Electrical Panel Upgrades in Austin, TX

Upgrading Your Electrical Panel for Home Safety

The electrical panel in your home helps to regulate the electricity flow. When a circuit needs too much electricity, your circuit breaks will trip. An electrical overload can cause a fire, so it's important that the electrical panel can do its job of breaking the circuit to keep your home safe. Mr. Electric of Austin offers electrical panel upgrades in Austin, TX. We will help determine if an electrical panel upgrade is an excellent choice for your home.  

How Does an Electrical Panel Work?

The electrical panel is what connects your home to the main power line. The line attaches directly to the electrical panel, which disperses energy throughout your home. You'll find multiple switches or circuit breakers inside the electrical panel. These breakers distribute power into smaller branch lines and connect to all outlets in your home. Before the breaker trips, the switches should also tell you how many amps the line can carry. Next to the switches, you'll also find the main power breaker that allows you to turn off power to the entire system at once.  

Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Electrical panels wear down over time and often show signs of age. The first sign you may need an upgraded electrical panel is frequently overloaded circuits. Other signs you need an electrical panel upgrade include the following:

• Rust on circuit breakers
• Crackling or sparking sounds coming from the electrical panel
• Warm electrical panel
• Your home has a 60-amp electrical service
• You have an outdated split bus panel or fuse block
• Appliances will not run on full power
• Lack of GFCI outlets
• The need to plug in multiple extension cords
• You have a 100-amp electrical service and cannot operate all appliances

Critical Electrical Panel Upgrade Needs

Most electrical panels require upgrades after more than 25 years. An aging electrical panel can cause multiple hazards for your home. If you have an electrical panel that was installed before 1990, it may be defective. It’s essential to get an electrical panel upgrade if you have any of the following panels installed in your home, indulging:

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Electrical Panel

This type of electrical panel was most commonly installed in homes between 1950 and 1980.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission classifies the FPE electrical panel as defective due to its

design and manufacturing defects that increase the risk of fire and electric shock.

Zinsco Electrical Panel

Zinsco panels have not been available to buy since the 1970s. Some modern homes may still have the older defective designs that allow power to flow when breakers are off. It can also cause breaker switches to melt.

Pushmatic Electrical Panel

Pushmatic panels make it impossible to stop power flow at one time because they do not have a main breaker switch. We recommend upgrading these panels with better-functioning panels.

Fuse Boxes 

Fuse boxes can handle up to 60 amps of power, but today’s homes require up to 200 amps of power or more. Fuse boxes increase electrocution and fire hazard risks.

Upgrade Electrical Panels During Home Renovations

If you're renovating your home, think about upgrading your electrical panels. Mr. Electric of Austin can help determine the necessary amount of power you need to meet your home's electricity needs. A home renovation often needs electrical panel upgrades.

Electrical Panel Upgrade Costs

If you’re worried about the cost of upgrading your electrical panel, it’s important to remember that it is an investment. A modern electrical system is essential for your safety. We always offer honest pricing without any surprises. We will come to your home and give you an estimate on electrical panel upgrades.

Electrical Panel Repair vs. Replacement

Your electrical panel does not always need a replacement or an upgrade. We can repair your existing electrical panel if you have a minor issue. Our team will assess your electrical unit and household energy demands to determine if you need an upgrade. We offer multiple electrical panel upgrades, including:

• Circuit breaker replacement
• Rewiring your electrical panel
• Bus bar replacement
• Relocation of the electrical panel

Decrease Your Risk of a Home Fire

When your electrical wiring is faulty or loose, your home is at a higher risk of a fire. A new electrical circuit installation lowers the chances of a fire in your home. Circuit overload is a common issue, especially when homeowners create more than one connection to the electrical breaker. An electrical system installation helps to balance the power supply and lower the risk of fire.

A Circuit Install Improves Energy Efficiency

Most homeowners do their best to increase energy efficiency in their homes. Installing a circuit system that won’t consume a significant amount of power helps boost energy efficiency. Our electrical professionals will inspect all electrical connections in your home to determine if a circuit system install will help your energy efficiency. We know the amount of energy your system should consume, so we inspect for problems lowering the efficiency levels. A new electrical system can improve the way your system works and offer better energy efficiency.

Upgrade Your Electrical Panel Today  

You may need occasional electrical system upgrades for optimal safety in your home. Mr. Electric of Austin is here for all your electric needs. We offer peace of mind to ensure your system is working correctly. We back our work with a guarantee that we will get the job done right the first time. We always put your safety first. Contact Mr. Electric of Austin to get an estimate on our electrical services.