Residential Electrical Service Panel Upgrades

Many older homes have outdated electrical service panels. They were designed with only 60 or 100 amps for the entire home. They use only a few circuits, which are not sufficient to carry the load in today’s homes.

Some homes may still even use fuse panels, which require you to replace the fuse every time it burns out. Fuses served their purpose when they were first installed; however, homes now have many more electrical outlets and appliances.

Why You Should Upgrade Your Home’s Service Panel

There are several reasons why your old fuse panel should be upgraded.

• Safety. You need to rely on your service panel to protect your home’s wiring from damage in an overload situation. If your panel is 40-50 years old, you cannot ensure it will perform correctly when needed. When circuits are overloaded, the breaker should “trip” and turn off to protect your home. However, the older electrical systems don’t always function properly.
• New Appliances. If you’re installing a new large appliance, like an air conditioner or hot tub, your current panel may not be able to handle the extra load.
• Remodeling. If you’re adding a room or finishing your basement, the extra electrical outlets will tax your current system.
• Insurance. Many insurance companies no longer cover homes with fuse panels because they are a fire hazard.
• Home Inspections. If you are selling your home, it may not pass inspection if your service panel is not up to date. Even if it does, a new panel will increase your home’s resale value.

Signs Your Service Panel May Need Upgrading or Replacing

• Circuits trip frequently
• Lights dim when you turn on an appliance
• You use lots of extension cords and power strips
• Your current panel is over 25 years old
• The area around the service panel feels warm

Can You Install or Upgrade the Electrical Panel Yourself?

If you consider yourself handy around the house, you may think you could try upgrading the service panel yourself. Electricity is not a good candidate for a DIY project. Amateur or DIY wiring is not only dangerous but can be far more costly to repair in the future.

Instead, hire the experts at Pallardy Electric to upgrade or install your electrical service panel. We have the experience, knowledge, and tools to install the right panel for your home. We can install services in 100-amp, 200-amp, and 400-amp sizes, or larger, depending on your usage and needs.

Backup Generators

Have you ever been without power after a storm? In today’s world of technology and electronics, it’s a hardship to be without power for any length of time.

Pallardy Electric can install a backup generator to guarantee you have uninterrupted power in these circumstances. These systems are connected to the home’s electrical panel but run on external fuel, such as diesel, natural gas, or propane.

When there is a power outage, the generator’s internal switch disconnects from the utility services and transfer power to the electrical panel. When the utilities come back on, the generator will automatically shut off and reconnect to the municipal power.

Go with the Pros at Pallardy Electric

Pallardy Electric offers a full range of electrical services from something as simple as changing a light fixture, to wiring a new house complete with home automation. Besides service panels and backup generators, our residential services include troubleshooting electrical problems, and wiring/rewiring basement finishes and remodel work.

Contact us today to see how we can help you with all your electrical needs.