Electrical Panel & Electrical Service Upgrades
The electrical service panel is the heart of your home's electrical system. It's where the power enters the house and then gets distributed. It consists of the service riser that runs up the side of the home to attach to the power company's wiring. There is an electrical meter that records how much power you have used and bonding of the metal water pipes and grounding rods. Finally, there is an electrical panel, sometimes called the breaker or fuse panel.
Many homes today still have the same 60 or 100 Amp electrical service that was installed 50+ years ago. With the increased amount of consumer electronics and appliances that we use today, it is important to have enough electrical service to meet our energy needs. In addition to increasing the ampacity of the service, an electrical service upgrade also increases the safety of your home's electrical system.
Upgrading your service to 200 amps to a new breaker panel will also increase the resale value of your home. An electrical panel upgrade is a commonly cited hazard on a Home Inspector's report, usually due to the poor condition of a panel from age or the manufacturing quality of the panel.
Checking Your Electrical Panel
Your breaker box needs a checkup, especially if it’s more than 25 years old. But don’t stop at the breaker box, take a good look at the entire electrical system. Here are the signs to look for to see if you might need a new electrical panel:
- You hear crackling sounds from the breaker box panel.
- You see corrosion and rust on the breaker switches.
- The interior of the breaker box feels warm.
- Appliances are running at less than full power.
- Your home has two-pronged outlets, not three-pronged grounded outlets.
- Outlets near water sources – such as sinks, tubs, dishwashers and clothes washer lines – that do not have GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters) in them. These outlets stop the electricity if an appliance comes into contact with water, preventing electrocution.
- You need surge protectors for computers and other valuable appliances.
- You’re always using extension cords.
- Your home has a 60-amp electrical service.
- Your home has 100-amp electrical service, but it still can’t operate some appliances.
- Your older home has a fuse block panel or split-buss panel, which do not have a main breaker.
Some Common Items That May require A 200 Amp Electrical Service Upgrade:
- Additions
- Electric Car Charger
- Additional level
- Pool or hot tub
- Supplemental heat
- Updated kitchen
- Detached garage
- Central air conditioning
- Welder
- Home Theater
Added Safety And Value To Your Home
An upgraded electrical service not only adds value to your home, but peace of mind as well. If you have a fuse box, an old panel we suggest you call us or search for yourself and see the possible dangers lingering in your own home. Most breakers in your panel are never called upon to trip, so they appear to be functioning correctly. But the test doesn't come until the day when a short circuit or overload occurs. When this happens, it is better to put your trust into modern equipment.
Included With All Electrical Service Upgrades
- New 100 or 200 Amp Panel
- New Service Riser
- New Outside Meter Panel
- Apply for Upgrade with Power Co.
- Acquire Electrical Permit
- All Circuits Labelled
- Two Driven Ground Rods
- Upgraded Water Pipe Ground
- Bonded Water Heater & Meter
- Ground Block for Utilities
Light Of The World Enterprises has been upgrading electrical services and changing out electrical panels in Connecticut for years and would love to help you upgrade your home and make it a safer place.
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