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Electrical Panel Upgrades in Metairie, LA

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Say Goodbye to Overloaded Wiring

We don't often give too much thought to our electrical system. However, that means we're in for a surprise when something goes wrong. If too much electricity is demanded over a circuit, you're at risk for an overload that could, in the most severe cases, cause a fire. Your electrical panel has safeguards to prevent this from happening, but as your unit ages, it may have a hard time keeping up with the increased demand on the system. Luckily, Mr. Electric of North Shore and Metairie is here to help you avoid hazardous problems. Our team specializes in residential electrical panel upgrades to keep your lights, appliances, and HVAC systems up and running. If you live in Metairie, Covington, or Madisonville, LA, our services are available to you.

How Does an Electrical Panel Work?

The electrical panel is what connects your home with the main power line. The line attaches directly to the electrical panel, which disperses energy throughout your home. Inside the electrical panel, you'll find multiple switches, or circuit breakers. These breakers are what distribute power into smaller branch lines and connect to all outlets in your home. The switches should also tell you how many amps the line can carry before the breaker trips. 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.

Knowing When It's Time for an Upgrade

Just like an old air conditioner or freezer, your electrical panel can wear down over time. As your unit gets older, you may start to see a problem with frequently overloaded circuits. Breakers may trip often, or you might get a "shocking" surprise from an outlet. Here are a few ways to tell it's time for an electrical panel upgrade:

  • Crackling sounds coming from the panel
  • Corrosion or rust on the circuit breakers
  • The inside of the electrical panel feels warm
  • Appliances are no longer running on full power
  • Outlets are not GFCIs (especially around water sources)
  • You need multiple extension cords to plug everything in
  • Your home has 60-amp electrical service
  • Your home has 100-amp electrical service but still can't operate certain appliances
  • Your home has an outdated fuse block or split bus panel

Age Is More Than Just a Number

The general wisdom is to get a house electrical panel upgrade if your current unit is more than 25 years old. We recommend taking this advice seriously—an aging panel can cause multiple issues (and hazards) in your home. Plus, many panels installed before 1990 are proven unsafe. If you have one of these defective electrical panels, talk to Mr. Electric of North Shore and Metairie about a prompt replacement:

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Electrical Panel

This panel, often used in homes built between 1950 and 1980, has numerous design defects that increase the risk of electric shock and fire. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has classified the FPE as defective.

Zinsco Electrical Panel

Zinsco panels haven't been available since the mid-1970s, but some modern homes may still have the old panels installed. Their defective design allows power to flow—even when the breakers are turned off—allowing the switches to melt.

Pushmatic Electrical Panel

Pushmatic panels do not have a main breaker switch, making it impossible to stop power flow all at once. What's more, these panels have weak breaker switches and may get more difficult to reset over time.

Fuse Boxes

Fuse boxes are the oldest version of electrical panels. Most fuse boxes can only handle up to 60 amps of power, while the average home needs about 200 amps. Clearly, this type of panel is no longer adequate for the modern home. Fuse boxes also pose a massive fire and electrocution risk. Mr. Electric of North Shore and Metairie recommends getting this type of panel replaced as soon as possible.

Upgrading Electric Panels During a Renovation

Too often, upgrading electric panels goes overlooked during the renovation process. If you're planning a major home overhaul, don't forget to update your electrical. Our team can help you assess how much additional power you need and where you should add more outlets.

How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade?

Many homeowners are concerned about the cost of upgrading an electric panel. It's important to remember an investment into a modern electrical system is an investment in your safety. The benefits you'll get from a new electrical panel far outweigh the costs. We welcome you to request a quote for our services, and then we can discuss the scope of your project and current wiring conditions. With these factors in mind, our team will give you an accurate estimate.

To Repair or to Upgrade?

Not every electrical issue requires an upgrade or replacement. In some cases, our team can repair your existing electrical panel. We'll do a complete assessment of your unit and household energy demands and weigh the advantages of an upgrade. Our team can perform the following repairs, among others:

  • Circuit breaker replacement
  • Rewiring
  • Bus bar replacement
  • Electrical panel relocation

Invest in an Electrical Panel Upgrade Today

Your home's electrical system needs occasional upgrades to stay in top shape. Fortunately, the team at Mr. Electric of North Shore and Metairie is here to give you peace of mind that everything is working properly. Talk to our seasoned electricians about the appropriate upgrades for your Metairie home. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment.