An electrical panel upgrade is a big job, requiring careful planning and execution. It's not something you can do yourself, and it's not something you want to trust just any electrician. This is a job for a professional.

Before you start, you need to understand what you're getting into. This project will involve some major changes to your home's electrical system, and it's important to be prepared. Continue reading to know more about finalizing an electrical panel upgrade.

Considerations for Electric Panel Upgrades

If you're thinking about upgrading your home's electrical panel, there are a few things you should keep in mind. For instance, there are the brand, system, and circuit breakers. Here's why:

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  Electric Panel Brand. There are many different brands of electric panels on the market. Certain brands, such as the Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electric Panels and Zinsco Electric Panels among many others, are considered outdated. It's important to choose a brand that is functional and compatible with your home's electrical system.
• Electric Panel System. A home's electric panel is part of a much larger system that includes the main electrical service, the distribution panel, and the individual circuits. It's important to make sure that the panel you choose is compatible with your home's existing system. Otherwise, you may end up with an electrical system that doesn't work properly.
• Circuit Breakers. It's key to consider the type of circuit breakers you need. The two main types of electric circuit breakers are standard and GFCI. Standard circuit breakers are the most common, designed to protect your home's electrical system from overloads. Meanwhile, GFCI circuit breakers are designed to protect against electrical shocks. 

Comparison of Electric Panel Upgrade and Replacement

If you're considering an electric panel upgrade or replacement, it's important to understand the difference between the two options. Both involve replacing the existing electrical panel, but an upgrade simply replaces the panel with a new one that is compatible with your home's current electrical system. A replacement completely swaps the existing electrical system with a new one.

The main difference between an upgrade and a replacement is the amount of work involved. An upgrade is typically less expensive and can be completed in a few hours, while a replacement can take several days and be quite costly.

Qualifications for Electric Panel Upgrade or Replacement

If your home is more than 20 years old, it's likely that the electrical system is outdated and needs to be replaced. Many homes built before the mid-1990s had electrical panels that are now considered unsafe. On top of that, if your electrical panel is showing signs of wear, such as rust or corrosion, it's also time for an upgrade.

The home's electrical system must be able to handle the new panel. This can be determined by an electrician. The property must also have the proper wiring for the new panel. This is usually not a problem, but the wiring may need to be replaced for older homes.

Conclusion

An electrical panel upgrade is a great way to better the overall safety and efficiency of your home. By upgrading to a newer panel, you'll be able to better protect your home from power surges and outages.

Looking for an electrician in Hampshire County, MA with a free estimate? B-Town Electric is a  local electrician that specializes in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical. Get in touch with us today!