How To Upgrade Electrical Panel
If you’re thinking of upgrading your home’s electrical system, consider an electrical panel upgrade. Most homes require some kind of electrical panel replacement at some point in their life cycle, but many homeowners put off the project, as they think it’s expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are ways to make this process much less stressful – and much more affordable – than you might think. Here’s a guide on how to upgrade your home’s electrical panel and why it’s worth it.
- Why is upgrading your electrical panel a good idea? Check all the benefits.
- Is electric panel upgrade time-consuming? Learn how long the process takes.
How To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
Upgrading an electrical panel should be the job of a licensed electrician, who will ensure that the upgrade is done safely and up to code. The electrician will assess your power needs and determine if your current panel is capable of meeting those needs. If not, they will recommend upgrading to a larger panel before starting work on your home’s electrical system. Before beginning any work, they will obtain necessary permits from local authorities.
After the general preparations and inspection of the current electrical panel have been completed, the process begins. The electrician Chicago will shut off power to the existing panel and disconnect it from the service entrance cables. He will install a new panel, which includes mounting it, and connecting service entrance cables and wiring circuit breakers. Each circuit breaker will be labeled to identify which circuits they control. After all these steps are completed, he will test the new panel to ensure that everything is working properly and up to code. Once the inspection is passed, power is restored to the new panel.
Why Upgrade Electrical Panel?
There are a number of reasons why you may wish to upgrade your electrical panel:
- Increased Power Needs
A home’s electrical panel is upgraded most commonly to accommodate increased power needs. For example, if you are adding new appliances or equipment to your home and wish to have them run off the same circuit, you will need a larger panel in order to handle the added load.
- Safety Concerns
If you have an outdated electrical panel, it could be a safety hazard. Upgrading to a new panel with modern safety features can help prevent electrical fires and other hazards.
- Home Renovation
If you’re planning to renovate your home, you may need to upgrade your electrical panel to meet code requirements or to handle the electrical load of new features.
- Resale Value
Upgrading your electrical panel can increase the resale value of your home, as it shows potential buyers that your home has modern and safe electrical wiring.
How Long Does It Take To Upgrade Electrical Panel?
The time it takes to upgrade an electrical panel can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the size of the panel, the complexity of the installation, and any necessary upgrades to the wiring or service entrance cables. In general, a standard electrical panel upgrade can take anywhere from a half-day to a full day or more. However, obtaining the necessary permits from local authorities can take a few days to a few weeks.
Overall, an electrical panel upgrade Chicago can improve the safety, functionality, and value of your home. In addition to hiring a licensed electrician, remember to always follow safety precautions when working with electricity in order to ensure the safety of your family and yourself.
