Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
Is Your Panel Keeping you safe?
Outdated electrical panels can pose serious risks to your home. Ensure your family's safety and enjoy reliable power by upgrading to a modern breaker panel.
GET READY FOR THE FUTURE HEAT PUMPS
Upgrade your panel for efficient heating and cooling solutions.
Upgrade your panel for efficient heating and cooling solutions.
EV
Ensure your panel is ready for EV charging at home.
ELECTRIFICATION
Handle modern energy needs with a reliable upgrade.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPERLY GROUNDING YOUR ELECTRICAL PANEL
Proper grounding is an essential component of a safe and modern electrical system. Grounding protects your home and its occupants by providing a safe path for excess electricity during power surges or faults.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT:
Prevents Electrical Shock: Grounding minimizes the risk of electrocution by directing stray currents safely into the earth.
Protects Appliances: A properly grounded system reduces the likelihood of damage to appliances and electronics caused by power surges.
Ensures Code Compliance: Modern electrical codes require grounding systems to meet specific standards, enhancing overall safety and reliability.
Improves System Performance: Grounding helps stabilize voltage levels, improving the performance of your electrical system.
WHY DO I NEED A DISCONNECT AT THE METER?
A disconnect at the meter is an additional safety feature that allows you to quickly and safely shut off power to your home in case of an emergency or maintenance.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT:
Emergency Safety: In the event of a fire or other emergency, a meter disconnect allows first responders to cut power immediately, reducing hazards.
Code Compliance: Many local codes now require a disconnect at the meter for new installations or upgrades.
Improved Isolation: A meter disconnect ensures the entire home can be isolated from the grid, protecting your system during storms or power surges.
our recommendation
Code Compliance: Many local codes now require a disconnect at the meter for new installations or upgrades.
DANGERS OF OUTDATED ELECTRiCAL PANELS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF UPGRADiNG
As an electrical contractor, we prioritize your safety and the efficiency of your home’s electrical system. This handout explains the risks associated with outdated electrical panels and highlights the importance of upgrading to a modern breaker panel.
THE RISKS OF A CORRODED ELECTRICAL PANEL
Corrosion occurs when moisture or humidity penetrates the electrical panel, leading to rust and degraded connections.
WHY IT’S DANGEROUS:
Corroded connections can cause overheating and electrical fires.
Faulty circuits may fail to trip, increasing the risk of shock or fire hazards.
Corrosion weakens the panelv’s ability to handle your home’s electrical load, leading to frequent outages or flickering lights.
THE DANGERS OF A FUSE BOX
Fuse boxes were common in homes built before the 1960s. While functional in their time, they are not designed for today’s electrical demands.
WHY IT’S DANGEROUS:
Fuses must be replaced after every overload, which can lead to improper repairs or dangerous modifications.
Overloaded circuits can cause overheating and fires.
Many fuse boxes cannot handle modern appliances, resulting in tripped fuses and unsafe conditions.
THE HAZARDS OF FEDERAL PACIFIC “STAB-LOK” PANELS (FPE)
Federal Pacific Electric panels were installed in millions of homes between the 1950s and 1980s. Studies have shown that these panels pose serious safety risks.
WHY IT’S DANGEROUS:
Circuit breakers in FPE panels often fail to trip during an overload, allowing dangerous amounts of electricity to flow.
This malfunction significantly increases the risk of electrical fires.
FPE panels have been associated with property damage and safety concerns, leading many experts to recommend immediate replacement.
THE RISKS OF PUSHMATIC PANELS
Pushmatic panels were popular from the 1950s to the 1980s but have outdated technology that poses safety and reliability issues.
WHY IT’S DANGEROUS:
Pushmatic breakers can become stiff over time, making them less likely to trip when necessary.
These panels do not have modern safety features, such as arc fault or ground fault protection.
Replacement parts are scarce, making repairs difficult and costly.
PANEL OVERLOADED WITH TANDEM BREAKERS
Tandem breakers, also known as split or cheater breakers, are often used to add circuits to an overloaded panel. While they may appear to be a convenient solution, they can create significant safety hazards.
WHY IT’S DANGEROUS:
Overcrowding: Panels are designed to accommodate a specific number of circuits. Using tandem breakers can lead to overcrowding, causing heat buildup and increasing the risk of fires.
Code Violations: Tandem breakers are not always allowed in all slots of a
panel. Overusing them can lead to violations of electrical codes.
Damaged Breakers: When tandem breakers do not fit in a particular slot in the panel often they are tampered with and forced to fit. This can cause a poor connection causing heat buildup and increasing the risk of fires.
Decreased Reliability: With too many circuits running on a single panel, breakers may not trip as they should during an overload, posing safety risks.
Masking the Problem: Installing tandem breakers is often a temporary fix
that ignores the underlying issue—an undersized or outdated panel.
WHY UPGRADE TO A MODERN BREAKER PANEL?
Enhanced Safety: Modern panels include advanced safety features, such as arc fault and ground fault circuit interrupters (AFCI/GFCI), which help prevent fires and electrical shocks.
Increased Capacity: Today’s panels can handle the electrical demands of modern appliances and technology, reducing the risk of overloads.
Compliance with Code: Upgrading ensures your system meets current electrical codes, which is essential for safety and home resale value.
Peace of Mind: A new panel reduces the risk of electrical failures and provides consistent power to your home.
Proper Grounding: Upgrading your panel often includes updating the grounding system to meet modern standards, ensuring maximum safety.
