Why You May Need to Replace the Electrical Panel
As homes age, the electrical systems also age. One of the key components of a home's electrical system is the main electrical panel. There are several reasons why you may need to replace an old electrical panel:
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Insufficient amperage - Older homes often have 60-100 amp electrical panels. Modern homes usually need 200 amps or more to handle all the electricity needs of modern devices and appliances. If you find yourself frequently tripping breakers, it's a sign you need a higher capacity panel.
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Obsolete panel - Older panels used fuses instead of circuit breakers. Circuit breaker panels are much safer and more convenient. Upgrading to a modern circuit breaker panel is recommended.
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No spare breaker spaces - If your panel is full and you need to add a new circuit, it's time to replace it with a larger panel with more breaker spaces.
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Rust and corrosion - Moisture and rust can damage the interior of the panel, posing a safety hazard. Rust on the outside of the panel is a red flag the inside also has corrosion issues.
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Damage - Faulty wiring as well as physical damage from an electrical fault can render panels unsafe. Any signs of damage mean replacement is needed.
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Aluminum wiring - Panels wired with aluminum wiring should be replaced with copper wiring to reduce fire risk.
Dangers of DIY Electrical Panel Replacement
Replacing an electrical panel is complicated and dangerous. Mistakes can damage your home's electrical system, cause fires, and electrocute you or your family. Dangers include:
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Electrocution - Touching live wires will electrocute you. Even wires you think are dead can be re-energized accidentally.
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Fire - Faulty wiring can overheat and cause electrical fires. Aluminum wiring is especially prone to fire hazards if not handled properly.
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Equipment damage - Mistakes can allow voltage spikes or polarity reversals, destroying appliances and electronics.
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Shock hazard - Improper wire insulation or poorly connected cables leave exposed conductors. Anyone who touches them can be shocked, especially children.
Unless you are a licensed electrician, you should not attempt a DIY panel replacement. The risks are simply too high. Hire a licensed professional instead.
How an Electrician Would Replace an Electrical Panel
To give you an idea of what's involved, here are the typical steps an electrician would follow:
1. Turn Off Power
The first step is to shut off all power to the panel by switching the main breaker off. Then, each circuit breaker is turned off individually. Safety is critically important when working with electrical wiring.
2. Remove Old Panel
The outer panel cover is removed to access the internal wires. The wires are disconnected one at a time to avoid confusion. The panel is unbolted from the wall and removed.
3. Install New Panel
The new panel is securely bolted into place on the wall. Additional adjustments may be needed to fit it properly. The new panel must be perfectly level and plumb.
4. Connect Wires
The wires are connected to the new breakers one at a time. Great care is taken to ensure the correct gauge wire goes to each circuit breaker. The ground wires must be properly connected as well.
5. Connect Cover Plate
With all connections made securely, the new panel cover plate is installed. The main power can then be turned back on. Each circuit is tested to make sure it works properly.
6. Obtain Electrical Permit
Most areas require an electrical permit for replacing a panel. The licensed electrician will know the local permit requirements and obtain the permit before starting work.
Dangers of DIY Electrical Work
It's easy to look at the basic steps above and think a DIY panel replacement is possible. However, each step glosses over numerous details that only experienced electricians understand. Without proper electrical training and knowledge, it's incredibly easy to make dangerous mistakes.
Let's look at some of the most common DIY electrical dangers:
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Incorrect wire gauge - Using wires that are too small can overheat and cause fires. Wires that are too large are wasted expense and don't make connections properly.
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Faulty grounding - Improper grounding leaves the risk of electrocution and interference with electronics. Good grounding requires knowledge of proper techniques.
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Overloaded circuits - Putting too many devices on one circuit risks overheating wires. Understanding electrical load calculations is essential.
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Miswired connections - Just one miswired connection can damage expensive appliances and electronics. Wiring errors can even make switches control the wrong lights.
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Damaged wires - Pinched or pierced wires can malfunction immediately or slowly corrode over time before failing. Identifying damage is an expert skill.
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Unsecured cables - Loose cables cause arcing and heating issues over time. They must be properly stripped, connected, and secured.
Without professional training in electrical systems, there are countless ways DIYers can make dangerous mistakes. Safety should always be the #1 priority when dealing with electricity.
Hiring a Licensed Electrician
The risks of a DIY electrical panel replacement are simply not worth it. Instead, you should always hire a licensed professional. Here's what a licensed electrician provides:
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Expertise - They have thousands of hours of training and experience replacing old panels properly.
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Safety - Licensed electricians follow safety procedures and building codes to ensure a safe installation.
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Permitting - They obtain required permits and arrange inspections by the local building department.
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Warranty - Professional installations include warranties to cover any defects or issues.
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Upgrade options - They help you determine the ideal panel size and options for your home and budget.
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Efficiency - Experienced electricians can replace panels much faster than DIYers can.
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Insurance - You are covered in the unlikely event of an accident or injury during the electrical work.
While hiring an electrician costs more than DIY, it gives you invaluable peace of mind knowing the work is done safely, legally, and correctly. The price is well worth it for this critical electrical upgrade.
Questions to Ask Potential Electricians
Once you decide to hire a professional, make sure you choose the right electrician for the job. Here are key questions to ask:
- Are you licensed in my state/city?
- Do you carry general liability insurance?
- Can you provide references from past electrical panel replacement jobs?
- Do you handle the permitting process for electrical upgrades?
- How long have you been an electrician?
- Will you thoroughly inspect my existing wiring to spot any problems?
- Will the installation meet all required building codes?
- What safety procedures do you follow when working on electrical systems?
- What brands of electrical panels do you recommend/install most often? Why?
- How long will the panel replacement take?
- What is included in your warranty coverage?
- What is your hourly rate and total estimated price for my panel replacement?
Conclusion
Replacing an obsolete or dangerous electrical panel is an essential upgrade for many older homes. But the risks of a DIY electrical panel replacement are simply too high for anyone without extensive electrical training and knowledge. Hiring a licensed local electrician ensures the job is done safely and correctly the first time. A professional electrician is well worth the price to protect your home, family, and possessions.