A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.
Electrical Panel Upgrades in Tampa
Comprehensive Electrical Panel Upgrade Solutions
An electrical panel, also known as a breaker panel or distribution board, is a key component of your home's electrical system. It serves as the central hub where electrical power is distributed. The evolution and escalation of modern electrical demands can render older electrical panels inadequate, resulting in inconveniences and safety concerns. If your home is still equipped with an old-style fuse panel or you find yourself constantly battling tripped circuit breakers, it might be time to consider an upgrade.
An electrical panel upgrade involves more than just swapping out components. It requires meticulous planning, technical expertise, and adherence to safety protocols. Our dedicated team at Small Jobs Electric approaches every upgrade with a holistic mindset. The new electrical panels we install are designed not only to meet contemporary demands but also to integrate seamlessly with your existing wiring and infrastructure. This attention to detail results in an upgraded electrical system that is reliable, safe, and ready to accommodate the ever-evolving technological landscape.
If you think you may need an electrical panel upgrade in Tampa, give us a call at (813) 303-0052 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. After evaluating your electrical system, we can walk you through what this process will involve, including the timeline and associated costs.
Why Should I Consider Upgrading My Electrical Panel?
Your electrical panel receives power from the electric company in your area. It then distributes the power and electricity throughout your home to all your electrical outlets. The rising electrical demands of modern technology can easily overload circuits in an older home.
Outdated electrical panels, especially those equipped with fuses, can pose significant risks due to their inability to handle modern energy loads. This vulnerability can lead to overheating, sparking, and even electrical fires.
Upgrading the source of power distribution to your home by installing a new panel can eliminate these potentially dangerous situations. Extra protection is incorporated into the latest equipment in the form of circuit breakers. These circuit breakers protect every device in the house with sensitive circuitry that responds quickly if there is a fault.
In addition to reducing safety risks, other advantages of upgrading your electrical panel include:
- Increased capacity. As households adopt more electrical devices, the demand for power can exceed the capacity of older panels. Upgrading allows for increased amperage, enabling the use of multiple high-demand appliances simultaneously without the risk of overload.
- Improved energy efficiency. Newer electrical panels are designed to minimize power loss, leading to improved energy efficiency. This can translate into cost savings on electricity bills while also supporting environmentally-friendly practices.
- Futureproofing. Installing a modern electrical panel helps prepare your home for future upgrades or expansions, such as installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations or additional circuits.
- Enhanced troubleshooting. Circuit breakers allow for more granular control over individual circuits, enabling you to isolate and address issues without affecting your entire electrical system.
We Replace Faulty Circuit Breakers
Replacing and restoring faulty circuit breakers is an important part of maintaining the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. Circuit breakers are designed to protect circuits from overloads and faults, but when they malfunction, it can lead to safety hazards, including electrical fires. The first step in addressing faulty circuit breakers is to accurately diagnose the issue.
A circuit breaker may be bad if:
- You frequently have to reset it
- You hear hissing or popping sounds coming from your panel
- You smell a burning odor coming from the breaker box
- The breaker is hot to the touch
Circuit breaker replacement should be handled by professionals. Our team can efficiently complete breaker restorations.
After completely turning off power to your electrical panel, one of our licensed technicians will carefully unscrew or unclip the faulty breaker from its slot and disconnect the wires attached to it. We will make note of the wiring configuration for accurate reconnection in the new breaker. Next, we will install the new breaker (with the appropriate amperage) by connecting the wires and tightly securing them to prevent overheating. We double-check all connections and the overall condition of your panel before replacing its cover. Finally, we restore power to your panel by flipping the main breaker back on and testing the new circuit breaker to confirm it is functioning correctly.
If your circuit breakers continue to trip after replacement, you may need other electrical repairs or a total panel upgrade. We can complete a comprehensive electrical code inspection, identify problems that need attention, and provide any needed electrical panel upgrades in Tampa.
What Are Dedicated Circuits, and Why Do I Need Them?
Appliances that require a large energy load need an exclusive circuit to accommodate them. These circuits carry more current than is typically supplied in a household circuit. Dedicated circuits allow you to install “energy hogs” in your house without interrupting your other electrical circuits.
Some of the most common appliances that need dedicated circuits include:
- Dryers
- Washing machines
- Refrigerators
- Air conditioning units
- Furnaces
- Water heaters
- Hot tubs and spas
We’ve been wiring new circuits for more than 30 years. If you need a dedicated circuit installed, we are just a call away.
Why Do I Need Surge Protection?
Electronics are becoming increasingly sophisticated and utilize technology that was not even conceived of even a few years ago. Even small voltage changes can affect your most prized electronics. Part of the danger is that the damage from small surges can add up over time and may eventually shorten the life of your equipment – or even destroy it.
You may think that you are covered if you plug your electronics into a surge protector, but this is not necessarily true. A whole-home surge protector adds an additional layer of protection to your most precious devices.
What Does a Whole-Home Surge Protector Protect?
A whole-home surge protection device is the first stage of protection. It will help shield household appliances and typically comes with up to a lifetime warranty that protects up to $75,000 of connected equipment. The second stage is plug-in surge strips designed to protect smaller appliances and sensitive electronic equipment. By having both layers of protection in your home, you are protecting your devices from dangerous electrical surges.
As long as you incorporate both stages, you are getting the best protection available. Keep in mind that there are high-end and low-end surge protectors, and you typically get what you pay for. Low-end surge protectors offer very little protection, and the circuits are prone to quick failure. Some faulty surge protectors have even lost their UL certification. Our surge strips have a lifetime warranty and are not available in stores.
We offer same-day appointments, so do not wait to call (813) 303-0052 or contact us online if you think something may be wrong with your electrical panel!
When Should I Upgrade My Electrical Panel?
Considering an electrical panel upgrade is an important decision that you should evaluate as your household’s electrical needs evolve. Various factors can indicate that it may be time for an upgrade, including changes in lifestyle, the introduction of new appliances, or plans for future renovations. As electricity demands increase, an outdated panel may struggle to meet the load, leading to potential safety hazards and inefficiencies. You may need to prioritize an upgrade if you spot signs that your panel is no longer meeting your needs.
Consider calling Small Jobs Electric for an electrical panel upgrade in Tampa if you notice:
- Flickering lights. This phenomenon often occurs when the electrical load exceeds what the panel can handle or when circuit breakers are unable to distribute power reliably to various outlets and fixtures. If you notice that your lights flicker, especially when large appliances are in use, it could indicate an overloaded circuit or deteriorating wiring within the panel itself. Continuing to ignore these signs not only leads to inconvenience but also poses a risk of electrical fires and other safety hazards.
- Non-grounded outlets. These outlets lack a third prong, which is essential for grounding and can pose safety hazards by increasing the risk of electrical shocks and equipment damage. In older homes, non-grounded outlets were common. However, modern electrical systems demand grounding for safety and compliance with current electrical codes. If you encounter multiple non-grounded outlets throughout your home, it may suggest your electrical panel is outdated and unable to support the newer circuitry and safety standards.
- Buzzing or crackling sounds from the panel. These noises often signify that there is a loose or corroded connection within your panel, which can lead to overheating and pose serious safety risks, including electrical fires. In some cases, the sounds may also indicate that the circuit breakers are being overworked due to excessive electrical load.
- Corrosion or rust on the circuit breakers. When moisture or humidity infiltrates your panel, it can lead to the deterioration of metal components, causing corrosion on circuit breakers. These damaged breakers can compromise the efficiency of power distribution and pose a severe safety risk, as corroded connections can lead to overheating.
- Tripping circuit breakers when using multiple appliances. This issue often arises when the electrical load exceeds the capacity of your panel, causing it to react by shutting off power to prevent overloads. As homes become increasingly reliant on numerous high-energy appliances, an outdated panel may struggle to manage the demand, leading to frequent disruptions in service.
- Outlets near water that are not equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). GFCIs are essential safety devices that help prevent electrical shocks by shutting off the power when they detect a fault or imbalance in the electrical current. Outlets without GFCIs in wet areas pose a significant safety risk, as they can lead to electrocution hazards. An upgrade to your electrical panel will allow for the installation of GFCIs, which helps your home comply with safety codes and provides enhanced protection against electrical accidents in moisture-prone locations.
- A constant need for an extension cord. Frequent use of extension cords often signifies that your existing outlets are insufficient to meet the power demands of your appliances and devices. This can lead to potential safety hazards, including overloaded circuits and increased fire risk, as extension cords are not designed for permanent use.
Small Jobs Electric Can Handle the Job!
Our seasoned electricians can help you resolve any issues with your current panel or breakers. Our professional technicians are equipped to expertly handle routine maintenance, upgrades, and even emergencies. We have the skill and experience to quickly address problems that could be a potential danger to your home.
Need an Electrical Hero?
Let Small Jobs Electric Be Your First Call
-
Five-Star Reputation
We are committed to quality service and quality people. Everyone on our team is background-checked and drug-tested!
-
Emergency ServicesWe understand that emergencies can happen at any time! We answer calls 24/7 and schedule same-day service!
-
Family Owned & OperatedWe treat your family like our family. We are dedicated to assisting you with your electrical projects and needs!
-
Satisfaction GuaranteedFor over 35 years our team has been providing the highest quality of service to our local homeowners.