Electric Panel Upgrades in Omaha, NE & Surrounding Areas

Upgrade Your Electrical Panel Today With Our Expertise

Your electrical panel is responsible for regulating the electricity that flows through your home or business. When there is an influx in electricity on a circuit, the circuit breaker trips within the electrical panel to prevent the electricity from overloading the wiring. Overloads are hazardous occurrences and can result in electrical fires. Your electrical panel plays a vital role in protecting your property and the people inside. As homes age, so do their electrical panels, which leads to the electrical panel being unable to keep up with the demands of the electrical system. When this arises, Mr. Electric of Omaha is here to offer reliable electrical panel upgrades that reduce the risk of hazardous situations and enhance the function of your electrical system. We extend our electrical panel upgrade services to customers in Omaha, Bennington, Boys Town, Douglas County, Ralston, Bellevue, and Green Meadows, NE.

Understanding the Function of Electrical Panels

Electric companies supply a main power line that connects to power meters on residential properties. This line extends into your electrical panel within your home, which is typically located in areas such as the utility room, garage, basement, or closet. Inside the electrical panel there are a series of switches, the circuit breakers that break the main power line into smaller branches. Some rows of switches are tripled or doubled together, as these are responsible for functioning appliances that demand more electricity. In the door of the electrical panel there is generally a label that explains each of the outlet and appliance switch locations by number. Additionally, the switches are numbered to let you know the amp capacity of each branch line. The electrical panel is also equipped with a main breaker that can be used to shut off the power of the entire system.

Signs Your Electrical Panel Is Not Working Properly

Electrical panels can malfunction, and when they do, the cause is often related to overloaded circuits. Signs may include flickering lights or the need to shut off appliances when using another device plugged into the same circuit. If the panel is not working properly, the breakers will trip, or they may fail to trip which can lead to someone being shocked. In severe cases of electrical panel malfunction, a breaker may fail to trip and result in an electrical fire or melted, burnt wires from overheating.

The Importance of Inspecting Your Electrical Panel

It’s essential to inspect your electrical panel for proper function, especially if it is over 25 years old. There are several signs to look for when trying to determine whether your electrical panel needs to be updated, such as:

• Crackling noises
• Rust and corrosion on the circuit breakers
• The inside of the electrical panel is warm or hot
• Appliances are not performing with full power
• Outlets surrounding water sources, such as the bathtub, dishwasher, or sinks are not GFCIs
• You need to use extension cords
• Your home has a 60-amp electrical service
• Your home has a 100-amp electrical service but cannot operate certain appliances
• Your home has a fuse block or split-bus panel, without a main breaker

Insufficient Electrical Panels

If your home’s electrical panel is over 25 years old, it may be equipped with a faulty electrical panel that is known to cause safety risks. Here are some of the electrical panels you should look out for to have them upgraded before they become a problem:

• Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Electrical Panel: These are deemed by the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission as having a safety defect that causes fires and shocks.
• Zinsco Electrical Panel: These panels have a safety defect that enables power to circulate even if the breakers are shut off. Furthermore, they are known to cause melting breakers and have a higher risk of fire and shock.
• Pushmatic Electrical Panel: These panels have weak switches that become difficult to reset. They also do not include a main breaker switch.
• Fuse Boxes: Fuse boxes are the most dated type of electrical panel, offering only 30-60-amps. They are no longer manufactured as they are a significant safety risk, prone to causing fires and electrocution.

If you identify any of the above electrical panels or a fuse box in your home, it’s crucial to contact Mr. Electric of Omaha to have a modern, fully functional, and safe electrical panel installed immediately.

The Cost to Upgrade Electrical Panels to 200 Amps

The cost to upgrade electrical panels to 200 amps will vary depending on location and project complexity. If you are switching an old fuse box to a new electrical panel, it will be more costly than simply adding a smaller secondary panel to a generator. Additionally, if your electrical panel install requires work or upgrades to your wiring or conduits to ensure the area is safe and effective, the electrical panel upgrade cost will increase.

Electrical Panel Upgrades vs. Repairs

In some instances, you may be able to have your electrical panel repaired rather than upgraded. Our electricians will be able to determine whether your panel is eligible for repair once they’ve thoroughly inspected your system and household energy consumption. The age of your electrical panel and its reliability and safety play a role in whether it can be repaired. Electrical panel repairs include the following solutions:

• Replacing circuit breakers
• Installing or upgrading existing circuit breakers
• Electrical panel rewiring
• Replacing the bus bar
• Electrical panel relocating

Renovations and Electrical Panels

It’s important to consider upgrading an electrical panel when planning major renovations in your home. This means you must determine how much additional electricity you will need to power your new addition. If you are adding a new room, remodeling a kitchen, or adding major appliances, including air conditioning, heating, double ovens, hot tubs, or outdoor lighting, you may need an upgraded electrical panel to accommodate these new fixtures. In some cases, you may have to add in 240-volt circuits, a sub-panel for a generator, or outlets to a wall to supply power in the safest and most reliable manner to the newest addition in your home.

Keep Your Home Safe With Mr. Electric of Omaha

If you are unsure of the safety, reliability, or function of your current electrical panel, your home is currently equipped with an unsafe or dated panel, or you are planning a new home renovation project, Mr. Electric of Omaha is here to simplify your electrical needs. Our trusted electrical panel services in in Omaha, NE add value and security to your home with ease. Contact our friendly team today to request your estimate.