Finding the right electrical panel for your home can be challenging. The friendly and knowledgeable electricians at Mister Sparky can help with practical recommendations and guidance for your home improvement project. We install electrical panels that work for our customers and that can ensure that your home has adequate energy for all your needs now and in the future. Here are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when planning an electrical panel replacement or new installation for your Birmingham home.
Steps to Finding the Right Panel
Select the Right Size
Electrical panels are sized according to their capacity and amperage. If you are planning to replace your current system, you should either match or upgrade the amperage when choosing a new panel. Most modern homes use services ranging between 100 and 400 amps of power. Depending on your specific energy needs, you can select a panel that will provide reliable power for you and your family. Your electrician will evaluate your current needs and will recommend a panel that will meet those needs.
Your electrical panel should also have adequate space for the recommended number of circuits. Working with an experienced electrician will help you to determine how many circuits you need now and to accommodate future requirements. Demand for electricity is continually increasing. Making sure your new panel will provide adequate amperage and capacity can help you make the most of your initial investment.
Check for Certifications
Underwriters Laboratories, better known as UL, is the governing body for electrical panel certifications. Your electrical panel should display the UL seal to certify that it has been tested and has met stringent safety standards set by this organization. Once again, working with a trusted electrician can ensure that your electrical panel meets all federal, state and local requirements for safety. Your local electrician can explain the certifications and testing performed to ensure that your panel works correctly now and well into the future.
Choose the Right Type of Panel
Electrical panels are available in a variety of types and configurations.
- Fuse boxes are outdated and are not generally available for use as replacements. If your home currently has a fuse box, it is a good idea to upgrade to a standard electrical panel as soon as possible. Upgrading your fuse box to a newer system can provide greater safety for you and your family while ensuring a steady supply of electricity to meet your ongoing demands.
- Main breaker panels consist of a box containing specific circuits mapped to and powering systems within your home. A main breaker switch can allow you to shut down all electrical power to your home. Circuit breakers occupy spaces inside the electrical panel and can be used to shut down specific circuits for repair or replacement. Your electrician will label each circuit to help you determine the source of any problems and to make it easy to shut down circuits as necessary for repairs.
- Subpanels are usually designed to provide electrical service to new additions or detached elements of your Birmingham home. For instance, a detached garage, a tool shed or other outbuildings may use a subpanel to hook into the electrical supply for your home. Subpanels typically have a dedicated breaker switch that will cut power to all circuits in the box. Not all homes need subpanels. Your electrician can help you determine if these installations are right for you.
- Lug panels operate in the same way as subpanels and are used for similar purposes. They differ, however, in that they lack a primary shutoff switch. You may need to shut down your entire electrical panel to prevent electricity from flowing through your lug panel to outbuildings and other systems within your Birmingham home.
Leave Room for Future Expansions
You may notice that your new electrical panel has several unfilled slots for circuits. This is useful if you want to expand your electrical service in the future. These empty slots can accommodate circuits for new additions to your Birmingham home and can provide greater flexibility in upgrading your electrical service as your power needs evolve. Making sure that your electrical panel has room for expansion can ensure that this vital system of your home operates effectively for years to come.
Maintain Compliance With Local Codes
Most areas, including the city of Birmingham, require an electrical permit for any work performed on home electrical systems. Failing to pull a permit for this work can result in fines, liens and insurance issues for homeowners. Fortunately, reputable electricians know the rules about permits and code compliance. Your local electrician will be able to pull the required permits to keep you on the right side of federal, state and municipal regulations and to reduce the risk of issues in the future.
Work With a Company You Trust
Mister Sparky is a trusted electrician serving Birmingham, Pelham and many other communities in the state of Alabama. Our team of skilled and experienced electricians can diagnose and repair most electrical problems quickly and safely. If you need electrical installations or repairs, we are always here for all types of electrical issues, large or small. We offer the best services on a schedule that works for our customers. We also offer emergency electrical repairs available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure the fastest response times for you.
If you need electrical services in Birmingham, Alabama or any of the surrounding communities, Mister Sparky delivers outstanding solutions for all your electrical needs. We install ceiling fans, lighting fixtures, outlets, generators and electrical panels for our customers in the Birmingham area. Our team of skilled electricians can also troubleshoot electrical problems, perform safety inspections and repair or replace wiring and other components of your system. Give us a call today to discuss your needs with one of our team. We are always here to help when you need us.