Do you need an electrical panel replacement? This essential component is at the center of your home’s electrical system, ensuring every fixture and outlet gets exactly the right amount of power. Your electrical panel also protects your home from overloaded circuits, damage to appliances, and even the risk of an electrical fire, making it one of the most important parts of your home to maintain. In this guide, we’ll explain how, why, and when to upgrade your electrical panel and offer tips for homeowners ready to start this important project.
What Is an Electrical Panel, and Why Does It Matter?
Before we discuss the signs you need a new electrical panel, we have to discuss this piece of equipment, its role, and its importance. Here’s what homeowners need to know about electrical panels.
The role of the electrical panel in your home
Your electrical panel controls and distributes power throughout the home, ensuring each part receives the correct amount of power. Electrical panel locations vary, but they’re often found on the home’s exterior or garage. It also protects your electrical circuits from being overloaded (supplying more power than they can handle), which prevents damage to your appliances and protects you from the risk of a dangerous electrical fire.
Common types of panels and their lifespans
There are two kinds of electrical panels: fuse boxes and circuit breakers. Both are designed to shut off a circuit when too much current passes through, preventing damage and fire risk. However, fuse boxes are an old, outdated format, as the fuse must be replaced whenever it is overloaded. On the other hand, circuit breakers can be flipped on and off many times before they need repairs or replacement.
Electrical system life expectancy can vary depending on your usage, existing power infrastructure, and even outdoor conditions. Here in Glendora, CA, most panels have a typical lifespan of 25 to 40 years with proper maintenance.
Top Signs It’s Time to Replace or Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
Do you need to upgrade your electrical panel? Here are a few of the top signs that your breaker or fuse box needs replacement.
Warning signs of an outdated panel
Here are a few key things to watch if you have an older electrical panel:
- Constantly tripping breakers.
- Consistent dimming or flickering of lights throughout the house.
- Burning smells in the home.
- Black scorch marks on the panel or outlets.
- Breakers won’t stay set after flipping them on.
Situations that require an upgrade
Melted wires and blackened outlets aren’t the only times a panel upgrade makes sense. Many of the devices we rely on, such as modern appliances and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, need more power than older systems can supply. It’s also wise to update an old panel when doing home renovations, giving yourself the option of higher power capacity for future installations.
If you’re installing a new HVAC system or solar array, you’ll also need to ensure your panel is up-to-date, as these strain any electrical system. Lastly, you may be required to upgrade your panel to avoid high home insurance premiums or to comply with local home codes.
Why You Should Always Hire a Licensed Electrician for Panel Upgrades
Installing a new panel is a task that should always be left to a licensed electrician. Panel upgrades are complex electrical projects — even a small mistake can result in dangerous electric shocks, damage to fixtures and appliances, or electrical fires.
A skilled electrician, such as one of the techs from the Accurate team, will have a strong working knowledge of local permitting and code requirements, ensuring compliance with every step of the project. They also have the training to perform load calculations, providing a safe installation.
Most importantly, working with a professional brings you peace of mind. By investing in the skills and knowledge of an expert, you can rest assured that your electrical system has been perfectly tuned. Of course, the best panel upgrade electricians offer warranties on their work, giving homeowners even more confidence in the result.
What To Expect During a Professional Panel Upgrade
First, your electrician will visit your home to inspect and assess the project. They’ll determine your power needs by performing a load evaluation, which will help them size your new panel and determine its other specifics.
Your pro will secure any permits required to perform the job. Once these are obtained, they’ll perform the installation, followed by an inspection, testing, and overall quality assurance. In total, the entire project typically takes between 1 and 2 days.
Because your power has to be shut off during the panel upgrade, you will experience a temporary power outage for most of the installation. You can absolutely stay in your home during this period, though some people prefer to stay with friends or family and return home once their electricity is back online.
Why Glendora & Rancho Cucamonga Homeowners Trust Us
We’ve looked at when to replace your home’s electrical panel, but how do you know who to hire for the job? Since 1989, Glendora and Rancho Cucamonga homeowners have trusted Accurate electricians for vital tasks like this one.
We offer transparent pricing, fast scheduling, and efficient permit handling, ensuring a speedy installation without compromising quality. Our special offers make this important service accessible to those who need it, and our Accurate Advantage Membership plan gives homeowners even greater peace of mind through priority service and preventative maintenance.
Electrical Panel Upgrades in Glendora & Rancho Cucamonga, CA
The Accurate electrical team proudly serves homeowners in Glendora, Rancho Cucamonga, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Montclair, Azusa, Covina, and beyond. With countless positive customer reviews and a reputation for dependable, professional service, we’re ready to help with your electrical panel upgrade project. Contact us today to schedule your service appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to upgrade an electrical panel?
For a typical 100-amp service, homeowners can expect to pay roughly $1,500 to $2,500. But for the increasingly common 200- or 400-amp services, prices can reach $3,500 or more.
Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel?
Yes, you need permits to upgrade an electrical panel. Your electrician usually handles this step, as they know which permits you need and how to get them. Permit fees are typically added to your final invoice when the work is complete.
Can I DIY electrical panel upgrades?
Electrical panel work is not DIY-friendly. You risk serious electric shock or electrocution, dangerous, out-of-control electrical fires in the home, and damage to any electrical device connected to your home’s system. Also, there are legal and insurance requirements to consider, most of which forbid anyone but licensed electricians from performing this job.
