Electric Panel Installation and Safety

Importance of Updating your Electrical Panel

Many homes built before 1974 have electrical panels that have potential problems or even safety hazards. Very early homes still have old fuse style panels, these panels require the home owner to change fuses when they get overloaded and blow. This creates issues because the home owner may not have the proper fuse and may put in a fuse that is too large. Or the home owner may not have a spare fuse at all leaving the circuit off until one can be purchased.

Fuse panels, when they were installed, were state of the art and still, in theory, work just fine today; the issues come up due to age. They will invariably corrode and deteriorate over time, causing loss of power or burning of the panel.

Changing to a modern day circuit breaker panel will eliminate the hazard of a corroded or deteriorated panel. Plus, there is no fuse to change, just reset the breaker.

Another type of older panel is a brand called Federal Pacific. These can be identified by the red-handled circuit breakers. These panels were installed from the 1970's up to 1983. These Federal Pacific breakers have a reputation of not tripping when required to do so causing the overload to burn or the breaker itself to burn in the panel. There is a lot of information online about these panels.

Another style of panel is called a split-bus panel. These can be identified by the lack of a main circuit breaker. They also have six double breakers on top and many single style breakers below. The main problem with this style is again, age. Also, it is difficult for the home owner to know how to shut the panel down if they need to.

By upgrading to a newer modern style panel you are assured of safety and convenience. A new panel may be able to have more room for additional circuits if required. Most older homes were built with 100 amp electrical services. This was more than adequate in the day, but with all the electronics and appliances installed in newer homes, an upgrade to 200 amps is a wise decision. It not only allows for future expansion of the home, but can allow for new heat and cooling systems to be installed. This will also be an enhancement to the home should you ever decide to sell. There are many good reasons to upgrade now; safety, convenience, and value.

For more information or questions on different types of safety devices, give us a call at 804-222-2213.

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