Are your lights flickering or breakers tripping too often? Your main electrical panel may need an upgrade.
Or, has your homeowner’s insurance company mandated that you upgrade your main panel as a condition of getting insurance coverage.
Whatever the reason, Main Panel Upgrades improve safety and handle modern power demands.
TNT Electric Co in Citrus Heights, CA covers all the above and more in the article below. We hope you find the information helpful!
Signs You Need a Main Panel Upgrade
Your electrical panel might be struggling to keep up with your Sacramento area home’s needs. Certain warning signs show it’s time for an upgrade—don’t ignore them.
Frequent circuit breaker trips
Circuit breakers trip when circuits overload. This often happens if your home’s electrical panel can’t handle the power demand. Older panels might even make cracking sounds, signaling trouble.
Frequent trips may point to short circuits or ground faults—both are safety hazards. Upgrading your panel can stop these issues and keep your home safe.
- An upgraded electrical panel is key to a safer, smarter home.
Use of fuses instead of breakers
Homes built before 1960 often use fuses instead of breakers. These fuses are outdated and less safe compared to modern circuit breakers. Fuses can’t reset after they blow; replacement is required each time.
Breakers, on the other hand, simply trip and can be easily reset.
Upgrading your fuse box to a breaker panel improves safety and meets today’s electrical code standards. Modern breakers respond faster to overloads or short circuits, reducing fire risks.
Fuse-to-breaker conversion also supports higher power demands, which older systems may not handle well for modern devices or appliances.
Flickering or dim lights
Flickering or dim lights often signal power flow issues. This can happen if too much electricity passes through one circuit. High-draw appliances like air conditioners or microwaves may cause dimming when the system struggles to handle demand.
Voltage fluctuations from an overloaded panel can also strain circuits. These drops in power might damage appliances over time. Upgrading your electrical panel helps balance power and prevent these risks.
Burning smells or sparks from the panel
Burning smells or sparks from the electrical panel can signal a serious problem. The warning signs point to an electrical hazard and possible failure. Neglecting this could lead to fires or equipment damage.
Sparks show overheating wires, faulty connections, or worn-out breakers.
Act fast if you notice either issue—safety is at risk! A professional inspection ensures your home’s electrical system stays safe and efficient.
A burning smell from your panel isn’t just strange, it’s dangerous.
Factors to Consider Before Upgrading
Think about your home’s age, power needs, and local rules—these details can impact your upgrade decision.
Age of your home’s electrical system
Old electrical systems can cause problems. Homes built before the 1970s may have aluminum wiring, which is less safe than modern copper wiring. Electrical panels over 25 years old are more likely to fail or show signs of wear.
Outdated systems often struggle with today’s power demands. Frequent circuit breaker trips, warm outlets, and buzzing noises can happen in older homes. Modernizing your home’s electrical infrastructure makes it safer and ready for new appliances or EV chargers.
Regulations also play a role in upgrades…
Homeowners in California and Insurance Requirements
Homeowners in California, including Sacramento, may need to upgrade their main electrical panel to meet insurance requirements, especially if the home is older.
Insurance companies are increasingly concerned about the safety of older electrical systems, as they pose a higher risk of fire. Outdated panels, particularly those with fuses or those that have exceeded their lifespan, may not adequately handle the demands of modern appliances and can be a significant safety hazard.
Therefore, insurance providers may require a main panel upgrade as a condition of obtaining or renewing a homeowner’s insurance policy. This requirement protects both the homeowner and the insurance company from potential losses due to electrical fires or other related incidents.
It’s crucial for homeowners to consult with their insurance provider to understand their specific requirements regarding electrical panel upgrades and ensure their home meets the necessary safety standards. Failure to comply could result in policy cancellation or difficulty obtaining coverage.
Current and future power demands
Older homes often have panels below 100 amps, like 40 or 60 amps. These may struggle with modern power needs. Larger appliances, smart devices, and electric car chargers need more electricity.
A 200-amp panel fits most households today. It handles new gadgets and future upgrades easily. More electricity means safer systems and fewer overloads in the long run.
Local regulations and permits
Upgrading your panel includes meeting local regulations. Many cities require you to follow both local and national electrical codes. These rules ensure safety during electrical service changes.
A licensed electrician must inspect your system first. They help apply for the permits needed. This process can take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on approval times. Working with a pro ensures compliance with building permits and all safety standards.
Types of Electrical Panel Upgrades
Upgrading your electrical panel depends on your home’s needs and power usage. Different panel sizes offer varying capacities to handle modern appliances or future upgrades.
100-Amp Panels
A 100-amp panel is great for smaller homes. It works well for houses with low to moderate power needs. If your home is older, especially 20 to 30 years old, an upgrade may be needed to replace an aging electrical panel.
The cost of upgrading to a 100-amp service ranges from $850 to $1,450. This type of panel increases safety by reducing the risk of overloads. It also improves efficiency in your electrical system and supports basic modern appliances.
Common Brands of Main Panel That Need Upgrades
There are 2 brands of main panels that many home owner’s insurance companies are requiring today before they will write or renew a policy for your home – Challenger and Zinsco. Click the links below for more detailed information.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Main Panel
Upgrading your main panel makes your home safer and more reliable. It also helps meet the power needs of today’s devices and technology.
Increased home safety
Modern electrical panels lower fire risks. Older systems, especially those over 25 years old or with fuses, can cause hazards like sparks or overheating. Circuit breaker safety features stop overloads before they turn dangerous.
New panels include AFCIs and GFCIs for better hazard protection. These tools prevent shocks and reduce chances of electrical fires in your home. Enhanced features keep your family safe day and night.
Support for modern appliances and EV chargers
Upgrading your main panel boosts your home’s electrical capacity. A 200-amp panel can support modern technologies like EV chargers, solar panels, and battery backup systems. It ensures smooth power for advanced appliances without flickering lights or overloads.
Homes with older panels struggle to meet today’s energy demands. Expanded power capacity lets you add devices like electric vehicles or efficient heaters easily. An advanced electrical system prepares your home for future upgrades while improving overall reliability.
Higher property value
Installing an electrical panel upgrade can make your house worth more. Buyers like homes with modern systems that meet current codes and support extra energy needs. A new panel boosts appeal, showing the home is safe, future-ready, and well-maintained.
Realtors often highlight this feature during sales. Many buyers prefer a home with updated electric panels to avoid costly upgrades later. This small change can increase value and attract better offers from potential buyers.
How to Choose the Right Professional for Your Upgrade
Hiring the right electrician is key to a safe and reliable upgrade. Check their qualifications, and make sure they have experience with panel upgrades.
Verify licensing and insurance
Ask the electrician for proof of valid licensure. This ensures they follow electrical regulations and safety standards. A certified electrician knows how to meet all code requirements.
Check their insurance coverage before hiring. Valid insurance protects your home from damages during the job. Without it, you could face costly repairs or legal issues later. Always choose an authorized contractor with proper credentials.
Check reviews and references
After confirming licenses and insurance, check reviews and references. Read customer feedback to see if the electrician keeps promises and finishes jobs on time. Look for details about their work quality, behavior, and problem-solving skills.
Contact past clients for honest opinions. Ask how well the contractor handled challenges or communicated during projects. Trust online reviews but focus on patterns rather than one-off complaints.
Solid recommendations often mean reliable service.
Conclusion
Upgrading your electrical panel boosts safety and supports modern tech. It adds value to your home while meeting future power needs. Work with a licensed electrician for the best results.
A reliable panel keeps your home safe and powered efficiently.
Have questions? Would you like to talk to a local, experienced and highly rated local electrician? Contact TNT Electric Co located in Citrus Heights. Talk directly to our owner, Briar Buddecke and get a free estimate anywhere in the Sacramento area.
FAQs
What is a residential main panel upgrade?
A residential main panel upgrade replaces your home’s electrical panel to handle more power, improve safety, and meet modern energy needs.
When should I consider upgrading my main panel?
Upgrade if your home has frequent breaker trips, an outdated panel, or you’re adding high-energy appliances like EV chargers or HVAC systems.
How does a main panel upgrade improve safety?
It prevents overloads by allowing better power distribution and reduces fire risks from old or faulty wiring.
Do I need a professional for the upgrade?
Yes, licensed electricians ensure proper installation and follow local codes for safe operation of your upgraded system.