrician, reach out to Twin Cities Electric. Don’t let an older panel become an extreme threat to your home and safety; call us today to arrange an electrical panel inspection.