When To Upgrade Home Electrical Service

Minneapolis is home to many neighborhoods filled with stunning old historical houses that have held up beautifully. However, home electrical systems tend not to stand the test of time as well as crown molding or original hardwood floors. In the last 100 years—heck, even in the last 25 years—technology has progressed so much that older electrical panels are simply just not up to the task of powering today’s appliances and electrical devices.

The electrical panel is the heart of your home electrical system. Power enters your home through the electrical panel, where it is channeled into various electrical “arteries” (circuits) in order to distribute electricity to all the outlets, lights, and appliances throughout your home.

Outdated electrical panels are easily overloaded by the demands of our modern electrical devices, causing problems such as flickering lights, frequently blown fuses, defective circuit breakers, melted wires, and electrical fire. Upgrading an old electrical panel is essential to the safety of your family and property, and the optimal functioning of your home appliances.

The average amp size for a modern house is 200. Electrical panels designed to provide 200-amp service are necessary for running multiple appliances at once in addition to powering your lights and outlets. If your home’s current electrical panel has only 60- or 100-amp service capacity, it’s time for an upgrade!

Not sure what the current amp size of your house is? You can find out by identifying the amperage of each of the primary components of your home electrical system: the panel, main breaker, meter, conduit, and wiring. The component with the smallest amperage determines your home’s overall electrical service capacity.

Although it is possible to upgrade your electrical panel yourself, it’s not recommended to tackle electrical wiring as a DIY project unless you really know what you’re doing. Mistakes can be dangerous, and can potentially result in a repair even more costly than just hiring a professional to handle the job in the first place.

The cost of upgrading your electrical service will depend on the size of your home, but for the safety of your home and your family, it’s worth spending the money to hire a qualified professional to do the job for you. Unfortunately, because electrical systems are “invisible” and most homeowners aren’t knowledgeable about electrical service, it’s all too easy for unscrupulous electricians to cut corners, putting your home and your family in danger. Money spent on quality electrical work is money well spent!

If your home is ready for an electrical panel upgrade, contact Bonfe to schedule service with one of our skilled electricians.

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