An electrical panel upgrade is an excellent project that can improve the safety and functionality of your home. We’ll cover the signs you may need to upgrade the electrical panel, the benefits of doing so, & what you can expect during the upgrade process. 

Whether you’re a homeowner, a homebuyer, or a real estate professional, this post will provide valuable information on your home’s electrical panel upgrade.

Does Upgrading Your Electrical Panel Increase House Value?

Electrical panel upgrade increases home value by providing better protection & energy efficiency. In addition, it allows for more electric usage and can make your home more attractive to buyers. 

Should I Upgrade My Electrical Panel?

There are several benefits to an electrical panel upgrade, including the following:

• Improved safety.
• Increased functionality.
• Increased energy efficiency.
• Increased home value.
• Better protection for your electronic devices.
• Better protection for your home (electrical fires).

How Do I Know If I Need To Upgrade My Electric Panel?

Whether or not you should get an electrical panel upgrade depends on various factors. However, some signs that you may need to invest in upgrading your panel include the following:

• Your electrical panel is outdated or has not been updated in a long time.
• Your circuit breakers frequently trip or fuses blow.
• Your electrical panel is visibly damaged.
• You keep having flickering lights.
• Your home is experiencing frequent power outages or fluctuations in power.
• Your home cannot handle the electrical demands of new appliances or devices.
• You are planning on doing major renovations or remodeling to your home.

Is My Breaker Bad If It Keeps Tripping?

If your circuit breaker continues tripping, it may indicate a problem with the breaker or the electrical circuit it is protecting. A tripped breaker protects your home’s electrical system and appliances from damage. In addition, it helps eliminates fire hazards caused by overloading or short-circuiting.

However, tripped breakers can also be caused by other issues, such as:

• Loose or corroded connections
• Faulty appliances or devices
• Overloaded circuits
• Short circuits
• Ground faults (when a live electrical wire makes contact with the ground.)

If you’re dealing with the above issues, it may be time for a breaker box replacement. 

When To Upgrade Electrical Panel

It is best to upgrade your panel when:

1. You are experiencing any of the above-mentioned issues, such as frequent circuit breaker trips or fuses blowing, power outages or fluctuations in power, or visible damage to the panel.
2. You’re planning on making major renovations or remodeling your home. An upgraded electrical panel can handle the increased electrical demands of new appliances, devices, and lighting fixtures.
3. Your home is older and has not had the electrical panel updated in a long time. Having an electrician inspect the panel is a good idea to ensure it is up to code and functioning properly.
4. You’re planning to list your home soon. Upgrading your electrical panel can increase the overall value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

It’s important to schedule a professional electrician to evaluate your electrical panel and give you a proper assessment of the best course of action, whether it’s an upgrade or not. A pro will also be able to tell you if any immediate safety issues need to be addressed.

Can I Upgrade My Electric Panel? Would Old Wiring Prevent A Panel Upgrade?

It is possible to upgrade your electric panel; however, some restrictions or challenges need to be addressed. Some of the factors that could prevent or restrict an electrical panel upgrade include the following:

• Old Wiring: If your home has old or outdated wiring, it may need help to handle the increased electrical demands of a new panel. In this case, the wiring may need to be upgraded or replaced before the electrical panel upgrade.
• Building Codes & Regulations: An electrical panel upgrade may require a permit and inspection by local building codes and regulations to ensure the new panel is up to code. This inspection may require additional time and cost.
• Interference with other systems: The electrical panel upgrade of the electrical panel may impact other systems in the building, such as HVAC, security, and fire alarm systems. This overlap may require coordination with other trades and professionals. 

Can I Upgrade My Electrical Panel Myself

It is not recommended to do a panel upgrade yourself as it is a complex and potentially dangerous task that requires specialized training and knowledge. In addition, electrical panel upgrades involve working with high-voltage electricity, which can be dangerous and potentially deadly if not handled correctly.

Hiring a qualified and licensed electrician to upgrade your panel is important. They will have the necessary training and experience to safely and correctly install a new panel and obtain the necessary permits and inspections. They will also be able to address any issues and ensure that the upgrade complies with local building codes and regulations.

How To Up The Amperage On An Electrical Panel

Upgrading the amperage on an electrical panel can be done by adding more circuits or upgrading to a larger panel. The exact process will depend on the specific circumstances of your home, including the age and condition of your wiring, your panel’s location, and your home’s electrical demands.

It’s important to note that this process is complex and should be done only by a licensed and experienced electrician to ensure safety and compliance with the regulations.

Do I Need To Upgrade My Electric Panel For Solar?

Upgrading to a solar power home can increase your home’s electrical load, which may require upgrading your electrical panel. 

The exact requirements will depend on the specific circumstances of your home, including the age and condition of your wiring, your panel’s location, and your home’s electrical demands. 

A newer home with a 200-amp electrical panel or even a 400-amp system with additional circuits that can be used for a solar system should work fine.

How To Upgrade Electric Panel To 200 Amps

Upgrading from 100 amps to 200 amps requires more than just replacing the breaker panel. To upgrade to 200 amps, a new breaker panel, circuit breakers, meter sockets, service conductors, grounding electrodes, and bonding conductors will also be necessary. Simply replacing the breaker panel alone will not be enough to handle the increased electrical load.

How Long Does It Take To Upgrade An Electric Panel?

Replacing an electrical panel typically takes between 4 to 8 hours, but this does not include additional work, such as rewiring or relocating the panel. 

How We Can Up The Amperage!

Upgrading your home’s electrical panel is an important project that can improve your home’s safety, functionality, and value. If you have an older home with outdated electrical systems or are planning to add new electrical appliances or devices, upgrading your electrical panel is a must. It’s important to remember how dangerous electrical work is. You should always use a professional you trust.

Mister Sparky Electrician NWA, America’s On-Time Electrician in Bella Vista, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville services the Northwest Arkansas area with a team of licensed electricians. In addition to flickering lights, some of the electrician services provided by the company include electrical outlet/switch repair, ceiling fan installation, lighting installation, electrical wiring repair, landscape lighting installation and home electrical inspections.