Electrical Panel Upgrade
Electrical Panel Upgrade An electrical panel, also known as a service panel is a metal box that houses the circuit breakers for your home. It may seem like a mundane part of your house, but it is actually an important safety component that needs to be properly maintained. If you have an older fuse box that is unable to keep up with the power demands of your household, it is likely time for an upgrade. Older fuse boxes are less reliable and can lead to dangerous overheating or fires. Upgrading to a new electric panel will prevent these hazards.
Aside from the obvious safety issues, an upgraded electrical panel will improve your household energy efficiency as well. If you frequently experience tripped circuits, shocks when switching on appliances or equipment, or general poor performance, an upgrade is the best way to solve these problems. Getting more outlets with a new electrical panel will also make it easier for you to power your electronic devices and home appliances.
The first step in the process is to request a change in your existing service with your utility company, such as SDG&E. It is recommended that you do this at least 3 days prior to your scheduled disconnection date to allow for dig alert to mark out any other existing utilities (gas, water, AT&T, Cox Cable).
Next, an electrician will assess your home’s power requirements to determine how many amps are needed for a new electrical panel. There are online calculators that can help you get a rough idea of how many amps your home needs, but a professional will be able to give you a more accurate assessment based on your specific household usage. Electrical Panel Upgrade