Why You Might Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade and What to Expect

The electrical panel is the heart of your home or business’s electrical system. It distributes power to every outlet and light ensuring that your property functions smoothly and safely. However, as technology evolves and energy demands increase, many homes and businesses find themselves relying on outdated or insufficient electrical panels. This can lead to inefficiencies, safety hazards, and limitations on powering modern devices.

Upgrading your electrical panel is a critical step in ensuring your property can handle today’s energy needs while maintaining safety and compliance with electrical codes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the services professional electricians like Brian Bois of Image Electric offer for electrical panel upgrades, why you might need one, a checklist of warning signs that indicate it’s time for an upgrade, and what to expect during the process.

Why Homes and Businesses Might Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade

There are several reasons why upgrading an electrical panel becomes necessary. Here are the most common scenarios:

1. Increased Power Demand

Modern homes and businesses use far more electricity than they did decades ago. From smart home systems to electric vehicle (EV) chargers, older panels often cannot handle the increased load. Upgrading ensures your system can meet current and future energy demands without overloading.

2. Outdated or Unsafe Panels

Older panels with fuses or split-bus designs are no longer up to code and pose significant safety risks, including fire hazards. Modern panels with circuit breakers are safer and more reliable.

3. Frequent Breaker Trips

If your breakers trip frequently or fail to trip when they should, it’s a sign that your panel is struggling to manage the load. This could lead to overheating or other dangerous situations.

4. Renovations or Additions

If you’re remodeling your home or adding new rooms, your electrical system will likely need an upgrade to accommodate additional circuits and outlets.

5. Energy Efficiency

Upgrading your panel can improve energy efficiency by reducing power surges and ensuring consistent voltage distribution throughout your property.

Checklist: Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade

If you’re unsure whether your home or business requires a panel upgrade, here’s a checklist of symptoms to watch for:

• Breakers trip frequently.
• Lights flicker or dim.
• The panel feels hot to the touch.
• You hear buzzing or crackling noises coming from the panel.
• The panel has fuses instead of circuit breakers.
• There is visible rust or corrosion on the panel.
• You notice burning smells near the panel.
• Your home has limited outlets or relies heavily on power strips.
• You’re planning renovations or adding a new fixture.

If you experience any of these issues, it’s time to consult a licensed electrician like Brian Bois of Image Electric for an inspection.

The Process of Upgrading an Electrical Panel: What to Expect

Upgrading an electrical panel is a complex process that requires expertise, permits, and careful planning. Here’s what you can expect when working with a professional electrician like Brian Bois:

1. Initial Assessment

The process begins with a thorough inspection of your existing electrical system. The electrician will evaluate:

• The condition of your current panel.
• Your property’s energy requirements.
• Potential safety hazards in the wiring or circuits.

This assessment helps determine whether an upgrade is necessary and what size/type of panel will best suit your needs.

2. Permit Application

Electrical work typically requires permits from local authorities to ensure compliance with building codes. A licensed electrician will handle this step for you, saving time and ensuring everything is done legally.

3. Power Disconnection

Before any work begins, the electrician will disconnect power from your property as a safety precaution.

4. Removal of Old Panel

The old electrical panel will be carefully removed, including all associated wiring and components.

5. Installation of New Panel

The new panel will be installed in the same location (or a new one if necessary). This involves:

• Mounting the new unit securely.
• Connecting circuits according to labeled wires.
• Installing new breakers as needed.
• Ensuring proper grounding for safety.

6. Testing and Inspection

Once installed, the electrician will test the new system thoroughly to ensure it functions correctly and safely. This includes checking each circuit for proper load distribution and verifying that all breakers operate as intended.

7. Final Cleanup

After completing the installation, professionals like Brian Bois ensure that any debris or old materials are cleaned up, leaving your space tidy and ready for use.

Benefits of Hiring a Licensed Electrician Like Brian Bois for Panel Upgrades

While some homeowners may be tempted to tackle electrical upgrades themselves or hire unlicensed contractors for lower costs, working with a licensed professional offers significant advantages:

1. Safety Assurance

Electricity is dangerous when mishandled. Licensed electricians are trained to follow strict safety protocols during installation, reducing risks like electrical fires or shocks.

2. Code Compliance

A licensed electrician ensures that all work meets local building codes and regulations—essential for passing inspections and maintaining property value.

3. Expertise in Complex Systems

Experienced professionals like Brian Bois have extensive knowledge of modern electrical systems, allowing them to recommend solutions tailored specifically to your needs.

4. Long-Term Reliability

Improper installations can lead to frequent malfunctions or even catastrophic failures over time. A professionally installed panel ensures durability and consistent performance.

5. Time Efficiency

Licensed electricians complete upgrades efficiently while minimizing disruptions to your daily life—especially important for businesses that rely on uninterrupted power supply.

6. Warranty Protection

Many manufacturers require professional installation for warranties on panels and breakers to remain valid.

Why Choose Image Electric?

When it comes to upgrading your home or business’s electrical panel in Orange County, Image Electric is a trusted name in the industry. Here’s why customers choose Brian Bois:

• Over 24 years of experience in residential and commercial electrical work.
• Commitment to quality workmanship, safety standards, and customer satisfaction.
• Comprehensive services ranging from inspections and repairs to full-scale upgrades.
• 24/7 emergency support for urgent electrical issues.

With Image Electric, you can rest assured that your property is in expert hands from start to finish.

Conclusion: Invest in Your Property’s Future with an Electrical Panel Upgrade

An upgraded electrical panel isn’t just about meeting today’s energy demands—it’s about ensuring long-term safety, efficiency, and functionality for your home or business. Whether you’re dealing with frequent breaker trips, planning renovations, or adding an EV charger, a professional upgrade can make all the difference.

By hiring a licensed electrician like Brian Bois of Image Electric (imageelectricoc.com), you’re investing in quality service that prioritizes both performance and peace of mind. Don’t wait until outdated systems cause costly problems—schedule an inspection today!