Home Electrical Panel Replacement

You might want to be thinking about an electrical panel replacement if you are purchasing an older home or living in a home with old, outdated wiring such as knob and tube wiring.

Cosmetic changes are usually considered first, such as lighting upgrades. However, depending on the age of your home, it may be prudent to also consider wiring upgrades as well as an electrical panel upgrade.

Modern electrical demands are high so be sure your home’s wiring, and electrical panel are safe, reliable, and up to the demands put on them. We do recommend that you have an electrician do an electrical inspection every 4 or 5 years as part of your regular home maintenance.

If you have to move your electrical panel for any reason, this is also a good time to consider an electrical panel replacement.

 

Warning Signs to Watch Out For

As with anything, your electrical panel and circuit breakers all have a lifespan. If they are aging, they may not be up to code and they may pose a higher risk for electrical problems or even fires. Best to replace them rather than move them.

Replacing your old electrical panel may also be necessary if you are experiencing any of the following conditions:

• Electrical Panel feels warm
• Panel wires are exposed or showing signs of wear
• Noticeable burning odours or visible burn marks on the panel
• Lights that always dim or flicker for no apparent reason (or when another appliance kicks in)
• Breakers that consistently trip (usually caused by power surges)
• Breakers that won’t reset (could be a sign that the electrical demands are too high)
• Your existing panel has already undergone multiple repairs

Sometimes, simply replacing a faulty circuit breaker is enough but don’t rule out an electrical panel replacement until the problem has been properly assessed by your electrician.

Benefits of Electrical Panel Replacement

The advantages of replacing your electrical panel are numerous:

• With an upgrade, your home will have more power
• Your electrical system will be much safer, run more efficiently, and be up to code
• High efficiency can mean lower electrical bills (upgrading to high-efficiency appliances will also help)
• Replacing your electrical panel can help Increase the value of your home
• Panel upgrades usually include room for future expansion of your electrical system

Modern electrical panels are also necessary if your home has GFCI outlets installed or you are considering a hot tub installation.

Types of Electrical Panel Upgrades

If your home still has a fuse box, then it is definitely time to upgrade to a modern electrical panel. When you hire an electrician, he or she will assess the type of electrical panel you need according to the Canadian Electrical Code.  The electrician will take into account the size of your home and your home’s electrical demands.

The cost to replace an electrical panel can be anywhere from $500 on the low end to upwards of $2000, depending on the circuit breaker panel size and the number of circuits your home needs:

• 100-150-amp electrical panel is most common
• 200-amp electrical panel will be necessary for larger homes
• 400-amp upgrade are also possible

What to Expect During An Electrical Panel Replacement

It will be necessary to turn off your home’s power when replacing the electrical panel. All electronics should be unplugged and not reconnected until the electrical panel has been replaced and the power has been turned back on.

Most electrical panel replacements can be completed on the same day as your appointment.

About Premium Electric

Premium Electric offers both commercial and residential electrical services to clients throughout the Vancouver Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.

We can  help if you need a licensed electrician in Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge, Poco/ Coquitlam, or Burnaby. 

All work completed on electrical installations and repair is guaranteed. To learn more or to inquire about an electrical panel replacement, please send us an email or use our online contact form.

We can also be reached at 604-308-6195.

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