Many Daytona homeowners upgrade their electrical panels to support their home’s electrical demand, prepare for additions like EV chargers, and improve safety. They may also choose to undertake the upgrade during a major home renovation. However, the process can feel daunting because many homeowners don’t know what to expect.
This article takes a closer look at what happens during an electrical panel upgrade and the steps electricians follow during the process.
Quick Takeaways
- Electrical panel upgrades improve safety and electrical capacity.
- Most panel upgrades require permits and utility coordination.
- Power is usually shut off temporarily during the installation process.
- Older panels may not support modern appliances or EV chargers.
- Most electrical panel replacements can be completed in one day.
What Is an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
An electrical panel upgrade replaces your older panel so that it can safely handle your home’s electrical load. This typically involves upgrading the electrical capacity of your home from a 60-100-amp panel to a panel with a 200-amp setup. Some key concepts include:
Breaker panels: Breaker panels or breaker boxes are the electrical centers of your home. They take electricity from the utility company and distribute it to the various circuits in your house. This is the device electricians will replace or upgrade.
Upgrade vs a Replacement: Although an upgrade and a replacement are sometimes used interchangeably, there’s a slight difference. Upgrades involve adding components, like physical breaker spots. A replacement involves removing the older panel entirely and replacing it with a new one.
Why Homeowners Upgrade Electrical Panels
Homeowners may need to upgrade or replace their electrical panel if they experience frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or other signs that their panel can’t keep up with the home’s electrical demand. They may also have older, outdated 100-amp panels that need to be swapped out for more modern 200-amp setups.
The rising popularity of electric vehicles is another reason homeowners are choosing to upgrade their panels. Installing an EV charger adds a significant electrical load, and updating the panel ensures their electrical system can handle the increased demand.
Home renovations are also a common reason people choose to update their electrical panels. With new homes come new outlets, additional lighting, and sometimes new appliances. In addition, during these projects, electricians may discover corroded breaker boxes.
What Happens During an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
If you’re planning to schedule an electrical panel upgrade with our Mister Sparky electricians in Daytona, here’s what you can expect.
Initial Electrical Inspection
Our electricians in Daytona will first inspect your panel box: its age, condition, and its current amperage. They will then perform an electrical load calculation to assess how much electricity your home needs. After calculating the total load, they will determine the necessary amperage for your new panel.
Permit and Utility Company Coordination
Before our electricians begin any work, they must first get the necessary electrical permits. Because upgrading an electrical panel involves high-voltage equipment, safety is a priority. To ensure everyone’s safety, our electricians will coordinate with your utility company to temporarily shut off power to your home.
Old Electrical Panel Removal
Once the power is off, our team will safely remove the outdated breakers one by one and detach all the wires. After everything has been disconnected, they will carefully remove the old breaker panel from your wall.
New Panel Installation
Next, our electricians will install the new electrical panel, reconnecting all the wires, upgrading your capacity, and labeling the circuits. They will also inspect your grounding system to confirm it can safely divert any excess electricity into the ground.
Final Testing and Inspection
Once your new panel is installed, our team will perform a series of electrical checks to ensure your panel functions efficiently. After the work is complete, a local building authority inspector will confirm the new panel complies with local codes.
How Long Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Take?
Most upgrades or full replacements take several hours to one full day (not including the permit process). However, the total time will depend on the conditions of your wires and the size of your panel. The pre-installation stage, which involves obtaining permits and coordinating with your utility company, typically takes about 1-2 weeks.
Will Your Power Be Shut Off?
Yes, your power will temporarily be shut off. A panel upgrade involves high-voltage electricity, which means safety is a top priority. Our electricians will coordinate with your utility company to disconnect your power while the installation takes place.
Before your power is restored, a local building inspector will inspect the new installation. If it complies with local electrical codes, our team in Daytona will give your utility company the green light to turn your power back on.
Should You Upgrade to a 200-Amp Panel?
Yes! Modern homes need 200-amp service so they can safely accommodate appliances like EV chargers, HVAC systems, washers, dryers, and more. A panel with a 200-amp setup can also improve safety, reducing the risk of electrical fires and overloaded circuits.
Common Problems Found During Panel Upgrades
Like any other system, electrical panels suffer from wear and tear over time. During an electrical upgrade, our Mister Sparky electrical team in Daytona often comes across these problems:
- Damaged wiring: Over time, the insulation covering the wiring can become brittle, crack, or melt.
- Corrosion: Humidity and exposure to moisture can cause the metal parts of panels to corrode or rust.
- Double-tapped breakers: Some homeowners try to jam two wires into a breaker that’s designed to hold only one. This results in an unstable connection.
- Improper grounding: If you have an older home, it may lack proper grounding. Our electricians can evaluate your grounding to see if it’s efficient.
- Outdated panels: Old, outdated panels have difficulty handling modern electrical panels and need to be updated to a higher amperage.
FAQ
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?
An electrical panel upgrade typically costs $2,500 to $4,500. However, the costs can rise if there are additional problems that electricians need to address.
Can I stay in my house during a panel upgrade?
Yes, you can stay in your house during a panel upgrade, but you won’t have power for 24-48 hours (or longer, depending on when the post-installation city inspection takes place).
Do electrical panel upgrades require permits?
Yes, electrical panel upgrades require permits, as they must comply with the local electrical codes.
How do I know if my electrical panel is outdated?
Your electrical panel is outdated if it’s over 25 years old and if there are red flags like frequent breaker trips, burning marks, warm outlets, and flickering lights.
Is upgrading an electrical panel worth it?
Not only is upgrading your electrical panel worth the investment, but it also improves the electrical safety in your home. With an upgraded panel, your electrical system will be able to handle your home’s electrical load, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your system complies with the city’s current electrical codes.
Schedule Your Electrical Panel Upgrade in Daytona
Mister Sparky in Daytona provides professional electrical panel replacement services in Daytona, FL, and the surrounding areas. If you have an older home or you’re having issues with your current breaker box, our team can help. We’ll provide a thorough inspection and ensure you have a certified and code-compliant updated panel.
Don’t put up with any malarky when it comes to your electrical system! Contact our Mister Daytona electrical team today to schedule an inspection.