Electrical Panel Upgrade Tips for Homeowners

Having a do-it-yourself attitude about home improvements is generally considered a good thing. Large box stores provide most of the material needed, and plenty of video helpers provide detailed instructions for newbies. Changing a face plate, switch, or outlet with the proper technique might be accomplished by the inexperienced homeowner. However, some projects are dangerous and complex, requiring specialized training and equipment. Replacing a residential electric service panel is an example.

The electric aisle at the local box store can be quite confusing without a basic understanding of electrical acronyms. For example, amperes, volts, and watts are all measurements of various aspects of electricity.

• Amperes or amps measure the volume of electricity passing through a circuit.
• Volts measure the force or pressure of the electricity passing through a circuit.
• Watts, derived by multiplying amps and volts, measure the energy generated by electricity.

These three measurements are used to distribute electricity throughout the home in proper quantities/qualities to the appropriate outlets.

Reasons for an Electrical Panel Upgrade

• Older homes were constructed using the established building code, but the code changes over time. Very early service panels distributed 30 amps of electricity, and the current code requires a 100-amp service panel.
• Service problems. Normal use of electricity should not cause fuses to blow or circuit breakers to trip. When normal activities interrupt the use of electricity, it may require the replacement of service panels with inadequate amperage.
• Higher use. When home electricity use suddenly jumps, the electric service panel may need to be upgraded to accommodate the increased electricity use. Adding large appliances or an electric vehicle charger are good examples.
• A room addition or a remodel that increases electricity use might also require a new panel.
• A lightning strike, fire, or flooding might require the installation of a new service panel.

Many residential installations will upgrade the available electric service to 200 amps to ensure adequate power for future needs.

Code Changes

The newest electric code requires a couple of additional safety features for new service installations; implementation of these changes happens gradually, so ask your electrical contractor about these upgrades.

• The use of ground fault circuit interrupter outlets and switches is enforced when an outlet or switch is installed within 6’ of a water source (toilet, sink, tub, etc.). This may affect the circuit breaker selection for a new panel.
• Surge protectors as safety equipment are gradually being required. Even if the local code has not included this as a requirement, expect your contractor to recommend it.
• An exterior emergency shutoff valve is also gradually being required. Even if the local code does not include this as a requirement, expect your contractor to recommend it.

The time required for a trained professional electrician to remove the old service panel and install a new service panel is approximately one workday. Expect the power to be interrupted during the entire project. The work will need to be inspected by the local building code enforcement agency, so this might require access on a second day. Other variables that might increase the length of installation time include.

• Location of the panel
• Building damage
• Rewiring projects in conjunction with the installation
• The size and complexity of the project

Considering an Electrical Panel Upgrade? We can help!

With our four decades of experience as a Residential Electrician Contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help answer your Electrical Panel Upgrade questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair, electrical safety, Electrical Panel Upgrade, and electrical installation needs.