How to upgrade your electrical panel

The electrical panel performs the most difficult work inside a house, while its correct operation is essential for the safety and proper functioning of daily activities. An electrical panel is the connection between your home and your utility company, which distributes electricity to your devices through main connections, as well as through smaller connections.

On average, the electrical panel has a service life of 25 to 30 years, although with the rapid development of technology, older panels are not large enough to meet the needs of today's home appliances. Knowing this, RenovationSubmission.ca is here to help you know when and how to change your electrical panel to keep your home and family safe.

 

Here's how to upgrade your electrical panel

 

Is it necessary to modernize my electrical panel?

So you're not an electrician, but how can you tell if your panel needs an update? There are a few self-explanatory signs you can spot: If you find that fuses often blow or you have to turn on one device just to use another, it's probably time to upgrade your panel!

If your lights are flickering or your devices are refusing to operate at full capacity, then this is a sign that it's probably time to upgrade your panel. Other problems to pay attention to are: cracking noises in the panel itself, corrosion or rust in the circuit breakers. (breakers) , overheating of devices, as well as the need to use surge protectors to protect them.

Your insurance company is likely pushing you to update the sign to make sure your home is protected from the risk of fire. Another reason you might want to change your electrical panel may be that you are undergoing renovations.

This applies more specifically if you are adding new or more advanced technology to your kitchen or garage. In this case, it is recommended to change your electrical panel for a new one that will be able to work properly when all the appliances are turned on. As we've already established, upgrading your panel doesn't just make everything run smoothly; It also has a great impact on the safety of your family.

 

A step-by-step guide to updating your panel

* Please note that in some jurisdictions all electrical work must be performed by certified electricians. Work done by owners themselves may be categorically prohibited in your area. We recommend that you check this before starting any work of this nature.

First, cut all the wires inside the electrical panel with a pair of diagonal nose pliers and continue unscrewing and removing the old panel from the wall. To support the new panel, it is recommended that you attach a 3/4-inch plywood panel to the wall.

Now insert the service entrance (SE) wire into the new electrical panel and attach the panel to the plywood. You can then continue to secure the electrical connections inside the panel. Insert the house circuits into the panel, making sure each wire goes into a wire connector.

Continue connecting the copper wires and insulated white wires to the neutral ground bar and then connect the new circuit breaker circuits ( breakers) inside the new bus bar. The main ground wire should run through the bottom of the new panel to the copper hand of the water. Now all that's left for your utility company to do is reconnect the electrical wires outside the house!