Are you wondering if you need to upgrade your electrical panel? If so, you’re not alone. Many people don’t know what to look for when it comes to signs that their panel needs an upgrade. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs that indicate it’s time for a new panel. Number One Plumbing will also provide information about the features of a great new electrical panel. Keep reading to learn more and how to get a great electrician in Albuquerque!
There are several signs that indicate it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel. If you have any of the following issues, it’s time to call an electrician in Albuquerque:
If your panel is more than 30 years old, it’s time for an upgrade. Older panels are not as efficient as newer ones, and they can pose a safety hazard. After all, your electrical panel is responsible for distributing electricity throughout your home. You don’t want to take any chances with an old, outdated panel.
If you still have a fuse box, it’s time to upgrade to a circuit breaker panel. Fuse boxes are outdated and can be dangerous. Homebuilders and electricians stopped using them decades ago because they are not as safe as circuit breaker panels.
If you have a split-bus panel, it’s time to upgrade. A split-bus panel is a type of electrical panel that has two buses. One bus is for the main circuit breaker, and the other is for the secondary circuit breakers. While this type of panel is not necessarily unsafe, it is outdated. Newer panels are more efficient and offer more protection for your home.
If the breakers in your panel are constantly tripping, it’s a sign that you need a new panel. This is usually caused by an overloaded circuit. When the breaker trips, it prevents the circuit from becoming overloaded and causing a fire.
If the lights in your home are dimming, it’s a sign that your electrical panel is not providing enough power. This can be caused by an overloaded circuit or a faulty breaker. Either way, it’s a sign that you need to upgrade your electrical panel.
If you’re planning on installing a hot tub or other high-powered appliance, you’ll need to upgrade your electrical panel first. Otherwise, your home could be at risk of an electrical fire. Big electrical demands require a bigger panel, so don’t try to skimp on this one.
If your electrical panel doesn’t have surge protection, it’s time to upgrade. Surge protection is important because it protects your home from power surges. Power surges can damage your appliances, electronics, and even your home itself. They can also cause fires. A good electrical panel will have surge protection built-in.
When you upgrade your electrical panel, you’ll want to make sure that it has the following features:
One of the most important features of a great electrical panel is that the main breaker is located in the middle of the panel. This makes it easy to access in an emergency.
Another important feature is that circuit breakers are used instead of fuses. Circuit breakers are much safer and more efficient than fuses. Fuses can be dangerous because they can cause fires. They’re also less reliable because they can blow for no reason.
Another important feature to look for is proper surge protection. As previously mentioned, surge protection protects your home from power surges, which can damage your appliances, electronics, and potentially your home. Ensure your new electrical panel has surge protection built in.
When you upgrade your electrical panel, you’ll want to make sure that it has enough space to add new circuits. This is important because as your needs change, you may need to add new circuits.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure your new electrical panel has an updated design. This is important because outdated designs may not meet current building codes. This could put your home at risk in the event of a fire. An updated design and placement of circuit breakers will help protect your home in the long run and result in lower overall maintenance costs and risks.
Upgrading your electrical panel is a big job, but it’s necessary if you want to keep your home safe and up to date. If you’re not sure whether or not you need to upgrade your electrical panel, contact a licensed electrician in Albuquerque like Number One Plumbing. We’ll be able to assess your needs and make a recommendation.
If you’re having any of the issues listed above, or simply need an electrician in Albuquerque to check on your panel, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (505) 999-9567 and get a free quote!
