The electrical panel in your home or business is the heart of your electrical system, distributing power to all your appliances, lights, and devices. However, if your panel is outdated or faulty, it could be a safety hazard. Knowing how to upgrade your electrical panel is essential for ensuring your home or business remains safe and efficient.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the steps to upgrade an electrical panel and explore common problems with unsafe electrical panels, such as Zinsco, Federal Pacific Electric, Challenger, and outdated Pushmatic panels.
Why Should You Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
The electrical needs of homes and businesses have evolved over the years. Many older panels were not designed to handle today’s demand for power, leading to potential risks. Upgrading your electrical panel ensures that your property can safely manage the electrical load without the risk of overheating, short-circuiting, or even causing fires.
Common reasons to upgrade an electrical panel include:
- Increased Power Needs: If you’ve added new appliances or devices, your existing panel might not be able to support the extra load.
- Safety Concerns: Faulty or outdated electrical panels can be fire hazards.
- Home or Business Renovations: If you’re expanding your property, you’ll likely need more electrical capacity to handle the new space.
Unsafe Electrical Panels
Certain brands of electrical panels in older homes have been linked to safety issues over the years. If your home or business has any of the following panels, it may be time to consider a panel retrofit:
- Zinsco Panels
- Zinsco electrical panels were once popular in the 1960s and 1970s, but they have since been found to pose serious safety risks. The breakers in these panels can fail to trip during an overload, leading to overheating and potential fires. Because of this design flaw, electricians no longer recommend using Zinsco panels, and many property owners choose to replace them as a preventive measure.
- Federal Pacific Electric Panels
- Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels were commonly installed in homes from the 1950s to the 1980s. However, testing has shown that these panels can fail to function correctly when needed. The circuit breakers in FPE panels may not trip properly, allowing dangerous levels of electricity to flow through your home’s wiring. If your property still has one of these panels, it’s considered unsafe and should be upgraded immediately.
- Challenger Panels
- Challenger electrical panels were widely used in the 1980s and 1990s, but they have also been linked to safety concerns. The circuit breakers in these panels can overheat, leading to melted wires and a heightened risk of fire. If you have a Challenger panel, it’s worth having a professional electrician inspect it to determine if an upgrade is needed.
- Outdated Pushmatic Panels
- Pushmatic panels were used in homes built in the mid-20th century. While they were once considered reliable, their age now makes them a potential hazard. Pushmatic panels are known for having breakers that can become stiff or stuck over time, which may prevent them from working when necessary. Replacement parts for hese outdated panels are difficult to find, making upgrading a wise choice for improved safety.
How to Upgrade an Electrical Panel
Upgrading your electrical panel is a job that should always be handled by a licensed electrician. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:
- Assess Your Electrical Needs
- The first step is for the electrician you have hired to determine how much power your property needs. A professional electrician will evaluate your current panel’s capacity and decide if it can meet your energy requirements or if a larger panel is necessary.
- Turn Off the Power
- Before any work begins, the power to your home or business will be shut off at the main breaker. This ensures the safety of both the electrician and your property during the upgrade process.
- Remove the Old Panel
- The electrician will carefully remove your old electrical panel, making sure to disconnect all wiring and circuits safely. This is a delicate process, as improper removal can damage your electrical system.
- Install the New Panel
- The new electrical panel will be installed in place of the old one. Your electrician will connect all circuits and wiring to the new panel, ensuring everything is safely hooked up and ready to handle your electrical load.
- Test the System
- Once the new panel is installed, the electrician will test the system to make sure everything is working correctly. This step is crucial to ensure your home or business can handle its electrical needs safely.
- Obtain Permits and Inspections
- In most cases, upgrading your electrical panel requires a permit, and your local building department may need to inspect the work to ensure it meets its electrical codes and safety standards. A professional electrician will handle this process for you, ensuring all regulations are followed.
Benefits of a Panel Retrofit
A panel retrofit offers many advantages, especially if your property still has one of the unsafe electrical panels mentioned earlier. Here are some of the benefits:
- Increased Safety: Upgrading to a modern electrical panel reduces the risk of electrical fires and other hazards.
- Improved Efficiency: A new panel can handle higher electrical loads, making it more efficient and better suited for today’s power-hungry appliances.
- Higher Property Value: If you’re planning to sell your home or business, an updated electrical system can increase your property’s value.
Call CM Electric, Inc. for Your Panel Upgrade
Upgrading your electrical panel is essential for maintaining the safety and functionality of your home or business. At CM Electric, Inc., we specialize in providing high-quality residential, commercial, and new construction electrical panel services throughout the greater Chicago area.
Whether you need to replace an outdated panel or upgrade your electrical system for new appliances, our licensed electricians are here to help.
Contact CM Electric, Inc. today to schedule an inspection and ensure your electrical system is up to code and ready to handle your needs safely.
