Electrical Panel Upgrade Alexandria, LA
What is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel, also known as a circuit breaker panel or fuse box, is the central hub of your electrical system. This main panel distributes electricity throughout your home or business, ensuring that all your electrical outlets receive the necessary power to function efficiently. The breaker panel contains circuit breaker switches or a fuse box that protects your electrical circuits from overloading, preventing potential hazards.
Benefits of an Electrical Panel Upgrade
When you upgrade your electrical panel, you’ll experience the following:
- Enhanced Safety: A modern electrical panel reduces the risk of electrical fires, shocks, and other hazards, ensuring the safety of your property and its occupants.
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Newer electrical panels are designed to be more energy-efficient, helping you reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills.
- Expanded Capacity: When you upgrade your electrical panel, your new panel will be able to accommodate additional circuits. This lets you use newer appliances and technologies without overloading the system.
- Improved Home Value: Upgrade electrical panel systems to increase the overall value and marketability of your property.
- Compliance with Electrical Codes: An electrical panel replacement ensures compliance with current electrical codes, preventing legal issues and potential fines, electrical fires, and fire hazards.
Common Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Electrical Panel
There are a few obvious signs that point to needing an electrical panel replacement. Here are the most common signs it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel:
Old Electrical Panel
Your Electrical Panel Box is More Than 25 Years Old
A home that is several decades old often has an old panel that may no longer meet current safety standards or adequately support modern electrical loads. A new box can improve safety and functionality.
You Have A Fuse Box Instead of a Circuit Breaker Box
When looking at a fuse box vs. circuit breaker, fuse boxes are outdated and less convenient. If your property still relies on a fuse box rather than circuit breaker switches, it’s one of the more obvious signs that your old panel is outdated. Replacing fuse boxes with circuit breakers is the best option for both safety and optimal electrical function.
High Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed additional costs related to the cost of electricity in Louisiana, such as a sudden increase in electric bills without a corresponding increase in electricity usage may mean that your home’s electrical panel is inefficient. Replacing your electrical panel with a more energy-efficient panel can save money in the long run.
You Plan to Sell Your House
If you’re planning to sell your home, upgrading your household electrical systems can increase its value and appeal to potential buyers. It assures them that the property’s or home’s electrical system is up-to-date and safe.
Use of Power Strips
If you find yourself using power strips and extension cords excessively to accommodate your electrical needs, it’s a sign that your current electrical panel is insufficient. Replacing your electrical panel can provide additional outlets and reduce reliance on power strips.
Inefficient Appliances
Our modern, large electrical appliances require a stable and efficient electrical supply. If your appliances are not functioning optimally with your existing electrical panel or you’re constantly trying to figure out which appliances use the most electricity, it may be time to upgrade electrical panel options to improve overall performance.
Circuit Breakers Aren't Up to Code
Changes in electrical code requirements may necessitate an upgrade to bring your main breaker box up to current standards. Improper installation and non-compliance with electrical codes can pose safety, legal, and electrical issues, necessitating new panel upgrades.
Faulty Electrical Panel
Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, this is one of the common signs that your electrical panel is struggling to handle the electrical load (or improper installation). Upgrading to a higher-capacity panel can prevent overloaded circuits and reduce disruptions in your home.
Your Electrical Panel Creates Sparks or Smells like Burning Plastic
If you see sparks or smell burning plastic, or a distinct burning smell, this is one of the most common signs of overheating from the main breaker panel. Sparks and a burning smell are issues that require immediate attention or a professional electrician and an electrical panel replacement from Alexandria’s local electrical company – Lombardi Electric.
Lights Flicker or Dim
If you notice your lights flicker or dim, especially when using high-demand appliances, it can be a sign that there’s too much power drawn from a single circuit, and it cannot handle the current electrical load. (For those who understand how to use a voltage tester or how to test an outlet with a multimeter, you can check using those tools.) This is commonly seen when one circuit is responsible for a garbage disposal and dishwasher in older homes. When you upgrade electrical panel systems to a brand new panel or a larger panel with a higher capacity, you can ensure your lights flicker less or stop altogether.
Outlets Create Buzzing or Crackling Sounds
If you hear crackling sounds or buzzing sounds coming from electrical outlets, they are indicative of loose connections or other electrical problems. If you upgrade your electrical panel to a new panel, this can address these issues and prevent potential electrical fires.
Your Main Panel Was Manufactured by Zinsco or Federal Pacific Electric Panel
Electrical panels and circuit breaker switches manufactured by Zinsco or Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) have known safety issues and should be replaced immediately because these panels have been linked to electrical fires.
If your existing panel is a fire hazard, it’s time to call Lombardi Electric and schedule an electrical panel replacement.
Electrical Panel Sizes
The cost to upgrade your electrical panel hinges on how much power you use in your home or business. For a standard 120/240-volt system, the required power is gauged by the amperage draw of your home’s circuits. Several factors, such as the size of your home and how much power is used—known as the electrical load—will guide the choice of amperage for your new panel. While online electrical panel cost calculator options can provide a rough estimate for non-electricians, a precise assessment necessitates a home visit by a professional electrician.
Since 2015, newly constructed homes typically include a 200-amp service. For smaller homes or those without significant electrical appliances like an HVAC system or water heater, for example, a 100-amp panel may suffice. However, a larger panel with a 400-amp-upgrade electrical panel is generally unnecessary unless you own a large home or operate a business that requires commercial-grade electrical work.
It’s important to reassess your home’s electrical load following the addition of any new appliances or renovations, such as air conditioners, commercial kitchen ovens, major workshop tools, electric vehicle chargers, finished basements/garages, hot tubs, or room expansions.
Our Alexandria electrician team can provide multiple quotes for those looking at several options to ensure you get the best price for what you need.
How Many Amps of Electricity Do I Need for My House?
Determining the appropriate amp service for your house or business is essential to ensure when you upgrade your electrical panel, it can meet your demands safely and efficiently. The amperage rating of your electrical panel depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the number of appliances, and your energy consumption needs.
Selecting the right amp service ensures your electrical panel replacement functions safely and can accommodate your lifestyle seamlessly. If you need assistance determining the appropriate amperage for your home in order to accommodate additional circuits, the Alexandria electrician team at Lombardi Electric is here to provide expert guidance on replacing your electrical panel.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of amp service.
- 100 amp panel: This amp service is typically suitable for smaller, older homes with limited large appliances.
- 150 amp panel: This amp service works for homes that run several appliances at the same time and/or use power strips frequently.
- 200 amp panel:This amp service is recommended for newer homes built after 2015, large houses that are more than 1,800 square feet, or homes that have new additions. Additionally, if a home runs multiple appliances at once, it will need an electric panel that can meet the higher energy demand.
- 300 amp panel: This amp service is for very large homes with home businesses that utilize large commercial electrical equipment.
- 400 amp panel or more: This amp service is necessary for large, luxury homes that have high-tech equipment and extensive electronics.
Can I Upgrade Electrical Panels Myself?
DIY wiring tutorials meant to upgrade electrical panel options can be tempting for non-electricians wanting to save money and test out their wiring ability, but replacing an electrical panel can be complex and hazardous, potentially leading to electric shocks and electrocutions, property damage, and code violations. This is why most electricians recommend calling a professional electrician, even if it’s not them, before attempting a DIY panel upgrade. It’s critical to hire experienced local electricians from Lombardi Electric to ensure a safe and compliant panel upgrade.
Cost to Upgrade Electrical Panel in Alexandria, LA
How much does it cost to upgrade electrical panels? The average cost to replace your electrical panel can vary based on several factors, including the size of your property, the ampacity required, the complexity of the installation, and any additional electrical work needed. With the most important factor being amp requirements. The average cost to upgrade your electrical panel can also vary significantly if you want to move an indoor panel outdoors. Generally, though, the total cost for a new electrical panel installation ranges from $300 to $5,000.
To get an accurate total cost breakdown for your specific project, it’s best to schedule a consultation with your trusted local electricians at Lombardi Electric. We will assess your needs and provide you with a competitive quote tailored to your requirements.
How Much Does it Cost To Upgrade Electrical Panel to a 100-Amp Service
Most homes and residential buildings have at least a 100-amp panel, but a few older homes may have main breaker panels as low as 60 amps. Upgrading to 100 amps is only recommended for those that use very little electricity.
Average cost for replacing electrical panel plus labor costs: $800–$2,250
How Much Does it Cost To Upgrade Electrical Panel to a 200-Amp Service
The standard electrical panel size for modern homes is 200 amps. Most electricians upgrade electrical panels by replacing 100 or 150-amp panels with 200-amp panels.
Average cost for replacing electrical panel plus labor costs: $1,500-$3,500
How Much Does it Cost To Upgrade Electrical Panel to a 400-Amp Service
A panel upgrade to a 400-amp panel is typically reserved for large, luxury homes requiring 400-amp electrical service panels. We urge you to compare quotes before replacing your electrical panel for an upgrade of this size and looking into smart panel options.
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.
- Replacing fuse boxes with circuit breakers: Labor costs are similar to installing new electrical panels.
- Replacing circuit breaker switches or fuse: This is comparable to the average cost to replace a main breaker at roughly $180–$300 per switch.
- Indoor versus outdoor electrical panels: Moving an indoor existing panel outdoors is usually labor-intensive and labor costs tend to be higher.
- Specialty breakers: Arc fault connection interrupter breakers (AFCI breakers) and ground fault connection interrupter (GFCI outlet) breakers cost more than standard options.
- Labor costs: Licensed local electricians typically charge $65–$250 per hour.
- Permits: Your licensed electrician will help get a permit, so prepare for additional costs.
- Additional wiring or repair work:If the panel is moved or the electrician needs to address wiring issues, you may have to pay for additional costs, as rewiring is necessary, for new drywall, siding, and paint.
Alexandria Electrical Service Company
When it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade in Alexandria, LA, Lombardi Electric is your trusted, licensed electrician team. Our local electrical company has a team of skilled local electricians dedicated to ensuring the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. With our extensive experience and commitment to excellence, you can rely on us to deliver a top-quality electrical service upgrade that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
Don’t wait until electrical problems become a safety hazard or an inconvenience. Call 318-545-7575 to hire a professional electrician at Lombardi Electric today.
