Upgrading your electrical panel isn't as simple as scheduling a job with an electrician, though. You need to think about the other items in your home that are powered by electricity.

If you have upgraded your home's electrical panel in the past, you have experience in the matter. Still, you might find yourself embarrassed when something goes wrong.

Keep reading below to find everything you need to know about electrical panel upgrades.

1. Anticipating Cost and Time for Electrical Panel Upgrades

Upgrading an electrical panel can be expensive and time-consuming. One shocking thing to know about electrical panel upgrades is that if your current panel does not comply with current safety standards. An electrical general contractor can help to determine the extent of the upgrade needed and will be able to provide an estimate of the cost and time involved.

2. Know If Your Home Needs an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Power surges caused by storms or overloading can lead to costly damage to a home's electrical wiring and appliances. While some homes may have all the circuits they need, many older, over-packed fuse boxes are unable to meet the demands of today's electronics. Constant tripping of the circuit breakers, flickering lights and the smell of burning plastic could all be signs that your electrical panel needs an upgrade.

3. The Dangers of Outdated Electrical Panels

One of the most shocking things to know about electrical panel upgrades is that the wiring can become frayed or exposed. Additionally, the fuse box and circuit breakers, which are used to isolate power source circuits when too much electricity is running, may not be as effective in older systems. When these components are outdated and unable to respond quickly, they can pose a fire hazard.

4. Comparing Electrical Panel Upgrades in Different Ontarian Cities

In Toronto, fewer than 10 percent of homes built before the mid-1950s are equipped with an electrical panel that is considered safe by today's standards. Over 32 percent of homes built before the mid-1970s have panels that do not meet minimum standards and need to be upgraded. In Ottawa, about one-third of the residential homes and buildings are over 40 years old, and most of them do not have the right size of electrical panels and configurations.

5. Gaining Insight into Necessary Permits and Licensing

Depending on the panel and the region, there could be a variety of additional requirements that need to be met. In some cases, a local inspector may need to be hired to perform an inspection to ensure the panel is up to code. Beyond the paperwork and potential inspections, the upgrader may need to be licensed or certified in the same region to make sure that all the components used in the panel have been properly installed.

6. Understanding The Professional Installation Process

After the installation, if you are having a technician come out you must ensure that the panel is grounded correctly to ensure a safe installation. Furthermore, you may also want to install ground fault circuit interrupters to protect everyone in the home in case of an electrical shock.

Essential Facts About Electrical Panel Upgrades

Electrical panel upgrades are a necessity to keep your home safe and running. Don't be shocked if you need to upgrade your electrical panel soon! Contact a licensed professional electrician in your area today to make sure you've got the essentials covered.

Your electricity is important to you, so your electrical panel must be very important to you too. If not, we invite you to check out some of the other articles on our blog right now.