Electrical Panel Upgrades in Lombard, IL

Professional Electrical Panel Upgrades You Can Count On

As homes age, so do their electrical systems, which can lead to various issues, including safety concerns and inefficiency. An electrical panel upgrade can ensure that your home is up-to-date and can meet your energy needs. Mr. Electric of Lombard provides professional electrical panel upgrade services to homeowners in Lombard, Glen Ellyn, and Addison, IL. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

How an Electrical Panel Works

In a home, the main electrical panel can be located in a utility room, closet, garage, or basement and is connected to the primary power line from the utility company through a power meter. The electrical panel is often painted gray for easy identification. It contains a series of numbered switches, which are circuit breakers that divide the primary power line into smaller branch lines. These switches correspond to the various outlets and devices in the house and have a specific capacity to handle electrical currents before tripping.

Signs You Need to Repair or Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

To ensure that your electrical panel is working properly, it's essential to have it inspected if it's been in use for over 25 years. Certain signs could indicate the need for electrical panel replacement or breaker box upgrade services, such as:

• You can hear crackling sounds from the electrical panel.
• Signs of corrosion or rust are visible on the circuit breakers.
• Your appliances run at less than full power or seem to struggle.
• Your home has a 60-amp or 100-amp electrical service that can't support some appliances, or you rely heavily on extension cords.
• Your home is older and still has outdated fuse block panels or split-bus panels.
• Circuit breakers frequently trip or fail to trip at all.
• Signs of fire, smoke, or melted wires are present near the electrical panel.

Electrical Panels That Need Replacement

It is crucial to contact an experienced service professional without delay if you have a faulty panel. Some defective panels to watch out for include:

• Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Electrical Panel – These panels were commonly installed in homes built between 1950 and 1980 and are considered dangerous due to design and manufacturing flaws that can result in fires and electric shocks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has identified this panel as a safety defect and recommends replacement with a new electrical panel.
• Zinsco Electrical Panel – Zinsco panels have a defective design that allows electricity to flow even when the breakers are switched off. This poses a risk of fire and electrical shock, and replacement with a new electrical panel is highly recommended.
• Pushmatic Electrical Panel – Over time, the breaker switches in Pushmatic electrical panels become challenging to reset and do not have a central breaker switch to cut off power to the entire panel, which can create safety hazards. Upgrading to a new electrical panel is recommended for better safety and functionality.
• Fuse Boxes – These are the oldest type of electrical panel, which can only handle 30-60 amps of power. Modern homes require at least 200 amps. Fuse boxes are risky for fire and electrocution, and they are often no longer serviceable with new fuses. It's best to replace them with a new electrical panel.

Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost

Upgrading an electrical panel is essential to ensure the safety and reliability of a property's electrical system. The three main factors that determine the cost of an electrical panel upgrade include:

• Geographical Location – Each Mr. Electric franchise determines pricing based on local factors.
• The Electrical Panel Upgrade Process – Replacing an old fuse box with a new electrical panel is generally more costly than installing a small secondary panel for a generator. The specific upgrade process required will impact the final cost.
• Site Circumstances – The cost may increase if changes need to be made to existing wiring, conduits, or installation site to safely replace the panel.

Contact Mr. Electric of Lombard Today

Upgrading your electrical panel is a wise investment that can improve the safety and reliability of your home's electrical system. At Mr. Electric of Lombard, we understand the importance of a properly functioning electrical panel and offer high-quality panel upgrades for homeowners in Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Addison, Villa Park, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Hinsdale, Elmhurst, Darien, Lisle, Westmont, and Bloomingdale, IL. Don't wait until an electrical emergency strikes. Contact us today to schedule an electrical panel upgrade and ensure the safety and reliability of your home's electrical system.