Your electrical panel serves as the nerve center for all electricity in your home. Because it contains circuit breakers, it may also be referred to as a breaker box. Replacing or upgrading your electrical panel can allow you to enjoy uninterrupted entertainment and use of appliances inside your Orlando home. Understanding the criteria used to select a properly sized electrical panel will help you make the most appropriate decisions for your home and your family.
Some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right electrical panel for your home are listed here:
- Amperage
- Type of electrical panel
- Number of circuits
- Safety features
- Future expansions
- Manufacturer reputation
- Reliable installation team
Working with a professional electrician can help you to navigate your electrical panel replacement or new installation much more easily. Asking these seven questions can ensure that you receive the best guidance and support throughout the process.
What Amperage Is Right for Your Home?
The size of your electrical panel is usually defined in terms of amperage, which is the rate at which electrical current flows through the panel and wiring. Higher amperage ratings allow more current to enter your home to power appliances and other devices. This can allow you to operate multiple devices at the same time.
In older homes, 60-amp service panels are relatively common. The smaller capacity of these panels, however, may not meet modern needs for electricity. A 100-ampere electrical panel is the minimum size required by the National Electric Code. If you have central air conditioning and other large appliances, a 150-amp or 200-amp service panel may be a better choice for your Orlando home. Electrical panels are available in sizes ranging up to 400 amps for residential installations.
What Type of Electrical Panel Do You Need?
To decide on the correct type of electrical panel, you should look at the panel that is currently providing electricity to your home. Main breaker panels include a main circuit breaker as well as other circuit breakers, which can allow you to turn off power to your entire home quickly and effectively. Main lug panels, by contrast, do not include a main circuit breaker and are most used as subpanels to supply electricity to specific areas. Fuse boxes are an older solution for managing electrical flow and should be replaced by a modern electrical panel for safety and stability. Finally, subpanels are connected to main electrical panels to deliver electricity to new additions to your home or to specific areas where more electrical power is necessary.
How Many Circuits Make Sense for You?
Breaking down your electrical load by individual circuit can provide you with insights into your home’s electrical needs. Working with an experienced electrician can also allow you to enjoy the benefits of experience and proven knowledge to decide on the right number and configuration of circuits for your home in Orlando, Florida.
What Safety Features Are Included?
Modern electrical panels typically include important safety features, including the following:
- Arc fault circuit interrupters can prevent some electrical fires by shutting off the panel when an arc fault is detected.
- Surge protection is recommended if you have delicate electronics or other devices that could be damaged by an electrical current surge affecting your entire home.
- Modern circuit breakers provide protection against power surges on specific electrical circuits within your home.
- Clear and easy-to-read labels can ensure that you know which breakers to shut off during maintenance or in an emergency.
Can the Electrical Panel Be Upgraded Later?
Expansion slots for additional circuits can provide you with greater flexibility as your electrical needs change. Added slots can make it much easier to expand your electrical service without replacing your panel. This can save you time and money over the life of your new electrical panel and can provide you with greater peace of mind when planning an addition to your home or managing your electrical needs in the future.
Is the Manufacturer Reputable and Reliable?
Performing a little due diligence can help you find the types of warranties available for your new electrical panel. You can also look at reviews for the type of electrical panel you are considering and the manufacturer of that panel. Not all panels are available in all locations. Working with a trusted local electrician can help you decide which manufacturer and panel are right for you.
How Can I Choose the Right Installation Team?
Professional installation is required for most electrical panel replacements or initial installs. Finding a dependable company with a reputation for quality work and on-time arrival can be challenging. Some of the most important characteristics to look for when choosing a local electrician include the following:
- Transparent pricing to help you avoid sticker shock for repairs and replacements
- A 100-percent satisfaction guarantee
- A good reputation and complimentary reviews from customers
- Emergency services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
At Mister Sparky Orlando, we offer electrical panel design and replacement to help you manage your home’s electric needs safely and efficiently. Our skilled and knowledgeable electricians arrive on time to deliver the best services and the right solutions for all your current and future service, maintenance, repair and replacement needs. We have built our reputation on fair pricing, reliable work and service after the sale. Call us today at 321-300-1952 or visit us online to schedule an appointment with our team. At Mister Sparky, we are always here to serve you.