Upgrading your electrical panel is a significant step toward ensuring your home can handle modern electrical demands. Whether you're adding new appliances, installing a home office, or preparing for future upgrades, here’s what you need to consider.
1. Amperage and Space Requirements
When planning a panel upgrade, the first thing to evaluate is the amperage capacity you need. Most homes benefit from a panel upgrade up to 200 amps, which is suitable for many residential applications. However, your specific requirements may vary based on your energy usage.
Additionally, consider the number of spaces in your panel. A panel with more spaces allows for greater flexibility in adding circuits for future needs. Common configurations include 12-space to 42-space panels.
2. Safety Features
Incorporating safety features into your panel upgrade is crucial for protecting your home from electrical hazards. Upgrading to a thermal-magnetic safety breaker enhances the safety of your electrical system by providing better overload and short-circuit protection.
3. Surge Protection
As electronic devices become increasingly integral to our lives, the risk of power surges grows. Including surge protection in your panel upgrade can help shield your valuable electronics from damage due to voltage spikes.
4. Future-Proofing with Generator Inlet Transfer
If you’re considering backup power options, installing a manual generator inlet transfer switch is a smart move. This allows you to easily connect a generator during power outages, ensuring your home stays powered when you need it most.
5. Consulting a Professional
When planning your panel upgrade, it’s essential to consult with a licensed electrician. We can assess your current electrical system, recommend the best options based on your needs, and ensure that all work is completed safely and in compliance with local codes.