Panel Upgrades
Think it might be time for panel upgrades for your Fort Lauderdale home but not sure what to expect from the process? Here at Chanay Electric, we’ve repaired and replaced electrical panels in residential homes all over South Florida, and here’s what we think every homeowner should know!
Electrical panels have a lifespan
It’s recommended that you call in a professional electrician to service your panel every year or couple of years. But the fact is that even with regular maintenance, the system will need to be upgraded eventually. Typically, a panel can last somewhere around 25 to 30 years, but that estimation may change based on a variety of factors such as:
- The energy use of the family
- Whether there have been electrical surges related to storms. Florida, for example, has seen an increase in electrical storms over the past few years, which have put additional strain on many homes!
- If there’s been a fire or other damage in the home. Even if it wasn’t an electrical fire, a structural fire in a home can damage electrical wiring.
- Cases in which the electrical panel hasn’t been well maintained over the years
It’s also important to note that older homes may still have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker electrical panel. If this is the case in your home—and you can tell because a fuse box features round, knob-like devices instead of rectangular, switch-like circuit breakers—it’s highly recommended that you modernize the system. While fuse boxes may not be prohibited by code, they are not as safe or reliable as circuit breakers.
How to know when it’s time for a panel upgrade
There are some common signs that a panel is about ready for an upgrade, including:
- Frequent tripping of the breakers. If you find yourself holding your breath every time you plug in the hair dryer or use your blender because you’re anticipating a breaker trip, you’re dealing with an unreliable electrical system. Once you get a new panel, you’ll be able to use your appliances without a worry.
- You’re experiencing frequent power surges. This may look like flickering lights or noticeable changes in electrical flow when using your appliances.
- Your outlets run hot. This is a particularly dangerous sign that your electrical panel is struggling to keep up with the demands of your household. You may also see black marks around your outlets or notice a burning smell.
Ultimately, a professional electrician will be able to tell if these issues with your electrical system are the symptoms of a fixable problem or a sign that your panel needs to be upgraded. So, don’t hesitate to call out a licensed pro when you notice any problems listed here!
Other times when a panel upgrade is recommended
There are a few other circumstances in which your electrical system may be working fine, but a panel upgrade is still recommended, including:
- Installation of a charging station for an electric vehicle. There’s a lot of back-and-forth online about whether bringing home an electric vehicle will mean that you have to upgrade your panel. And the fact is, it depends. A professional electrician will take a look at your current system and assess whether it can handle the additional load required of EV chargers.
- A planned remodel. Remodels often include additional outlets to keep up with our modern appliances, devices, charging stations, and work-from-home demands. As such, it’s important to ensure that the electrical system can withstand the increased load.
Upgrading your electrical panel can increase your home value
Maybe you’re thinking of putting your home on the market and would like to make changes that will increase your home value. Being able to say that you’ve already upgraded the electrical panel is a huge selling point to potential buyers! They’ll appreciate that the new system won’t need to be replaced for at least another 20 years.
A new electrical panel can also make your home more energy efficient, which is a great way to lower your monthly bill!
An electric panel upgrade is a great moment to install a whole house surge protector
Here at Chanay Electric, we’re often asked about whole house surge protectors. And we would say that if you’re already thinking about upgrading your electrical panel, it’s not a bad idea to install one of these devices at the same time! A whole-house surge protector will ensure that your new system is well-protected against outside threats to your panel, such as a lighting storm or problems on the electric company’s side.
You’ll need a permit for a new panel
Here in Florida, most kinds of electrical work require a building permit, and upgrading an electrical panel is included.
Dealing with red tape can be a hassle, but it’s a necessary step! After all, acquiring a permit ensures that the work you’re planning is safe and code-compliant. And it can also be an important way for you to document that your home is up-to-code if you decide to sell your home in the future.
If you’re not sure how to submit an approval request for a panel upgrade, don’t worry. Here at Chanay Electric, we know what’s required for homeowners in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas!
Upgrading an electrical panel is not a DIY job
You probably already came to this conclusion, but upgrading your electrical panel is not a DIY project. These panels work with high-voltage electricity and as such, require professional training and specialized equipment for the safety of anyone working with the system and the safety of your home.
Chanay Electric can come to wherever you are in Fort Lauderdale, Lighthouse Point, Pompano Beach, West Park, Golden Glades, Miami, or anywhere else in the South Florida area to replace your electrical panel. Give us a call and we’ll provide you with an estimate and answer any questions you may have about your next electrical panel upgrade!
