How To Replace An Electrical Panel?

Electrical panels, those gray metal boxes usually hidden in basements or garages, control your entire home’s power supply. If yours is over 25 years old, regularly trips breakers, or can’t handle your power needs, it’s time for a replacement.

Replacing your home’s electrical panel isn’t a task that crosses most homeowners’ minds until it becomes necessary. Yet, this crucial component of your electrical system plays a vital role in your daily life, powering everything from your refrigerator to your smartphone charger. When issues arise or your electrical needs outgrow your current panel’s capacity, replacement becomes essential for safety and functionality.

When Should You Replace Your Electrical Panel?

First things first: how do you know if it’s electrical panel replacement or upgrading that you should do? Here are some telltale signs:

1. Your panel is over 20-25 years old
2. You’re experiencing frequent circuit breaker trips
3. Lights are flickering or dimming unexpectedly
4. There’s a burning smell or scorch marks around the panel
5. Your current panel can’t keep up with your home’s electrical needs

While our team is highly skilled in routine electric panel repair, some signs indicate that a simple fix is no longer the safest or most cost-effective solution. If you’re nodding along to any of these points, this is exactly when to replace the electrical panel to ensure the long-term integrity of your home’s power system.

How Much Is The Cost Of Replacing Electric Panel?

Now, let’s talk money. How much does it cost to replace an electrical panel? The cost of replacing an electrical panel can vary widely depending on several factors:

• The size of the new panel (100 amp, 200 amp, etc.)
• Any additional work needed (like upgrading the service cable)
• Your location and local labor rates

Typically, you’re looking at a range of $1000 to $4000 for a professional replacement.

Remember, these are ballpark figures. Always get multiple quotes from licensed electricians to get a more accurate estimate for your specific situation.

DIY or Professional: Can a Homeowner Replace an Electrical Panel?

Here’s the million-dollar question: can a homeowner replace electrical panel? The short answer is: that it’s not recommended. Here’s why:

1. Safety Risks: Working with high-voltage electricity is extremely dangerous if you’re not properly trained.
2. Legal Issues: In most areas, it’s illegal for non-licensed individuals to perform this type of work.
3. Code Compliance: A professional electrician ensures the work meets all local electrical codes.
4. Insurance Concerns: DIY electrical work could void your home insurance policy.

So, “Can I replace my electrical panel myself?” While you might be tempted to save some cash by doing it yourself, the risks far outweigh any potential savings. When it comes to your home’s electrical system, it’s best to leave it to the pros.

The Replacement Process: What to Expect

If you’ve decided to go ahead with a professional replacement, here’s what the process typically looks like:

Assessment and Planning

Your electrician will evaluate your current setup and discuss your needs. They’ll help you decide on the appropriate panel size and type.

Permits and Paperwork

Before any work begins, you’ll need to obtain the necessary permits from your local building department. Your electrician can often handle this for you.

Scheduling the Work

You’ll need to coordinate with both your electrician and your utility company. The power company will need to disconnect your service at the meter before work can begin.

The Big Day: Replacement Time

On the day of replacement, here’s what typically happens:

• Power is disconnected at the meter
• The old panel is removed
• The new panel is installed
• All circuits are reconnected
• Grounding system is installed or updated
• Power is restored and all circuits are tested

Inspection and Approval

After the work is complete, a local inspector will need to check and approve the installation.

How Long Does It Take to Replace an Electrical Panel?

The actual replacement work usually takes about 4-8 hours for a professional electrician. However, the entire process, including planning, permitting, and inspection, can take 1-2 weeks from start to finish.

Upgrading vs. Replacing: What’s the Difference?

Sometimes, you might hear about “upgrading” rather than “replacing” an electrical panel. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there can be a slight difference:

• Replacing usually means swapping out the old panel for a new one of the same capacity.
• Upgrading often involves increasing the capacity, like going from a 100 amp to a 200 amp service.

In many cases, when people talk about the need for an electrical panel replacement service, they are actually seeking to upgrade to a higher capacity, requiring the technical expertise necessary to meet modern electrical demands and local code requirements.

The Benefits of a New Electrical Panel

Replacing your electrical panel isn’t just about fixing problems. It comes with several benefits:

1. Increased Safety: New panels have better safety features to protect your home.
2. More Capacity: Upgrade to handle more appliances and devices.
3. Energy Efficiency: Modern panels can help your electrical system run more efficiently.
4. Home Value: An updated electrical system can be a selling point if you ever decide to move.

Final Thoughts: Is It Time for Your Upgrade?

Replacing an electrical panel is a significant home improvement project. It’s not the most glamorous upgrade you can make to your home, but it’s one of the most important for safety and functionality.

If you’re experiencing electrical issues or your panel is showing signs of age, don’t wait. Reach out to Above The Code Electrical so we can assess your situation. We’ll help you determine if it’s time for a replacement and guide you through the process.

Remember, when it comes to your home’s electrical system, safety should always be the top priority. While the cost of replacing an electrical panel might seem high, it’s an investment in your home’s safety and functionality that will serve you well for years to come.