Your electrical panel is responsible for regulating the electricity throughout your Gloucester, VA, home. If a circuit pulls more electricity than it can handle, your wiring is at risk of overloading. Fortunately, your electrical panel contains an array of circuit breakers that are in place to prevent this.
In the above situation, a breaker will trip and stop the electricity before an overload occurs. Overloads can lead to all sorts of problems, including fires and damaged equipment. That is why a functional electrical panel is an important safety measure for you and your family.
Like most equipment in your home, electrical panels age and gradually become less efficient over time. That means your panel will eventually be unable to keep up with the demands posed by your appliances. If your panel is over ten years old, it will have a very difficult time maintaining your needs because updates in technological gadgetry have increased the demands on older systems.
The best remedy for this situation is an electrical panel upgrade. But what does that entail?
The Ins and Outs of Electrical Panels
As you may know, your home’s power meter is directly connected to a power line from your electric company. The line extends from the meter to your electrical panel.
The panel’s interior features several rows of circuit breakers. These breakers compartmentalize and regulate power received from the mainline to smaller segments throughout your home. If you look closely, you will notice indicators next to the switches that display the number of amps each line can carry before the breaker trips.
Do You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
Although many problems come from overloaded circuits, it is still possible for your electrical panel to break down. If you are noticing any of the following signs, then you may need an electrical panel upgrade:
- Breakers tripping more often than normal
- Someone in your household is shocked
- Panel fires
- Buzzing or Sizzling sounds coming from your panel
As you can see, a faulty electrical panel is no joke. A well-functioning electrical panel can mean the difference between your safety and a dangerous situation.
If you are in the Gloucester, VA, area and think your electrical panel may require an upgrade, contact Asbury Electric as soon as possible.
Inspecting Your Electrical Panel
If your electrical panel is acting up and you suspect it might be time to replace it, be on the lookout for the following indicators:
- Your appliances are not adequately powered
- The circuit breakers are corroded or rusty
- The panel’s interior is warm to the touch
- You live in an older home that does not have a main breaker
Additionally, if the electrical panel in your home is more than 25 years old, it is likely overdue for an upgrade.
Repairing vs. Replacing
When choosing between electrical panel upgrades and repairs, it is best to consult a qualified professional before deciding how to proceed. The electricians at Asbury Electric will evaluate your panel’s condition and decide what you need based on several factors, including the current panel’s capacity and your household’s electrical demands. If your electrical panel is old and prone to error, our electricians will likely recommend a replacement.
If we can repair your unit, rest assured that we will do so. Our goal is your safety and wellbeing, so we will not recommend anything that does not meet those standards.
How Much Does a New Electrical Panel Cost?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to estimate the overall cost of a new electrical panel, as it is dependent on a variety of factors. These include your location, the conditions of the panel’s location, and the total scope of the project. If you have questions related to your electrical panel upgrade cost, our team is here to help. Give us a call at any time to speak to a knowledgeable Asbury Electric team member.
Electrical Panel Upgrades in Gloucester, VA
Before you take to the internet and start searching for an “electrician near me†or something similar, give Asbury Electric a call. Our primary office is in Gloucester, VA, and we proudly serve all three Virginia peninsulas and the Southside.
Our team is composed of talented professionals with years of expertise who will assess and tackle your problem with the utmost efficiency. We take pride in serving the Gloucester, VA, community with the persistence and integrity that we would expect for our own families. So whether you have questions about whether an electric panel upgrade is the right choice for you or you want to get the process started, we are confident that we will assist.
