As homes evolve and our reliance on electrical devices increases, it becomes essential to ensure that your electrical system can meet these growing demands. At Thomas & Sons Electrical Contractor, we specialize in electrical service upgrades, providing homeowners with the necessary improvements to keep their homes safe, efficient, and up to code.
Why Consider an Electrical Service Upgrade?
- Increased Electrical Demands: Modern homes often require more power due to the increasing number of appliances, electronics, and smart home devices. An outdated electrical panel may not be able to handle the load, leading to frequent breaker trips, dimming lights, and potential safety hazards.
- Safety Concerns: Older electrical panels, especially those that have been recalled or are prone to failure, pose significant safety risks. Panels such as Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok, Zinsco, Challenger, and Pushmatic have been associated with malfunctions that could lead to electrical fires. Upgrading your panel eliminates these risks and ensures compliance with the latest safety standards. To further protect your home, consider whole house surge protection as an added layer of defense against power surges and lightning strikes.
- Home Renovations and Additions: If you’re planning to renovate your home or add new rooms, an electrical service upgrade is often necessary. Additional circuits may be required to handle new lighting, outlets, HVAC systems, and other electrical needs.
- Energy Efficiency: Upgrading your electrical panel can also improve energy efficiency. Newer panels are designed to distribute power more effectively, reducing energy waste and potentially lowering your utility bills.
Common Signs You Need an Electrical Service Upgrade
- Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips: If your circuit breakers trip often, it’s a sign that your current electrical panel may be overloaded.
- Flickering or Dimming Lights: Inconsistent lighting can indicate that your electrical system is struggling to supply power.
- Old or Outdated Panel: Homes with panels over 25-30 years old may not be equipped to handle modern electrical demands and could be at risk of failure.
The Electrical Service Upgrade Process
- Assessment and Planning: Our licensed electricians begin with a thorough assessment of your current electrical system. We evaluate your panel’s capacity, condition, and overall electrical demands. This step helps us determine whether an upgrade is necessary and what the scope of the work will be.
- Panel Selection: Choosing the right panel is crucial. We recommend modern panels with higher amperage capacities (typically 200 amps or more) to ensure your home can handle current and future electrical needs. Panels with built-in surge protection are also a smart choice for safeguarding your home’s electronics.
- Permitting and Compliance: We handle all necessary permits and ensure that the upgrade complies with local building codes and safety regulations. This step is vital to avoid any legal or safety issues down the line.
- Installation: The old panel is safely disconnected and removed, and the new panel is installed. During this process, we may also upgrade wiring, add new circuits, or install additional safety features like ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs).
- Inspection and Testing: Once the installation is complete, a thorough inspection is conducted to ensure everything is up to code. We test the new system to confirm that it operates efficiently and safely. To maintain ongoing safety, regular electrical safety inspections are recommended to identify potential issues before they become major problems
Recalled and Outdated Panels to Replace
Certain electrical panels have been recalled or are known for their safety issues, making them prime candidates for replacement during an upgrade:
- Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok Panels: These panels are notorious for failing to trip during overloads, posing a significant fire hazard.
- Zinsco Panels: Known for their design flaws, Zinsco panels can allow electricity to flow even when the breakers appear off, leading to dangerous conditions.
- Challenger Panels: Recalled due to issues with overheating and melting, these panels are a safety risk and should be replaced.
- Pushmatic Panels: Although not recalled, Pushmatic panels are outdated and lack modern safety features, making them a candidate for replacement.
Additionally, recent recalls include the Schneider Electric Square D QO Plug-On Neutral Load Centers, which were manufactured between February 2020 and January 2022 and pose a fire risk due to thermal burn hazards. It’s crucial to check if your home has any of these panels and consider an upgrade to ensure safety.
Additional Benefits of an Electrical Service Upgrade
- Enhanced Home Value: Upgrading your electrical system can increase your home’s value, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
- Compatibility with Modern Appliances: An upgraded panel ensures that your home can accommodate high-demand appliances like electric vehicles, HVAC systems, and more.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your electrical system is safe and reliable provides peace of mind for you and your family.
At Thomas & Sons Electrical Contractor, we are committed to providing top-quality electrical service upgrades to ensure your home is safe, efficient, and equipped for the future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to learn more about our services.