When Should You Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?

Oct 1, 2021

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) estimates an electrical panel’s life expectancy at 60 years. However, if your service panel has been exposed to harsh conditions such as extreme humidity, its useful life could be shortened considerably.

Here on Vancouver Island, many older homes have electrical panels that are nearing the end of their lifespan, with some running the risk of sudden failure. Inadequate electrical panels can be dangerous as well as inconvenient.

Even older electrical panels in good working condition may need to be replaced. Many older panels were installed at a time when electricity needs in the average home were significantly less than they are today. With modern, power hungry appliances like TVs, laundry machines, dryers and refrigerators found in almost every home, demand for electricity is greater than ever in many homes. Homes with rental units inside are even more vulnerable to over-demand for electricity due to the greater number of occupants.

Using more power than your electrical panel is designed for can lead to intermittent trips, flickering lights and even power failures in some instances. Most homes built more than 30 years on Vancouver Island are equipped for an electrical service of 60 to 100 amps, which in many cases is simply too little for keeping our modern appliances powered. Modern homes are usually equipped for an electrical service of 200 amps, enough to comfortably power the electricity needs of almost all homes.

If you are experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, your electric panel may be due for an upgrade. An obsolete electric panel can be replaced with a larger electric service to accommodate for future needs and also to improve the safety of your home. A new electric panel will up the overall value of your home as well as provide more power for all of your appliances.

When should you consider upgrading? If you have older fuses and breakers in your home, then it’s time to consider making the switch to modern circuit breakers found in present-day electric panels. To determine if you need an upgrade schedule an assessment by one of our experts.

Before you decide to upgrade your electric service, there are two things to consider:

The first is if the existing electric service wires are adequate to carry the extra load that an electric service upgrade would require. The second consideration is how much power (amperage) is required in your home – and then make sure you have a margin to ensure that you won’t have issues should you use more electricity at a particular time.

As a fully licensed, WCB and insured electrical company, CNA Electric Ltd. can help you with your residential electric needs. Our services include renovations, repairs, generators and heat pumps, as well as wiring and installations. Based in Nanaimo, our service area also includes Ladysmith, Parksville, Qualicum and the surrounding area.

For information about our services and how we can assist you, please contact us at cna.electrician@gmail.com or call us at 1-250-816-8884 today!