Do you have lights that keep flickering or breakers that keep malfunctioning? If so, it might be time to have your electrical panel examined by a professional. Only a trained electrician will know when it’s time to have your electrical panel upgrades completed.
How Often Should I Upgrade My Electrical Panel?
You should perform an electrical panel upgrade every 25-40 years, depending on the age of your home. However, there are certain circumstances where you may require an upgrade sooner. For instance, if you install new appliances, such as a hot tub or air conditioner that needs a higher electricity load to operate, your current fuse box might not have the capacity to deal with it. Similarly, if you’re installing a new addition to your home or renovating your basement into a rental suite, your existing electrical panel might not be sufficient. Older panels have limited space to add new circuits and many are already maxed out. When this is the case, get in touch with a professional electrician for your electrical upgrade.
You should also consider an upgrade of your electrical system if you find yourself using multiple power strips in your home. When you don’t have enough wall sockets, it’s a sign that your house circuit wasn’t designed for the amount of electricity required today. The rule of thumb is, whenever your home demands more electricity, it’s important to upgrade your electrical panel to avoid putting a strain on your existing infrastructure that could result in an electrical fire. If you’re starting to experience poor performance with your current system, it’s always best to upgrade it to avoid a hazardous situation from occurring.