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Should I upgrade my electrical panel when rewiring?

Two Mister Sparky Electrician Techs standing at the back of their red service van in front of a Melbourne FL homeWhen you are rewiring your home in Melbourne, you might want to tackle a few more tasks. Is this the time to upgrade the electrical panel? Yes, it is an additional expense, but it can be a good investment for your home.

With an upgrade, your panel can operate more efficiently, handle increased electrical demands, and meet modern safety standards. Let’s examine the reasons for upgrading your panel during a rewiring project.

Why You Should Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

Your electrical panel distributes electricity from the primary power source to the circuits in your home. This breaker box makes sure that electricity is moved safely. If there is ever an issue, like an overload, it will stop the flow of electricity by tripping a breaker. In many older homes, these panels are not equipped to handle the increased demands of modern electrical needs.

Handling Increased Electrical Demands

Older electrical panels can only provide 100 to 150 amps of electricity. Many modern appliances and devices need about 200 amps for power. If you’re rewiring your home, you don’t want to worry about whether the current panel is insufficient for your needs. Upgrading your panel to a higher amperage will ensure it can handle your electrical demands.

Enhanced Safety Features

Additionally, those older electrical panels may not have proper safety features. Fire hazards are a real concern with older breaker boxes. If you have a home built before the 1980s, you might even have fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers. Older technologies often lack arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which are designed to protect against electrical fires and electrocution.

Increased Resale Value

Resale value might be another reason to upgrade your electrical panel. If you plan to sell your home in the future, an upgrade can make your property more attractive to potential buyers. A modern electrical system is a key selling point. Today, homebuyers want an energy-efficient and safe home, especially with rising utility bills. When your home has updated wiring and an upgraded electrical panel, you can get a higher price on the market. Also, it could sell faster than one with an outdated electrical system.

Cost Savings on Labor

Rewiring your home is a major project. You will need to hire licensed electricians to install the wiring behind walls, ceilings, and floors. When you upgrade your electrical panel at the same time, you could save on those labor costs. You already have these professionals in your home. With the installation of the electrical panel, they can complete both projects around the same time.

Future-Proofing Your Home

Along with that, upgrading your electrical panel can save you from future issues down the line. With the rise of smart home technology, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient appliances, your energy needs will increase. A higher-capacity electrical panel is made for future additions and upgrades. When you complete this project now, you will feel confident that the panel will meet your electrical demands for years to come.

Compliance with Melbourne’s Building Codes

Compliance with Melbourne’s building codes is one of the biggest reasons to rewire and upgrade your electrical panel. The city has rules for electrical systems. You are required to meet the latest safety and efficiency standards. If you’re undergoing major renovations or rewiring, you might need a modern panel. When you upgrade your panel, you can avoid any potential issues with permits or inspections down the road.

For all these reasons, upgrading your electrical panel should be done as you rewire your home. Not upgrading your old panel limits the effectiveness of the new wiring system. It just makes sense to complete both of these projects at one time.

When Not to Upgrade

As you may know, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Sometimes, an upgrade may not be necessary for every project. For example, an upgrade might not be needed if you’ve already replaced your electrical panel within the last decade. However, make sure it can give you at least 200 amps of power.

Recent Panel Replacement

You will also want to think about your future needs. If you are not planning on adding high-energy devices or new appliances, your current panel might still be a viable option for your home.

Future Needs Consideration

If any of these situations apply to you, you may want to skip upgrading your current electrical panel. However, you will always want an electrician to evaluate your system. With an inspection, they can help you decide whether an upgrade is necessary for your Melbourne home.

As you rewire your home, this could be a great time to upgrade your electrical panel. If you have an outdated panel that cannot meet your modern energy demands, a new panel can improve safety and reduce costs. At Mister Sparky in Melbourne, we can provide a few options to help you make the right decisions for your home.

Whether you have questions about your electrical panel or need a repair call, we are always here to help. Contact us today for an in-home consultation.