When to upgrade or replace your home’s electrical panel – One thing we wish more people were aware of is that your home’s electrical system will wear out over time. Even though the wiring in your home may last over 80 years, your electrical panel will not.
Electrical panels often go unnoticed, leading many homeowners to overlook the need for replacing their electrical panel (often called the breaker box). Outdated circuit breakers can pose significant safety risks if not properly maintained or updated.
If you are remodeling your home, or upgrading major appliances, you need to be sure the existing electrical panel is sufficient to handle the increased power requirements. New equipment and old breaker boxes are often a bad mix.
If you own your home long enough, chances are you will need to replace your electrical panel. A lot of electricity flows through your breaker box, and things wear down over time. Or, you update your appliances and their power requirement exceeds the breaker box you have. This is just a normal part of owning a home for a significant period of time, or if you have purchased an older home and are remodeling.
Five Signs You May Need to Replace Your Electrical Panel (Breaker Box)
- If your electric panel is old, it should be replaced. Most people don’t know that the average lifespan of an electrical panel is only 20 – 50 years. If you reside in an older home, it’s important to have your electrical system inspected, as your panel may not be equipped to meet modern electrical demands.
- If you are having breakers trip regularly, your panel may need to be replaced. Circuit Breakers should not be tripping often. If they are, it may be time for a new electrical panel update.
- An electric panel should be silent. You shouldn’t be hearing noise or feeling vibrations coming off of it. This may indicate improper or loose connections. Even if this doesn’t end up meaning your panel needs replaced, you certainly should have an electrician check it for you.
- If you notice signs of corrosion in the electrical box, it’s important to take action. Corrosion can develop over time when moisture enters the panel. Upon opening the panel, if you visibly observe corrosion or evidence of moisture, contact an electrician as soon as possible. Corrosion may appear as a buildup of rust or a chalky white substance around the screw terminals.
- Flickering lights or malfunctioning outlets may indicate underlying issues with the electrical panel or outdated wiring that needs repair or replacement. Additionally, lights and outlets sharing the same circuit can contribute to flickering. It’s important to note that modern building codes mandate that lights and outlets be placed on separate circuits for optimal safety and functionality.
When Should I Replace My Electric Breaker Box?
The need to replace your electrical panel varies based on factors such as the brand, location of the box, and the moisture levels in the environment. Unfortunately, there is no industry standard for the lifespan of electrical panels; it largely depends on the manufacturer and the quality of the components within the panel.
Generally, a home’s electrical system should be replaced once the electrical panel has reached the end of its service life. To determine the specific lifespan for your model, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines; however, the average lifespan of an electrical panel ranges from 20 to 50 years.
Replace Your Electrical Panel if Your House is Older
Older homes built in the 40s and 50s have 100 amp panels or smaller amperage, and today’s electrical requirements are 200 amps or more, depending on the types of equipment and appliances in your home.
During remodels, it’s common for renovations to involve new appliances or extra outlets that can surpass the existing panel’s capacity, necessitating a panel upgrade. This is why replacing the electrical panel often becomes essential during home renovations in older houses.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Breaker Box?
The cost will depend on how much work needs to be done. According to an Angi’s List Article the average cost of replacing an electrical panel is $1,299, but could be more or less depending on location and electrician you use.
Read the Angi’s List Article By Clicking on the following link: https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-replace-circuit-breaker-box.htm
Summary – When to Upgrade or Replace Your Home’s Electrical Panel
In summary, it’s important to be aware of the lifespan of your home’s electrical panel and to have it inspected regularly by a professional electrician.
Signs that may indicate the need for a replacement include an old panel, frequent tripping of breakers, noise or vibrations coming from the panel, signs of corrosion, or flickering lights and malfunctioning outlets.
It is recommended to replace your electrical panel if your house is older or if you are planning on major renovations that require increased power capacity.
Replacing your electrical panel ensures the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical system for years to come. So, keeping an eye on your electrical panel and knowing when to upgrade or replace it is important for your safety and the longevity of your home.
If you’d like to have a professional electrician help you decide when to upgrade or replace your home’s electrical panel, make an appointment with the professionals here at Key Lime Electric.
Click the box below to be redirected to the Key Lime Electric Contact Page which includes direct booking or phone number
