Your home's electrical panel is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your house. It distributes electricity from the utility company to all the circuits in your home. The panel also protects your home from electrical fires by shutting off power when it detects a problem.
Here are different instances when swapping electrical panels is the best alternative:
1. If Your Home is Old
Most of the older and historic homes have fuse panels, which are no longer up to code and can pose a fire hazard. Fuse panels use small glass fuses that must be replaced when they blow. This can be inconvenient and time-consuming, not to mention dangerous, if you don't know what you're doing.
Circuit breakers, on the other hand, simply need to be reset when they trip. They're also less likely to overheat and start a fire. So if your home is deemed as old, it's time to consider swapping out your fuse panel for a circuit breaker panel.
2. If You're Planning on Doing a Major Renovation or Addition
If you're planning on doing a major renovation or addition to your home, you'll likely need to replace residential electrical panels. The reason for this is that most homes are only equipped to handle a certain amount of electricity.
If you plan on increasing your energy usage in any way in the remodeled space, you'll need to upgrade the panels to make sure that your home can safely handle the increased load. A licensed electrician will be able to assess your needs and put in the new panel quickly and easily, ensuring that your home is safe and up to code.
3. If You Plan on Adding Big Appliances
Are you planning on adding any large appliances, like a new oven or air conditioner? These appliances require a dedicated circuit, which means you may need to upgrade your panel to accommodate the additional load.
Failure to do so will see frequent tripping. While it's not always necessary, swapping out your electric panels can be a smart way to keep your home safe and running smoothly.
4. If Your Panel Has No More Room
If your panel has no more room for circuit breakers, it's time to start shopping for a new one. While you could simply add a panel, this is often not the best solution. Not only will it be more expensive, but it can also be difficult to find a place to put it.
A better option is to swap out your old panel for a new, larger one. This will give you the extra space you need without having to make any major changes.
If any of these situations apply to you, it's time to start thinking about swapping out your electrical panel. It offers benefits in better safety and functionality of your home's electrical system. Consult your electrician on a suitable electrical panel swap for your home.
For more information, contact a company such as Shocking Difference LLC.
One of the great things about electrical setups is that almost anyone can engage in simple electrical repairs if you spend your time learning about it. With the proper knowledge and training, you can switch out your face plates, install a new outlet, or change out your light fixtures.
At Buy Electrical Supplies, we aim to give you how to make electrical repairs and upgrades to your space and help you learn what tools you need to make those repairs and upgrades. We also aim to help you determine when you can take on any electrical job on your own and when you should bring in someone else to assist.