Electrical Panel Upgrades in Allegan, Ottawa, & Van Buren, MI
Professional Electrical Panel Upgrades
Electrical panels play a vital role in regulating the flow of electricity throughout your home by tripping the circuit breaker when a circuit is overloaded. However, as your home ages, the electrical panel may struggle to keep up with the growing demand for electricity caused by the increasing number of energy-efficient appliances and electronic devices in modern households. If your home is over a decade old, your electrical system may not be equipped to handle your current electricity needs. Contact Mr. Electric of Allegan, Kalamazoo, Ottawa & Van Buren Counties for a consultation for electrical panel upgrades in Allegan, Ottawa, Van Buren, and Kalamazoo, MI.
How an Electrical Panel Works
The electrical panel is connected to the main power line from the electric company via a power meter. It is usually located in a utility room, closet, garage, or basement and is painted gray. When you open the electrical panel, you will see a row of switches which are the circuit breakers that divide the main power line into smaller branch lines. The switches are numbered to correspond to the outlets and appliances in your home and also indicate the amount of electrical current they can handle before the breaker switch is tripped.
Signs You Need to Repair or Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
If your electrical panel is over 25 years old, it should be checked to ensure it's functioning properly. Signs you may need electrical panel replacement or upgrade services include:
- Crackling sounds
- Corrosion or rust on circuit breakers
- Appliances running at less than full power
- Using extension cords or having a 60-amp or 100-amp electrical service that can't operate some appliances
- Older homes with fuse block panels or split-bus panels
- Circuit breakers trip frequently or fail to trip
- Fire, smoke, and melted wires
Defective & Outdated Electrical Panels
Older panels may not be up to code and can pose a hazard. Contact Mr. Electric of Allegan, Kalamazoo, Ottawa & Van Buren Counties as soon as possible if you have one of the following types of defective panels:
- Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Electrical Panel - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has identified this panel as a safety defect requiring a new electrical panel. These panels were installed in homes between 1950 and 1980 and have design and manufacturing defects that can cause fires and electric shocks.
- Zinsco Electrical Panel - The defective design of Zinsco panels allows power to flow even when the breakers are switched off. These panels pose fire and shock hazards and should be replaced with a new electrical panel immediately.
- Pushmatic Electrical Panel - Pushmatic electrical panels have breaker switches that become difficult to reset over time and lack a main breaker switch to shut off power to the entire panel.
- Fuse Boxes - The oldest form of electrical panel is called a fuse box. However, modern homes require 200 amps of power or more, while fuse boxes can only handle 30-60 amps. In the past, glass fuses had to be substituted each time they broke. Many fuse boxes are no longer serviceable with new fuses. These obsolete systems pose a significant risk of fire and electrocution.
Cost of Professional Electrical Panel Upgrades
The cost of upgrading electrical panels or electrical panel replacement varies depending on three significant factors, including:
- Location - Each Mr. Electric franchise is independently owned, and each owner sets their rates.
- Scope - Replacing an old fuse box with a modern electrical panel costs considerably more than installing a small secondary panel for a generator.
- Site Conditions - The cost may increase if the existing wiring, conduits, or installation site requires work before a safe panel replacement can occur.
Call Us for Electrical Panel Upgrades & Installation
Mr. Electric of Allegan, Kalamazoo, Ottawa & Van Buren Counties is dedicated to providing top-notch electrical panel upgrade services to households in Allegan, Ottawa, Van Buren, and Kalamazoo, MI. Our team of skilled service professionals is committed to ensuring that your home's electrical systems function efficiently and safely. Whether you need a panel upgrade, repair, or assessment, we are here to help. With our competitive pricing, personalized service, and attention to detail, you can trust us to get the job done right. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for upgrading an electrical panel or to learn more about our services.