Electrical Panel Upgrades
Signs You Need To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
If your panel is older or you’ve noticed electrical problems around your home, it might not be keeping up anymore. Here are some signs it’s time to take a closer look:
Most panels last about 25 to 40 years. If your home in Greenville or the surrounding area is older and still has the original panel, it’s likely time for an upgrade.
If breakers are tripping all the time, that’s your panel telling you it can’t keep up. Too much demand on one circuit causes it to shut down to prevent damage.
Older homes built before the 1960s may still have fuse panels. These aren’t as safe as modern breaker panels and should be replaced as soon as possible.
Rust inside or around your panel is a serious issue and can increase the risk of an electrical fire. If you see corrosion, it’s time to call.
If you’re relying on power strips all over the house, your panel might not be able to handle your electrical needs anymore.
A panel that feels hot or is giving off sparks is a major warning sign. This is a safety issue and needs immediate attention from a licensed electrician.
If lights flicker or dim when appliances kick on, your system is struggling to distribute power. In some cases, adding circuits helps, but often the better fix is a panel upgrade.
Adding square footage or installing new appliances increases your power demand. Older panels weren’t built for today’s usage, so upgrades are often necessary during renovations.
How To Choose The Right Electrical Panel
Picking the right panel depends on your home and how you use electricity. The goal is to match your system to your needs so everything runs safely and efficiently.
There are three main types of panels:
- Main breaker panels: They include a main breaker that can shut off power to the entire home.
- Main lug panels: Often used as secondary panels or in smaller spaces. They control individual circuits but don’t have a main shutoff.
- Subpanels: These connect to your main panel and help expand your system without replacing it entirely.
When deciding what’s right for your home, here are a few things to think about:
- Your home’s electrical load: How many lights, appliances, and devices are running every day? This determines how much amperage you need.
- Future renovation plans: If you’re planning upgrades or additions, you’ll wanna plan ahead so your new panel can support it.
- Safety features: Modern panels can include protections like GFCIs and AFCIs to reduce fire risk.
Not sure what you need? That’s fine. A Morris-Jenkins electrician will walk through everything with you and recommend the right setup for your home.
Contact Morris-Jenkins To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel Today
Ready to upgrade your electrical panel in Greenville, SC or nearby? Morris-Jenkins is here to help.
We handle indoor and outdoor panels and can usually get the job done in just a few hours. We’ll take care of permits, inspections, and coordination with the utility company so you don’t have to deal with any of it.
When you call or text Morris-Jenkins, you’ll always get a real local person. We’re here til midnight, and we don’t charge extra for evenings or weekends.
You deserve a home that WORKS, and we make it easy. When you need help upgrading your electrical panel the RIGHT way, Morris-Jenkins gets there faster and makes sure everything is safe and working great.