Trust Graf Electric for Electrical Panel Upgrades in Wichita KS
Today’s homes have bigger power needs than ever before. With TVs in nearly every room, game consoles, computers and multiple smartphones or tablets, we rely on electricity for much more than we did just 20 years ago. If your home is more than 10-15 years old, your electrical system may not be able to handle the load required for all your technology. This isn’t just an inconvenience; overloading your home’s electrical panel is dangerous and can lead to fire or shocks.
Fortunately, Graf Electric can upgrade your electrical service panel to ensure the right amount of power reaches your house.
You may be tempted to try to upgrade your breaker box yourself to save money, but electrical panel replacement is a dangerous task that requires hiring a professional. An electrical contractor like Graf Electric has the training and tools to safely upgrade your electrical panel.
Request a quote for an electrical service panel upgrade in Wichita KS today.
What is a Service Panel Upgrade?
Your home’s electrical panel, also known as a breaker box or fuse box, is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes power from the utility company through the main line at the utility pole outside, through the circuit panels to the lights and outlets throughout your house.
The service panel is a metal box that may be gray or it could be painted to match the surrounding walls. It’s usually mounted on the wall in an area in your home such as the laundry or utility room, but yours could also be in a closet or even in the garage.
An electrical panel upgrade involves replacing your old, undersized panel with a new one that can handle a larger electrical load. This often includes:
- Upgrading from fuses to circuit breakers in older homes
- Increasing the service amps to your home (e.g., from 100 amps to 200 amps)
- Running a new line from the service pole outside your home
- Adding more circuits to accommodate additional outlets and appliances
How do I Know if I Need a New Electrical Panel?
Even homes built as early as the 1980s may not have enough outlets to safely connect all the devices you want to. Here are some common reasons for upgrading electrical service:
- Lights that flicker on and off: This indicates an overloaded circuit or outdated wiring.
- Frequent blown fuses or tripped breakers: These are safety mechanisms that activate when your system is overloaded.
- Unable to use multiple appliances at the same time: If your breaker trips when you run the AC and the washing machine, it’s time to upgrade your circuit breaker panel.
- No GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupters) in kitchens and baths: These are essential safety features to prevent electrical fires and shocks.
- Ungrounded outlets: Two-prong outlets are outdated and unsafe.
- Visible damage: Melted wires, rust, or corrosion in your electrical panel are serious red flags.
- A crackling sound coming from your electrical panel: This indicates electrical arcing and a potential fire hazard.
- Outdated panel: Homes with 60-amp or even 100-amp service panels often need upgrades to meet modern demands and building code requirements.
- Overheating or shock from electrical equipment: This includes service conductors.
- The electrical panel doesn’t have a main breaker: This is also known as a split-buss or fuse block panel.
- Major renovations or additions: Adding square footage or new appliances will likely require a panel upgrade
- Homeowners insurance requirements: Some insurance companies require specific panel upgrades before they will provide coverage.
- You need to increase the panel size: Such as when adding new major appliances, a spa, furnace or air conditioner; adding an electrical sub panel or adding a 240 volt circuit.
If you’re a homeowner in the Wichita area, trust Graf Electric to safely and efficiently increase your home’s power capacity.
Contact us today at 316-686-2090 to request a quote for upgrading your service panel.
