Electrical Panel Upgrade San Jose
What is an electrical panel?
Think of your home electrical system as having branches like a tree and your electrical panel is the trunk of the tree. The power from the electric utility company flows through large wires to your home and into the panel. From the panel, the current flows into major electrical branches, which dwindle into smaller and smaller branches, providing power to every part of your home.
If too much power were to flow into the wires in your home, they could potentially melt and fires could possibly start. If you were to accidentally touch a damaged overloaded wire you could receive an electrical shock. To prevent more electrical flow than the wires are meant for, your electrical service panel is supposed to detect the problem and stop the flow. In older electrical panels a fuse will blow. In newer electrical panels a circuit breaker flips off.
When do I need a panel upgrade?
If you add a room onto your home or add central air conditioning, for example, you may need a bigger panel to handle the increased electrical load. This is called a panel upgrade. Properly functioning circuit breakers are vital for your safety and the safety of your home. Your electrical panel also needs to be big enough to handle your family's electrical needs. The electrical panel can also known as a circuit breaker panel or electrical box.
How do I know if my electrical panel is too small and should be upgraded?
When you add central air or a large new refrigerator, your home doesn't automatically provide the additional power you need. If you're often flipping circuit breakers or blowing fuses due to too much electrical demand, you may need to upgrade your electrical panel.
Here are common situations that would need a panel upgrade:
Today's electrical panels are well-designed and safe. However, electrical panels installed in earlier times may create fire or shock hazards. Even if they may have been safe when originally installed, fuse boxes and the brands of circuit breaker boxes can become unsafe with old age.
What is my next step?
If you feel your electrical service panel is not providing your home with enough power or may be unsafe, give Clever Electric a call or schedule an appointment for our electrician for a Home Safety Inspection.
Think of your home electrical system as having branches like a tree and your electrical panel is the trunk of the tree. The power from the electric utility company flows through large wires to your home and into the panel. From the panel, the current flows into major electrical branches, which dwindle into smaller and smaller branches, providing power to every part of your home.
If too much power were to flow into the wires in your home, they could potentially melt and fires could possibly start. If you were to accidentally touch a damaged overloaded wire you could receive an electrical shock. To prevent more electrical flow than the wires are meant for, your electrical service panel is supposed to detect the problem and stop the flow. In older electrical panels a fuse will blow. In newer electrical panels a circuit breaker flips off.
When do I need a panel upgrade?
If you add a room onto your home or add central air conditioning, for example, you may need a bigger panel to handle the increased electrical load. This is called a panel upgrade. Properly functioning circuit breakers are vital for your safety and the safety of your home. Your electrical panel also needs to be big enough to handle your family's electrical needs. The electrical panel can also known as a circuit breaker panel or electrical box.
How do I know if my electrical panel is too small and should be upgraded?
When you add central air or a large new refrigerator, your home doesn't automatically provide the additional power you need. If you're often flipping circuit breakers or blowing fuses due to too much electrical demand, you may need to upgrade your electrical panel.
Here are common situations that would need a panel upgrade:
- Kitchen Remodel
- Room Addition or New Construction
- New Central Air Conditioning Unit
- Adding a hot tub, oven, etc.
Today's electrical panels are well-designed and safe. However, electrical panels installed in earlier times may create fire or shock hazards. Even if they may have been safe when originally installed, fuse boxes and the brands of circuit breaker boxes can become unsafe with old age.
What is my next step?
If you feel your electrical service panel is not providing your home with enough power or may be unsafe, give Clever Electric a call or schedule an appointment for our electrician for a Home Safety Inspection.
