The electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It is responsible for distributing power from your main power source to the rest of your home. Over time, your electrical panel can become outdated or damaged, which can cause problems with your electrical system. 

An electrical panel upgrade can help to improve the performance of your electrical system and keep your home safe. However, before you get an electrical panel upgrade, there are a few things that you should do.

1) Look at the State of Your Electric Panel

One of the most important things that you can do to ensure the safety of your home and the efficiency of your electrical system is to regularly check the state of your electrical panel. If you notice the indicators listed below, it may be time for an electrical panel upgrade:

• Ungrounded Wiring. If your electrical panel is not properly grounded, it could pose a serious safety hazard. If you suspect that your electrical panel may not be grounded, you should contact a professional electrician to have it checked.
• Water Damage. Water damage can be caused by leaks in the panel or by condensation buildup. Water damage can cause the panel to short circuit, which can be a fire hazard.
• Old Age. Old age is another common reason why an electrical panel may need to be upgraded. Over time, the panel can become worn down and less effective. This can lead to problems with the electrical system in your home.
• Tripping Circuit Breakers. Circuit breakers trip when they're overloaded. If the breakers are tripping more often than they used to, this could be a sign that your home's electrical panel needs to be upgraded.
• Burning Plastic Smell If you smell burning plastic or see scorch marks on your electrical panel, this could be a notable indicator of a serious problem. These are signs of an electrical fire, and you should call a professional immediately.
• Low Power. If you're noticing that your home has low power, this could be because your electrical panel is no longer able to distribute power effectively. This can be quite costly, so it'd be wiser to invest in an upgrade.

2) Know the Benefits of Upgrading

There are many advantages to upgrading your electrical panel, including increased safety and improved efficiency. Both of these combined can also result in cost savings, as an upgraded panel can help to improve the overall efficiency of your home's electrical system.

3) Understand and Prep for the Costs

While upgrading an electrical panel is not cheap, it's important to recall that the benefits of upgrading an electrical panel can be quite substantial. Just note that the cost of upgrading your electrical panel can vary quite a bit depending on the home's size and the project's complexity.

4) Contact a Reliable Electrician

Regarding electrical work, it's recommended to contact and hire a qualified electrician. Having the right help is particularly true when it comes to upgrading an electrical panel. A qualified electrician has the training and experience necessary to ensure that the job is done right.

Conclusion

To conclude this article, it's important to have an electrical panel upgrade done for your home for a number of reasons. Just do your research beforehand and get a trustworthy contractor to help you out.

Want to get an electrical panel upgrade? B-Town Electric is a local electrician that specializes in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical in Hampshire County, MA. Contact us today!