Electrical Panel Replacement

The electrical panel, also known as the distribution board or breaker box, is a critical component of every home's electrical system. It serves as the central hub for electricity distribution and is responsible for safeguarding the entire electrical network. However, like any other component, electrical panels have a limited lifespan and can become outdated or unsafe over time.

When Should You Replace Your Electric Panel

>> If Your Home is More than 25 Years Old, an Electric Panel Change May be Necessary

Here at Root Electric, our Northern Virginia electricians are always concerned with safety, and we are very anxious that homeowners in the area call us if they suspect they may need an electric panel change. There are several signs that this may be necessary, and it is important for homeowners, particularly those living in houses over the age of 25, to give us a call if any of the following conditions apply:

Ensuring the safety and efficiency of your home's electrical system is of utmost importance, and one critical aspect to consider is the condition of your electric panel. A well-maintained and up-to-date electrical panel is essential for providing a stable power supply and safeguarding your household from potential hazards.

Here are seventeen signs that indicate you might need an electric panel upgrade:

1. Outdated Fuse Box: If your home still relies on a fuse box with "Edison base" screw-in fuses, it's a clear indication that your electrical system might be behind the times. Fuse boxes are prone to inefficiencies and safety risks compared to modern circuit breaker panels. The lights flickering whenever a major appliance is turned on, and frequent circuit breaker trips or blown fuses are common issues associated with older fuse boxes.

2. Safety Recall on Panel Brand: If your electric panel belongs to Zinsco, Federal Pacific, I-T-E Pushmatic, or GTE/Sylvania brands, it's crucial to take action immediately. These panels were recalled years ago due to severe safety defects, and continuing to use them puts your household at risk. An upgrade to a safer and more reliable panel is vital to protect your home and family.

3. Insufficient Outlets and Extension Cord Overuse: If you find yourself constantly relying on extension cords due to a lack of electrical outlets, it's a sign that your home's electrical system needs an upgrade. Using multiple extension cords can be hazardous and aesthetically unpleasing. An upgraded electrical panel can accommodate more circuits and outlets to meet your modern power needs.

4. Missing GFCI Outlets: In new homes, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are now required in specific locations, such as bathrooms and kitchens, to protect against electric shocks. If your home has several two-pronged outlets and lacks GFCIs, it's essential to upgrade your electrical panel and install the appropriate outlets to enhance safety.

5. Inadequate Electrical Capacity: As your home evolves, with new appliances and additional rooms, your electrical panel must keep up with the increased demand for power. Older electrical panels may not be designed to handle the load of modern devices like air conditioners, heat pumps, or electric water heaters. Planning a major renovation that involves adding new rooms, such as a kitchen or bathroom, requires a panel upgrade to accommodate the additional circuits and electrical needs.

6. Visible Rust and Corrosion: Rust on the exterior of your electrical panel can be a warning sign of deeper issues. Internal components, such as main lugs, buss bars, and circuit breaker trip mechanisms, may also be affected by corrosion, leading to delayed responses or even hazardous failures during electrical faults. A thorough inspection and potential upgrade are necessary to maintain a safe electrical system.

7. Preparing for an Electric Vehicle: With the rise in popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), homeowners must consider their electrical infrastructure's capability to handle the increased power demands. If you plan on purchasing an EV with plug-in charging, an electric panel upgrade is likely necessary to ensure efficient charging and prevent overloading.

8. Unconventional Panel Locations: If your electrical panel is located in an unusual or inconvenient area, such as a bathroom or closet, it might hinder access for maintenance or emergency situations. Relocating the panel during the upgrade process can improve accessibility and safety.

9. Flickering Lights and Tripping Breakers: Frequent light flickering or circuit breaker tripping are signs of electrical issues that demand immediate attention. An electric panel upgrade can enhance the stability of your electrical system and prevent potential fire hazards.

10. Buzzing or Overheating Panel: An electric panel that emits a buzzing sound or feels unusually hot to the touch should not be ignored. These symptoms can indicate an overloaded panel or loose connections, both of which necessitate an upgrade to prevent hazardous situations.

11. Outdated Panel Technology: Some older panels use a "split buss" design, lacking a main breaker. This outdated configuration can lead to overloads and potential risks. Upgrading to a modern panel with appropriate breakers ensures optimal electrical distribution and safety.

12. Increased Power Requirements: Major home improvements, such as adding a new office, workshop, or finished basement, demand more power. An electric panel upgrade allows you to meet these new power requirements and ensures the safe and efficient operation of all added electrical components.

13. Home Inspector or Builder's Recommendation: If a professional home inspector or builder has advised that your electrical panel is outdated or insufficient, it's crucial to consider an upgrade promptly. Acting on their recommendations can prevent future issues and ensure your home's electrical system is up to code and safe.

14. Aging Electrical Infrastructure: Over time, electrical components degrade and become less efficient. If your home's electrical panel is several decades old, upgrading to a newer model with advanced safety features and improved technology is a prudent decision.

15. Planning Major Kitchen or Bathroom Renovation: If you're considering a significant renovation that involves installing new appliances, lighting, or fixtures, your electrical system must be up to the task. Upgrading the electric panel provides the necessary capacity and circuits for the upgraded space.

16. Adding Multiple HVAC Systems: Introducing a second or third HVAC system to your home can significantly impact your electrical needs. Upgrading the electrical panel ensures that your home's cooling and heating systems can operate effectively and safely.

17. Replacing Gas or Oil Furnace with Heat Pump: Transitioning from a gas or oil-powered furnace to a heat pump can increase your electrical requirements substantially. An electric panel upgrade is essential to accommodate the added electrical load and prevent potential overload issues.

In conclusion, recognizing these seventeen signs can help you determine whether an electric panel upgrade is necessary for your home. Prioritizing the safety and efficiency of your electrical system through an upgrade will provide peace of mind and ensure that your household's power needs are met effectively. Consulting with a qualified electrician will enable you to assess your specific requirements and select the most suitable electric panel upgrade for your home.

We urge customers with any of the above conditions to call us immediately so that we can come and assess the situation. We evaluate electric panels on a case-by-case basis, judging by the condition, age, brand, model and the availability of replacement parts. Sometimes an electric panel only needs repair or replacement parts. Square D, Cutler-Hammer (CH) and General Electric panels are generally well-built and may only need a few upgrades. Other times, however, we do recommend an entire electric panel change for our customers’ safety.

When we do replace an electric panel, we generally use General Electric brand because of their flexible installation configurations, copper buss bars, ample room for wires and readily available replacement components. We can also install other types of electric panels, such as Cutler-Hammer (CH), Square D QO, or Eaton/Cutler-Hammer (BR), depending upon the customer’s needs.

Understanding the Complexity of an Electric Service Upgrade

Upgrading your home's electrical service is a multifaceted project that should only be entrusted to skilled electricians for reasons of safety and quality. The standard upgrade usually entails boosting the electrical service to 200 amps, which aligns with modern housing requirements. However, in certain situations, a higher upgrade to 400 amps or beyond may become necessary.

A typical electric service upgrade encompasses the comprehensive replacement of various components around the house. This includes the line-side service entrance cable, meter base, weather head, load-side service entrance cable, grounding and bonding system, and, naturally, the electric panel itself. When the layout of the house has remained largely unchanged over time, it is often possible to update the electrical meter and install the new electric panel in their original locations. This scenario tends to be more straightforward and cost-effective.

Conversely, if the structure of the house has undergone significant changes over the years, relocating the electric panel and/or the meter may be required. While this kind of service upgrade can be costlier due to the labor and materials involved, the primary concern in any electric service upgrade remains the safety of your home and family. Additionally, ensuring that your home can easily accommodate the electrical demands of modern life is of utmost importance.

Electrical Panel Upgrades for Older Homes: Modernizing Safety and Efficiency

Older homes exude charm and character, but their aging electrical systems often lag behind modern safety and efficiency standards. As electrical technology advances, it becomes imperative for homeowners with older properties to consider electrical upgrades. 

The Significance of Electrical Upgrades for Older Homes

Electrical systems in older homes were designed to handle the demands of a different era. With the increasing reliance on power-hungry appliances and gadgets, outdated electrical systems can pose significant safety risks and efficiency concerns. Upgrading the electrical infrastructure not only ensures compliance with modern safety codes but also enhances the overall functionality of the home.

Identifying the Need for Upgrades

Before embarking on an electrical upgrade journey, it's essential to identify the signs that indicate the necessity for one. Frequent circuit overloads, flickering lights, and outdated outlets are telltale signs of an overburdened electrical system. Moreover, if your home still uses knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, it is high time to consider an upgrade as these pose serious fire hazards.

Key Components of Electrical Upgrades

Electrical Panel Replacement: The electrical panel serves as the heart of the system, distributing power throughout the home. Upgrading to a modern circuit breaker panel with sufficient amperage capacity is essential for safety and efficiency.

Wiring Replacement: Outdated and hazardous wiring, such as knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, should be replaced with modern copper wiring to meet safety standards.

GFCI and AFCI Installation: Installing GFCIs in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, and AFCIs to protect against arc faults enhances safety.

Outlet and Switch Replacement: Replacing old outlets and switches with modern, tamper-resistant versions not only improves safety but also adds a touch of modernity to your home.

Electrical upgrades for older homes are not only essential for safety and compliance but also a strategic investment in the property's efficiency and value. By undertaking this journey with the help of licensed electricians, homeowners can rest assured that their cherished older homes will continue to exude charm while embracing the benefits of modern electrical technology. Embrace the future of electrical power while preserving the character of the past with a comprehensive electrical upgrade for your older home.

Sub Panel Replacement Service - An Option

Installing electrical sub panel instead of main panel may also be a good option. Within the vast arena of electrical services, sub panel replacements have emerged as an essential offering. As homes and businesses grow, there is often the need to distribute electricity to newer areas more efficiently. That's where the concept of a sub panel comes into play.

Understanding Sub Panels

A sub panel, also referred to as a service or circuit breaker sub panel, is essentially a mini electrical panel. It receives power from the main panel and distributes it to specific areas of the home or business. This makes it easier to control power to detached garages, workshops, or other remote locations without having to pull wires all the way from the main panel.

Why Consider a Sub Panel Replacement?

1. Efficiency: As mentioned earlier, it's about controlling and distributing power to specified areas without burdening the main panel.
2. Safety: Old sub panels or ones not meeting current codes can pose a threat. They may not provide effective protection against overcurrent or shorts.
3. Expansion: As homes or businesses expand, there's a need to accommodate additional electrical circuits. A sub panel offers a way to do this without overloading the main panel.

Our Approach to Sub Panel Replacement

At Root Electric, our commitment is not only to safety but also to ensuring our clients enjoy the most modern and efficient electrical setups. We have extended our services to include sub panel replacements, ensuring that clients benefit from our expertise in this niche area.

Our service includes:

1. Evaluation: Our team will assess your current electrical system and determine the need and location for a sub panel.
2. Selection: Based on your needs, we'll advise on the right size and type of sub panel.
3. Installation: Our skilled electricians will ensure a seamless installation, ensuring all codes and safety guidelines are adhered to.
4. Maintenance: Like all electrical components, sub panels need periodic checks. Our team can schedule routine maintenance to ensure your sub panel remains in top condition.

For homes or businesses that already have a sub panel but feel it’s not functioning optimally or safely, we're here to help. Root Electric can evaluate existing setups and recommend whether a repair or a full replacement is the best course of action.

Wrapping Up

The idea is to make electrical systems not just safe, but also efficient and tailored to individual needs. If you believe your property might benefit from a sub panel, or if you think your current sub panel needs an evaluation, don't hesitate. Contact Root Electric at (703) 494-3989, and our Northern Virginia electricians will guide you every step of the way.

The Benefits of Electrical Panel Replacement

Replacing an outdated or malfunctioning electrical panel offers several significant benefits, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of your home's electrical system. Here are some advantages of opting for an electrical panel upgrade:

Enhanced Safety

A modern electrical panel is equipped with advanced safety features, such as circuit breakers and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), that provide improved protection against electrical shocks and fires. By upgrading your panel, you minimize the risk of electrical hazards, ensuring the safety of your family and property.

Increased Capacity and Reliability

Older panels might struggle to meet the power demands of modern households with multiple electronic devices and appliances. By replacing the panel, you gain a higher capacity and a more robust system, reducing the likelihood of power outages and circuit overloads.

Avoiding Potential Fire Hazards

Faulty electrical panels can cause electrical arcing or sparks, which can lead to fires. Investing in an updated panel significantly reduces the risk of electrical fires and offers you peace of mind.

Compliance with Electrical Codes

As electrical standards evolve, older panels may no longer meet the current electrical codes. Upgrading your panel ensures compliance with the latest safety regulations and building codes.

A complete electric panel change also includes upgrading the grounding and bonding system to protect against electrical shock. This also improves circuit breaker response times whenever there is a short circuit. We also usually replace the load side service entrance cable during the upgrade, particularly in older homes. The fiberglass outer jacket on these cables has often deteriorated from exposure to the elements over time, which exposes the neutral wires and conductors on the inside. Replacing the cable improves the safety of the service equipment.

So if you are concerned about the safety or operation of your electric panel and think it may need to be repaired or replaced, please call us right away at (703) 494- 3989. Our Northern Virginia electricians are anxious to ensure your safety!