Panel Upgrades

If you require a residential panel upgrade or electrical panel replacement contact ElectricMan.

Residential Panel Upgrades

Electrical panels are also called distribution boards, breaker panels or panel boards. The role of the panel is to divide your electrical supply into subsequent circuits. The panel also provides protection for each circuit with a fuse or breaker.

Old panels with limited amperage outlets, damaged fuses or weak connection points can be in your home. These units can lead to fires and increased power bills. If your electrical panel has not be inspected in 3 years the panel could have incurred serious damages that make it a risk to your home or business.

Contact ElectricMan for professional electrical panel upgrade services. Our team has experience with residential and commercial units. We are available 24 hours a day to meet each of your service needs.

Risks Of Old Or Damaged Electrical Panels

  • Fire – When old or faulty breakers are overloaded with electricity they can begin to heat up. This heat can be emitted not surrounding materials and can start a fire. Electrical fires spread fast, start in low-traffic areas so are able to spread and are notoriously hard to put out once they start.
  • More Maintenance – Older electrical panels require more maintenance. More frequent inspection suggestions and breaker replacement needs.
  • External Damages – Old breakers found in the garage or in the basement can become damaged by storage items, dust or dirt.
  • Pests – Pests can get into the old breakers and chew away wires. This damages connection points and increases the fire risk.

Types Of Circuit Breakers

Electrical panels are broken into 3 main parts. Circuit breakers, service disconnect switches and expansion slots are all found on the panel. Though the circuits are the area where most the damage and fire risks can occur. Two types of circuit breakers are:

  • Single Pole – Single pole breakers can handle 120 volts and are either 15 or 25 amperages each.
  • Double Pole – Double pole breakers can handle 240 volts and are usually sold between 25 and 120 amps. These are ideal for the energy requirement of modern appliances.

Most single pole breakers cannot keep up with modern energy demands and should be upgraded.

Electrical Panel Upgrade Process

These are the general steps required to perform an electrical panel upgrade.

  • First, the old panel will be inspected for damages or lacking electrical outputs.
  • All the wires leading to the existing panel or fuse box are cut.
  • The old panel is unscrewed and taken off the wall.
  • A new plywood mounting panel is installed on the wall.
  • The new electrical panel is mounted and the SE cable is fed through the top of the new panel.
  • Inside connections are then established.
  • House circuits are fed into the new panel through cable connectors.
  • Ground and insulated wires are then attached to the neutral bar inside the panel.
  • Circuit breakers can then be plugged into the bus bar.
  • The main ground wire is finally run through the bottom of the panel up to the copper water main.
  • Breakers are labelled for respective circuits.
  • A final project inspection is completed.

Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost

Electrical panel upgrades are custom services tailored to meet the needs of your property. Electrical panel upgrade costs can vary based on the current panel and external wire damages. Projects can often cost between, $500 and $1,500 with the average price hovering just over $1,000. Though, when considering the fire hazards and electrical output limitations, as well as the maintenance needs of an old panel that has constantly blown breakers, the project can save you much ore than it costs. For professional electrical panel upgrades or other electrical renovation services, contact ElectricMan today!

Panel Replacement Services
Commercial Panel Upgrades
Industrial Panel Upgrades