Do you know that gray box in your garage or basement that keeps all your lights and appliances running? We’re talking about your electrical panel. Think of it as your home’s electrical command center. And just like you wouldn’t want to run the latest iPhone apps on a 10-year-old phone, you don’t want to power your modern home with an outdated electrical panel.
These days, we’re running way more gadgets than homes did even 20 years ago (from smart home devices to electric car chargers). However, many older panels were not built to handle these energy demands. That is why you need to be aware of upgrading your home’s electrical panel to maintain the safety and capability of your power system.
If you’re curious how long it takes to replace an electrical panel, we are breaking everything down for you. When you need help upgrading yours, our Service Minds Mister Sparky team can deliver exceptional and timely panel replacement services in the Orlando area.
How to Know If Your Electrical Panel Needs Upgrading
We hear you ask. Electrical panels typically last about 25 years, but your household’s energy needs or the panel’s condition may require an upgrade sooner. Here are some signs to consider:
Capacity Limitations
Is your panel older than your favorite 90s sitcom? Older panels, such as those with 60-amp capacity, often struggle to support today’s energy needs. Modern homes usually require 100-amp or 200-amp panels to support appliances like central air conditioning, EV chargers, and extra microwaves.
Performance Problems
Are your lights doing a disco dance (flickering) when you run the microwave? Does your breaker trip every time you run the AC and dishwasher together? If you’re nodding along, it might be time for an upgrade.
Frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or dimming when multiple appliances run are signs of an overburdened panel. If you spot other issues, such as overheating, rust, or unusual noises, this suggests more serious problems.
Future Needs
If you’re planning to renovate your home or install new appliances, we recommend upgrading your panel to provide extra circuits for the reliable operation of your electrical system.
When you spot these signs early, it helps prevent further problems and keeps your home’s electrical system running beautifully.
Timeline to Replace an Electrical Panel
The time you need to replace an electrical panel depends on factors like the size of your panel, the condition of your existing wiring, and the scope of the work. Think of it like a heart transplant for your house. You need to get it right!
Typical Duration
Timeline-wise, it’s usually a 4-8 hour job with two electricians (or 2-4 days with one electrician). However, this can vary depending on your setup.
Additional Factors
- Damaged Wiring: If your current wiring is in poor condition, add extra time to the project for repairs or rewiring.
- Larger Panels or Homes: If your property has more circuits or extensive electrical systems, this requires extra work.
- Panel Relocation: Moving a panel to a different location in your home, such as from inside to outside, increases the complexity and length of the job.
After the installation, be prepared for inspections and reconnection by your utility provider. These steps are usually completed on the same day, but scheduling delays occasionally happen.
Can You Upgrade or Replace an Electrical Panel on Your Own?
Now, about the upgrade process itself, we won’t sugar-coat it. This isn’t a DIY weekend project. In fact, please don’t try this yourself! It’s extremely dangerous. Here’s what you can expect:
Permits and Regulations
Here is the deal: electrical panel replacements require permits. Also, municipal inspectors must approve the final work to verify that it complies with safety codes. You don’t want to skip this step, which can result in penalties..
Safety Concerns
We can’t stress enough that someone can be seriously injury or even die when handling (or mishandling) electrical work, especially live electrical components. Incorrect installation also poses a fire risk, endangering your home and family.
Code Compliance
We’ve seen time and again that when unlicensed individuals complete this type of work, they often fail to meet local and national codes. Ultimately, this leads to potential fines and complications during property sales.
You’ll want a licensed electrician to do the job properly, reducing risks and avoiding unnecessary complications.
Efficient Panel Replacement Process with Service Minds
If you’re in Orlando, our team at Service Minds Mister Sparky can handle this for you. We’ve got it down to a science, following a streamlined process.
Here’s how it works:
- Assessment: First, our electricians check out your current setup and figure out what you need.
- Preparation: We gather all our tools and materials (no running back to the store mid-job!). Let’s keep the process efficient.
- Replacement: Next comes the actual swap: out with the old, in with the new. We safely remove the old panel to install the new one. We also reconnect the circuits.
- Testing: We inspect the newly installed panel and test everything thoroughly for proper function and safety.
- Clean-Up: Finally, we clean up after ourselves, tidying the workspace and leaving your home in excellent condition.
The best part? We can usually get your power back up and running the same day. No cold showers or spoiled food! Seriously, we keep interruptions to a minimum.
A Seamless Way Replace an Electrical Panel
Today’s energy-hungry homes require a modern panel that typically handles 100 or 200 amps. Compare that to old 60-amp panels that barely have enough juice to run your basic appliances. That’s why you need a timely upgrade if your home has outdated systems or increasing power demands.
Although the time it takes to replace an electrical panel depends on the size of the project, the number of electricians involved, and any additional repairs, we never recommend DIYing this work. Always get the help of a licensed and insured pro to comply with electrical codes, guarantee safety, and avoid damages.
And if you’re ready to bring your home’s electrical system into the 2020s, Service Minds Mister Sparky offers dependable panel replacement services in Orlando. Don’t put up with malarky! We deliver timely and reliable solutions and can help you figure out what’s best for your home.