One of the most common questions we get from customers is whether or not they need a permit for a breaker panel upgrade. Just like with many home improvement projects related to an electrical system, the answer is yes! A permit is required to ensure your proposed electrical upgrades will be safe for your home and won’t cause problems for the neighborhood.
There is one workaround for getting a permit: hire an electrical contractor. When you work with a pro, they’ll handle all of the heavy lifting, including getting a permit.
Other reasons to hire a pro
There are plenty of other good reasons to hire an electrician besides avoiding the permitting process. Here are a few other reasons to bring in a pro to update your breaker panel or perform any other electrical work:
● Safety: The main reason to hire a pro is to avoid injuring yourself while performing electrical work. Inexperienced homeowners may shock themselves while performing electrical work or even cause fires down the road due to a shoddy job.
● Guaranteed results: You can trust that a reputable electrician will do a good job upgrading your breaker panel, rewiring your home or making repairs. Your home will be problem free and out of harm’s way when it comes to electrical fires.
● Save your money: Hiring an electrician can actually save you money compared to upgrading a breaker panel by yourself. A variety of future electrical problems often arise when a homeowner tries to perform an update by themselves, many of which lead to sky-high repair bills.
Signs you need a breaker panel upgrade
Unless an electrician tells you so, you might not realize that your breaker panel is out of date. These are a few signs that you should hire a pro to make that upgrade:
● Burning smells: A distinct burning smell coming from your breaker panel is a leading indicator that it needs to be replaced. This often means that the panel is overworked and must be upgraded to meet your current electrical demands.
● Flickering lights: Whether it’s lights throughout your house or just one or two bulbs, flickering lights shouldn’t be ignored. Constant flickering indicates something’s loose with your breaker panel or that it needs to be updated. Call an electrician to see what the problem could be.
● You’re upgrading appliances: Today’s appliances require more amps than old ones. If you’re buying a new, high-powered appliance, like laundry machines or an electric range, you may need to update your panel. Consult with an electrician to see if that’s the case.
● You’re using power strips: If you’re using power strips throughout the house to accommodate for lack of outlets, there’s a good chance that your panel is being overworked. An electrician can update your panel and add some new outlets to meet your needs.
Call Walsh Electric today
Whether you need a breaker panel upgrade, emergency electrical repairs or something else entirely, be sure to hire our pros at Walsh Electric. We have over three decades of experience with residential electrical work, so you know you’re in good hands when you call our team.
