Fixing up old buildings is all the rage these days, inspiring a plethora of television shows documenting the ups and downs of the process, but when it comes to maintaining the safety and efficiency of those old buildings, investing in an electrical panel upgrade is often a critically overlooked step.
Aging electrical panels, when left as they are, can pose serious risks, including overloaded circuits, power failures, and even fire hazards. Whether you’re noticing flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, or just simply want to modernize your old home or commercial property, upgrading the electrical panel is an investment in safety and reliability.
In this blog, we’ll cover in more depth the importance of a home electrical panel upgrade, how to notice when it’s time to upgrade, and whether you need to call a professional or you can do the job yourself.
Why Is It Important to Upgrade a Circuit Breaker Panel?
The electrical panel is the heart of your building’s electrical system, distributing power to every outlet, appliance, and device. Unfortunately, panels in older buildings just aren’t equipped to handle the energy demands of today’s technology, which leads to inefficiencies and potential fire hazards.
By upgrading the circuit breaker, you’re making sure that your system can safely handle these increased power loads, reducing the risk of overloaded circuits and, at the same time, enhancing the value of your property – as anyone who’s bought or sold an old property can attest, modern electrical systems are often a key factor for buyers and tenants. Not only that, but insurance companies often offer better rates for properties with updated electrical systems due to the decreased risk factor.
Electrical Panel Repair: When Is It Time to Upgrade?
There are certain signs you can look for that might indicate it’s time to replace or upgrade your electrical panel. These include:
- Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips: If your circuit breaker trips more often than normal, it may mean it’s unable to handle your power demands.
- Flickering or Dimming Lights: Signs of an overloaded system or deteriorating wiring.
- Fuse Box Instead of a Circuit Breaker Panel: Fuse boxes are outdated and not equipped for modern power usage.
- Burning Smell or Scorch Marks: These are immediate red flags indicating a potential fire hazard.
- Renovations or Additions: If you’ve added new appliances, rooms, or electrical features, you may need an electrical panel upgrade to handle the extra load.
Can I Perform a Home Electrical Panel Upgrade Myself?
While it might be tempting to tackle home improvement projects on your own, upgrading an electrical panel is not a DIY job. Involving high voltages and complex systems that require specialized training to handle safely, this job requires a licensed electrician to not only ensure your panel upgrade meets local codes and regulations, but also to guarantee that the installation is done correctly to avoid future issues: an improperly installed electrical panel can lead to severe safety risks, including electrical shocks, fires, or system failures.
Upgrade Your Electrical Panel with B&W
If your older building in the Denver area is showing signs that it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade, B&W Electric is here to help. Our licensed electricians provide top-notch electrical panel upgrade and repair services for both residential and commercial properties.
Don’t risk the safety and efficiency of your property—protect your home and family by always trusting a professional for your panel upgrade. Contact B&W Electric today to schedule your upgrade today!
