So, how do you know if you need an upgrade right now or if it’s okay to wait a few years?

Here are some of the major warning signs that you need to call a skilled electrician in Cranberry Township to take care of electrical panel replacement:

• Lighting is flickering when you turn on an appliance or fixture, attributed to increased electricity demand
• Breaker trips when you try to use two appliances at once, or you’re concerned you’re pulling the maximum capacity of the circuit breaker
• Breakers trip frequently for no clear reason
• The breaker box is warm to the touch
• Visible scorch marks or other signs of damage on the box
• Unusual noises from the breaker box, such as buzzing, hissing, or crackling sounds
• Melting or burning smells
• Sparks coming from the breaker box
• The power company has recommended electrical upgrades for your circuit breaker panel

It’s also a good idea to get an electric panel upgrade during a remodeling project for a room such as a kitchen with a lot of power-drawing appliances or extensive amounts of lighting.

How Long Does a Unit Last Before a Panel Upgrade is Necessary?

The time you can expect your single breaker box to last depends on factors such as how much maintenance your system gets over the years and your choice of electrical panel brands. But as a general rule of thumb, if it’s more than about 25 years old, it’s time for a panel upgrade. Taking care of this replacement early on can prevent an expensive repair from a breaker that’s using more than its electrical capacity and has caught fire.

When a new person joins your household, it increases the overall demand for power, and that means it's a great time to consider whether a Cranberry Township panel upgrade might be necessary. That's true if you're welcoming an adult family member or friend into your home or if the person in question is a new baby who has just been born into the family.

Some people find it surprising that a baby could increase electrical demand enough to require an electrical panel upgrade in Cranberry Township, PA. They are small, and they won't be using electronic devices on their own—at least for a couple of years. But those years will go by very quickly, and caring for even newborn babies requires a surprising amount of resources, including electricity. You're probably working on some baby-proofing modifications before the big arrival anyway, so it makes sense to add an electrical panel upgrade to the list and give yourself the peace of mind that your electrical system is more than capable of meeting the increased demand for power.

If you are getting a new appliance that draws a lot of power or you have an electric vehicle and need a Level 2 charging station for fast charging, you will likely need a Cranberry Township panel upgrade. A 240-volt EV charger or another type of appliance with a high power draw could push your panel past its capacity. We can handle the upgrade for you and also take care of projects such as EV charger installation.

Which Types of Panels Do You Service With Cranberry Township Panel Upgrades?

You can rely on our team for any type of electrical panel upgrade in Cranberry Township, PA. That includes types such as:

• Main Breaker Panel: This main control center contains all the other electrical panels within your house. Its sole purpose is to regulate all the circuit breakers in your house, including your household’s overall electricity consumption.
• Main Lug Panel: The main lug panel does not include a main breaker but instead relies on a key line wire attached to an electrical connector known as a lug. This electrical panel has an independent disconnect, so in the case of a crisis such as a house fire, emergency personnel, including firefighters, can cut off the power to the building without entering it.
• Sub Panel: This is an electrical panel attached to the main breaker panel and branch circuits, and it acts as the middleman responsible for distributing power to different areas on your property.
• Transfer Switches: A transfer switch is another type of sub-panel that transitions portable generator power into electrical power for your use via the main breaker panel. If your home frequently experiences harsh weather patterns that can cause power outages, this panel is useful as a backup power generator that utilizes an alternative energy source, such as propane or natural gas. To install a generator for your household’s use, you must install a transfer switch to the main electrical panel. This allows you to easily switch the generator on or off in case of an emergency power outage.

One of the biggest culprits for your electrical panel going haywire and needing a Cranberry Township panel upgrade is malfunctioning circuit breakers. As a system of electrical circuits, these are in charge of cutting off the flow of electricity in case the circuits overheat from being overused, which can result in a hazardous electrical house fire.

• Overloads: If an electrical panel becomes overloaded, it’s technically supplying more electrical current than it’s rated for based on your excess demand. Because each of your circuit breakers is designed for a specific capacity, if you happen to run an appliance that devours energy in excess of the amps, it cannot accommodate the circuit will overload. If the circuit breaker(s) trips more often than not, you likely must opt for an electrical panel upgrade in Cranberry Township, PA.
• Short Circuits: A short circuit is a circumstance in which the electrical current flowing through a circuit discharges through a shortened pathway instead of following the original route through the circuit. As a result, this causes a short circuit. Sometimes a short circuit is due to faulty wiring, an old and damaged outlet, or loose box connections. A short circuit is more likely to occur if an appliance’s wiring is frayed or the plug outlet it’s connected to is faulty.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Surges: A GFCI outlet oversees the flow of the electrical current and also trips if it senses a power surge or some sort. Basically, GFCI’s sole purpose is to prevent electrical shock as it’s embedded into the outlet itself (as depicted by a “Test” and “Reset” button). GFCI outlets are more often than not found in moisture-prone areas of the house, especially the bathroom and kitchen areas, as there is a greater risk of electrocution. Normally, a GFCI outlet trips due to extra moisture in the receptacle box, an overloaded circuit, an electrical fault, or a glitchy GFCI outlet. Sometimes, the outlet itself can be repaired or replaced, but other situations require a Cranberry Township panel upgrade to resolve the issue.

Can You Lower Energy Costs With an Electrical Panel Upgrade in Cranberry Township, PA?

That depends on the age and condition of your current panel. If it’s giving off noticeable heat, you could have an issue with grounding or bonding that is causing it to draw more power than it really needs, and of course, that electrical usage is reflected in the amount you have to pay on your monthly utility bills. A panel upgrade will eliminate that problem, so you can increase your energy savings.

Whether you’re in Cranberry Township, PA, or a part of the surrounding area such as Allison Park, Butler, or Warrendale, you can rely on the same top-quality workmanship and excellent customer service from the licensed, professional electrician team at Mr. Electric of Cranberry Township. We have the skill and training to take care of all your electrical needs with expert services such as generator installation and electrical repair. Our service department knows that a wide range of electrical problems can happen, that’s why our experienced electricians are available for you.

Pick up the phone and get in contact with us to find out more about our services or to schedule service for a convenient appointment time based on your availability. Hear from our customer testimonials about the excellent service we provide!