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An electric panel is an electric box that is made up of metal that contains your home’s breaker switches. Whenever a power surge is detected, the switches may turn off or trip. You can even turn off the switches manually to save your house from any electrical or fire hazards. Each switch inside the electrical panel controls the electrical current which is directed to a specific part of your house such as the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, etc. You may replace the electrical components, outlets, or wires regularly but an electrical panel might not be replaced regularly.
When do you need an Electrical Panel Replacement?
With people using more and more electrical devices these days and hence charging an incredible number of electrical devices is a real challenge. Therefore, an electrical panel upgrade or electrical panel replacement is necessary to keep your house safe from fire hazards.
Below are some of the reasons why an electrical panel replacement is necessary –
- In case of frayed wired, or rodent droppings you may need a panel replacement.
- Home improvement project needs to add large appliances and hence an electrical panel upgrade is necessary to support them.
- You may also need an electrical panel replacement if electrical outlets inside your house get damaged, run-down, or have two prongs.
- There are some cases like burning smell near outlets, warm wall plates, etc. which may lead to fire hazards. So if you observe these kinds of cases you must have a panel replacement immediately.
- To observe that your utility bills are unusually high then you must check your panel and get it replaced.
- Replacement is also very crucial if the circuit breakers trip very open and the panel feels hot to the touch.
Why Electric Panel Replacement is worthy?
Generally, you are always out of sight of your electric panel and you never know how your electric panel is doing until the circuit gets tripped when someone uses the heavy voltage electrical device.
As discussed before there are many indications to replace your electrical panel.
Some of the reasons why replacing your electrical panel are worth the cost are mentioned below-
1. You get an option to add more circuits and outlets
Electrical works not very cheap and easy. Hence while panel replacement you will get the opportunity to add on more outlets throughout the house which will provide you sufficient power to multiple rooms and appliances throughout your house. In this way, you get a huge amount of work done by saving money on labor cost.
2. It helps to keep your home safe
Studies say that electrical fires on one of the major causes of structural fires. In addition to this an old electric panel increase the risk of fire at home. Therefore, upgrading and replacing them will keep your house safe.
3. Consistent & efficient power supply
The need for electricity has increased over the few decades. To support all the electrical devices in the house you must need a consistent and efficient power supply which your old electric panels may fail to deliver, hence replacing electric panels may help you to get a consistent and efficient power supply and also lower energy bills.
Can you do the Electric Panel Replacement all by yourself?
Although there are certain risks of putting yourself under a DIY electric panel replacement, you can do it yourself by maintaining proper precautions. Following is some of the DIY tips for electric panel replacement at home.
1. Keep the essential tool free and start your work
The tools you may need include a rubber mat, plywood, insulated tools, a tester, cable connectors, etc.
2. Make sure you have a good lighting system available
Since you have to turn off the power of your house you need a good lighting system. Using a standalone battery-operated light may work.
3. Replace the circuit breaker by yourself
The most important task of replacing the panel is to replace the circuit breaker itself by turning the power off and disconnecting the wires from the original breaker. After this process is done, gently place the new breaker and inspect which are loose or creating a problem. The final step is to set all branch Circus to the ‘off’ position. This will prevent complications when you bring the circuit breaker back.
4. Try only if you know your job perfectly
Since electrical works are complicated hence it needs an expert is it perfect enough in doing those works then only you should try otherwise call a local electrician.
What can you expect from an Electric Panel Replacement specialist?
As discussed before electrical works need an expert, hence when there is a serious issue you need to call a replacement specialist. Although your replacement specialist is trained for this job there are a few things your ay need to expect from him.
1. Cost
Electrical panel replacement can be a bit expensive but there is also a budget that you need to spend while upgrading electric panels. The minimum amount you need to pay is $2000 for labor which excludes purchasing the parts for your repair. Also, you must be ready for some extra charges as they can be unexpected faults that can be discovered by the technician during the repair.
2. Inspection
once the replacement technician completes his job inspect the overall electric framework of the house. Start by searching for professional local electrician to start with, getting an inspection will help the technician look at the details of the framework and find out any faults that exist.
3. Protection
An electric panel the technician must also inspect the amperage safety limit of your house. You might not know that these safety limits are saving you and your house for a longer time when the use of electrical devices increases limits must also be increased.
What are the benefits of getting the electric panel fixed by a local electrician?
Since electrical works are complicated and hence it is advised to call a local electrician. The following are the advantages of calling a local electrician for your panel replacement.
- The experience and skill of a local electrician may help you to get your work done easily.
- Safety and protection come first in case of electric panel replacement and do his job maintaining all the safety precautions.
- Calling a local electrician at work may save you time and money.
- A local electrician will also point out other faults present in your electric circuit and this will save your house from hazards.
Conclusion
To keep your house safe from fire and electrical hazards it is very important to look after your electric panel at regular intervals of time. If you observe any kind of electrical faults mentioned in the above sections, you must call a technician or a local electrician to look after the issues. This will keep your house safe from hazards.
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