5 Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Upgrading Their Electrical Panel

5 Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Upgrading Their Electrical Panel

Whether you have an older home, an outdated electrical system, or just want a reliable and safe electrical panel in Newton, Norwood or beyond, we can help. An electrical panel upgrade is a vital project that should always be handled by a professional and licensed electrician.

Unfortunately, many homeowners either attempt to upgrade the panel themselves or hire someone without the right credentials, which could lead to serious safety hazards, expensive repairs, or local code violations.

The team at Castle Electric put together a round-up of the common mistakes electrical panel upgrade. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including why you need a professional electrician in Newton, MA. So read on and reach out if you have any questions!

1. Choose the Wrong Electrical Panel Size

One of the most frequent mistakes homeowners make during an electric panel upgrade Newton, MA, is selecting the wrong size for their panel. It’s more than a minor problem. The proper panel size for home determines how much electrical load the system can actually handle. Unfortunately, it’s common for homeowners to either underestimate or overestimate their electrical needs. A panel that’s too small can directly lead to frequent circuit breaker trips, overloaded circuits, and other issues that increase the risk of electrical fires or damage to appliances and electronics. 

The solution isn’t necessarily going bigger. Choosing an electrical panel that’s too large can result in inefficiencies that raise your electric bill. At the end of the day, bigger isn’t always better when choosing electrical panel size.

The good news is you can avoid the size issue altogether by working with a licensed electrician. The team at Castle Electric is here to guide you through the process and will recommend the right size to ensure your panel upgrade is safe and cost-effective.

2. Don’t Get a Permits/Ignore Compliance with Local Codes

Skipping over the electrical permits or ignoring the local codes altogether is another crucial mistake homeowners make. Massachusetts’s cities require that electrical work comply with strict local and state regulations.  

Ignoring the electrical code in Massachusetts isn’t just dangerous; it could cost you hefty fines, failed inspections, and other financial complications. For example, if your panel upgrade isn’t compliant with local codes, your insurance company may refuse to cover damages caused by faulty electrical work, leaving you vulnerable to skyrocketing expenses if anything goes wrong. 

The experienced electricians at Castle Electric guarantee that all necessary permits for your property are properly obtained and meet the Newton, MA electrical code. You can rest easy knowing that you have a compliant panel upgrade that is safe, up to code, and protects your home from future issues.

3. Rely on Old or Substandard Equipment

It’s normal to want to cut costs to leave room in your budget, but it’s a mistake to reuse outdated electrical panel materials, including old breakers, panels, or wiring, when upgrading their systems. Relying on older components may no longer meet current safety standards and can lead to malfunctions. Even worse, using incompatible materials can void warranties on newly installed equipment.

Castle Electric only uses the best electrical panel upgrade materials for a safe and efficient system. Using outdated or low-quality components has a negative impact on your electricity’s performance and can cause circuit breaker tripping and electrical fires. Keep in mind that old materials are often incompatible with newer panels and create a hazardous mismatch that can put your home at serious risk.

Castle Electric prioritizes the highest-quality materials for a quality panel upgrade. We ensure that your new panel upgrade performs efficiently while meeting or exceeding current safety standards and best industry practices.

4. Overload Circuits During an Upgrade

Failing to consider the total load capacity leads to faulty, overloaded circuits. When homeowners add new appliances or circuits without proper electrical planning, you could trip your circuits or damage your devices. In extreme cases, you may end up with an electrical fire that puts you, your family, and your property at risk. 

Overloaded circuits are not uncommon and happen when too much electrical demand is placed on a single circuit. Homeowners need to plan ahead if they upgrade to modern, high-powered appliances like air conditioners or at-home EV chargers. Working with an experienced electrician at Castle Electric guarantees balancing electrical load for a safe, sound system that keeps your home up and running.

5. DIY Electrical Panel Upgrades

One of the most dangerous mistakes homeowners can make is attempting to upgrade their electrical panel themselves. DIY projects can be rewarding and save money, but misunderstanding the severe DIY electrical panel risks can lead to fires and electrical failure.

Improper installation or faulty wiring in your panel can lead to electrocution, house fires, and system failures. Most DIY electrical upgrades also fail to comply with local codes, resulting in failed inspections, costly rework, and voided insurance coverage.

Make electrical panel safety a top priority by working with a licensed electrician Newtown, MA. The team at Castle Electric ensures your panel upgrade is done correctly, safely, and according to all local codes. We get the job done right the first time and don’t leave until everything is properly completed and tested, and we talk through any questions you may have.

Call Castle Electric for All Your Electrical Panel Upgrade Needs

An electrical panel upgrade Newton, MA is a necessary project that requires the expertise of a licensed and skilled electrician. Tackling it on your own can also lead to safety and financial danger that could derail your life. Get the job done quickly, accurately, and efficiently with an expert electrician, like the ones at Castle Electric.

Schedule a consultation, and we’ll get your home up and running in no time, helping you avoid costly electrical mistakes while staying up to code. Call us today!