Electrical Panel Installation Alexandria, LA
Electrical panel installation experts in Alexandria, LA can install or replace an electrical panel for homes or businesses with an underperforming service panel. For electrical panel installation in Alexandria, Louisiana, you need a team of professional Alexandria electrians you can trust. At Lombardi Electric, we provide reliable electrical panel installation, electrical panel replacement, and electrical panel repair services.
Don’t compromise on electrical safety – reach out to Lombardi Electric at 318-545-7575 today for a comprehensive and professional electrical panel upgrade or electrical panel installation in Alexandria, Louisiana.
What is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel, also known as a circuit breaker box or distribution board, is a crucial component in commercial electrical equipment and household electrical systems. It acts as the central hub that distributes electricity to various circuits throughout the structure. The electrical box houses circuit breakers or fuses, ensuring that each circuit receives the appropriate amount of electricity while safeguarding against overloads.
Benefits of an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Upgrading to a new electrical panel offers several benefits, including:
- Enhanced Safety: Modern electrical panels come equipped with advanced safety features, reducing the risk of electrical fires and other hazards.
- Increased Capacity: A new panel will be able to handle an increased electrical load, providing ample power for large electrical appliances and electrical devices.
- Energy Efficiency: An energy-efficient panel upgrade can lead to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills, which can offset the cost to replace an electrical panel.
- Improved Home Value: A new electrical panel enhances the overall value of your property, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
- Compliance with Building Codes and Regulations: Ensuring residential or commercial electrical equipment meets current codes is essential for safety and regulatory compliance.
- Reduced Maintenance: A new panel will require less maintenance, offering long-term reliability and peace of mind.
When to Get a New Electrical Panel in Louisiana
Understanding when it’s time to replace an electrical panel is crucial for maintaining the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system. Various signs indicate that electrical panel upgrades may be necessary. If your electrical panel is more than 25 to 40 years old, your circuit breaker frequently trips, or you still rely on fuses instead of circuit breakers, these are clear indicators it’s time for a new electrical panel installation.
Additionally, sparks, burning smells, or a steadily increasing electricity costs could signify potential issues with the existing panel. The Alexandria electrical panel installation experts at Lombardi Electric guide you through these warning signs and help you determine when it’s time to replace an electrical panel or breaker box in your home or business.
Old Electrical Panel
Your Electrical Panel Box is More Than 25 Years Old
As electrical panels age, they become more prone to wear and tear. If your panel is over 25 years old, it may not meet modern safety standards and could pose a potential hazard, creating the need for electrical panel installation.
You Have A Fuse Box Instead of Circuit Breaker Box
When looking at a fuse box vs. circuit breaker, fuse boxes are outdated and less convenient than circuit breakers. If your home or business still relies on a fuse box, a panel upgrade to a modern circuit breaker box is recommended for enhanced safety and efficiency.
High Energy Bills
An unexplained and gradual increase in your energy bill could be attributed to an inefficient electrical panel. The average cost of electricity in Louisiana is high enough, the last thing most homeowners need is an unnecessarily high energy bill too. For most, the cost to replace an electrical panel by opting for an energy efficient electrical panel upgrade can be much cheaper than longterm energy costs associated with your current home’s electrical panel.
You Plan to Sell Your House
Household electrical systems are important for buyers. So, electrical panel installation will enhance the market value of your property in most cases. A new electrical panel not only improves safety but also appeals to potential buyers.
Use of Power Strips
If you find yourself relying on multiple power strips and extension cords excessively, your electrical panel may lack the capacity to meet your power needs. An electrical panel installation to upgrade your home’s electrical panel increases available outlets and reduces fire hazard risks.
Inefficient Appliances
Older electrical panels may struggle to support modern, large electrical appliances. An electrical panel replacement ensures optimal performance and energy savings. If you’re wondering how to tell what appliances are using the most electricity, contact Lombardi Electric today.
Circuit Breakers Aren't Up to Code
Electrical panels than aren’t up to date with current building codes are risky. Before starting any electrical projects especially, look into an electrical panel installation for safety reasons.
Faulty Electrical Panel
Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
Frequent tripping of the circuit breaker indicates an electrical load the electrical panel pox cannot handle or faulty electrical work. If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s a clear sign that you may need an electrical panel replacement.
Your Electrical Panel Creates Sparks or Creates Burning Smells
Sparks or burning smells emanating from the main breaker panel are serious warning signs of potential fire hazards. Immediate attention and a panel replacement are necessary to mitigate the risk.
Your Lights Flicker or Dim
Flickering or dimming lights indicate voltage fluctuations, which can be a result of an inadequate service panel (If you know how to use a voltage tester or how to test an outlet with a multimeter, you can check using those tools) . An electrical service upgrade ensures a stable power supply, preventing such issues.
Your Outlets Create Buzzing or Crackling Sounds
Unusual sounds from outlets could signal loose or damaged circuit wire within the electrical panel. A quick electrical service upgrade is crucial to prevent electrical fires.
Your Main Panel Was Manufactured by Zinsco or Federal Pacific Electric Panel
If you have a Zinsco or Federal Pacific Electric panel, it may be time for electrical panel replacement, as these electrical panels have known safety issues and are considered outdated. An electrical panel replacement is highly recommended to avoid potential fire hazard.
How to Upgrade Electrical Panel
Electrical panel replacing DIYs may be inticing for those struggling with the cost to replace an electrical panel. While this can help you save money, generally speaking, the associated risks of a DIY electrical panel installation is not worth the reward.
Electrical panel installation is a complex process that requires expertise and knowledge of the businesse’s or home’s electrical system. Attempting a DIY electrical panel installation can lead to serious safety hazards and against local building codes. It is highly recommended to hire a licensed and experienced Alexandria electrician at Lombardi Electric to ensure a safe and compliant electrical panel installation.
Cost to Replace Electrical Panel in Alexandria, LA
Determining the cost to replace an electrical panel depends on various factors such as property size, required ampacity, electrical panel installation complexity, labor costs and any additional electrical work.
Electrical panel costs associated with installing outdoor electrical panels – or moving an indoor panel outdoors – can fluctuate as well.
Typically, the cost to replace or upgrade an electrical panel varies between $300 and $5,000. For a precise and tailored electrical panel cost breakdown for installing a new breaker panel, you should schedule a consultation with Lombardi Electric, your dependable Alexandria electricians.
During the consultation, our Alexandria electrical panel installation experts will assess your specific needs and give you a competitive quote for a new circuit breaker panel, ensuring transparency and accuracy in estimating the part and labor costs associated with your electrical panel installation.
Electrical Panel Costs By Parts
Understanding the breakdown of your electrical panel cost can help you make informed decisions and even save money. The main components contributing to the overall cost of electrical panel installation include:
Electric Meter Box Cost
Replacing an electric meter box typically incurs several costs, including the price of the new meter box itself, any necessary permits or inspections required by local regulations and building codes, labor costs for installation by a licensed electrician, and any additional materials or equipment needed for the installation, such as wiring or mounting hardware. Costs for replacing an electric meter box may vary but average around $200 to $600, depending on factors such as the complexity of the installation, the type of meter box being replaced, and the location of the property.
Cost to Replace Circuit Breaker Box
The average cost to replace a breaker box is around $1,500 to $2,000. A low-amp circuit breaker costs anywhere from $500 to $1,000, while a 200-amp circuit breaker panel installation upgrade runs up to $4,000. The total cost to replace a circuit breaker box depends on the type of home, the number of circuits, and the amperage.
Electrical Panel Cost: Cost to Replace or Upgrade Electrical Panel
The typical cost to replace an electrical panel is anywhere from $875 to $1,300 for 100 amps, or $1,200 to $1,800 if your property needs a new service panel. For 200 amps, the cost averages around $1,300 to $2,750, or $2,225 to $4,200 for 400 amps.
Electrical panel replacing typically takes anywhere from 7-11 hours. This includes 200-amp capability, a new electrical panel with main breaker and ten circuit breakers, labor, and all required materials.
Cost To Replace Fuse Box with Breaker Panel
The average total cost of replacing a fuse box with a breaker panel is anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the capacity that the new breaker panel can handle. We recommend a new breaker box installation over a fuse box for the following reasons:
- A circuit breaker panel is more convenient. If the electrical circuit trips the circuit breaker switch, you just flip the switch back on. When fuses go out, you must replace them.
- Older fuse boxes weren’t intended to handle our current electrical load requirements.
- Fuse boxes pose a greater risk of fire.
- Many current fuse box options can’t deliver a 220V circuit.
Cost to Replace a Circuit Breaker Switch or Fuse
The cost replace a circuit breaker switch is around $150 to $275. Fuses can cost anywhere from $5-$40, depending on the type.
Cost to Replace Main Electrical Panel
Replacing the main breaker costs between $80 to $300. The main breaker shuts off electricity to the property in one quick move.
If one of the other smaller circuit breakers doesn’t trip when it should, the main circuit breaker will trip. The main breaker will also trip with significant surges of electricity, like lightning. The more the main panel trips, the sooner it will need to be replaced. If you notice them tripping regularly, you might look into getting them replaced or upgrading your main breaker panel box.
Cost to Move an Indoor Panel Outdoors
To move an electrical panel, this costs anywhere from $850 to $4,500. If the panel needs to be brought up to current building codes, this cost could increase. Electrical box placement is guided by the National Electric Codes.
This electrical box is typically located outside, where the electricity enters, for easier access in event of an emergency. Many property owners are moving their old electrical panel box outside for this very reason.
Cost For AFCI vs. GFCI Breakers
AFCI, CAFCI, and GFCI breakers cost at least five times more than standard trip breakers. Professional installation for AFCI, GFCI or dual-function circuit breakers and outlets typically costs $140-$200.
What is a GFCI outlet or AFCI outlet?
- Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) – Arc fault connection interrupters detect heat that occurs due to arcing. This can happen with chewed wires or overheating appliances. The AFCI breaker replaces the regular circuit breaker in the electrical panel.
- Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) – This is required whenever water is nearby, shutting things down when water gets too close.
How Long Does it Take to Replace an Electrical Panel?
The duration of electrical panel installation varies based on factors such as the complexity of the project, the size of the property, and any unforeseen challenges. A typical electrical panel installation may take one to two days, but the Alexandria electricians at Lombardi Electric can provide a detailed timeline based on a thorough assessment of your specific requirements.
Electrical Panel Installation Services in Alexandria, LA
If you find yourself in need of an electrical panel installation or replacement, look no further than Lombardi Electric. Serving the Alexandria, LA area with excellence, Lombardi Electric is your go-to partner for top-notch Alexandria residential electrical services, Alexandria commercial electrical services, and Alexandria industrial electrical services. Whether you’ve noticed signs such as flickering lights, frequent circuit breaker tripping, or you’re planning to sell your house, Lombardi Electric has the expertise to guide you through the electrical panel installation process.
Don’t compromise on the heart of your electrical system – call the best local electrical company today at 318-545-7575 for a reliable, efficient, and professional electrical panel installation.
