FAQ

Yes, we are a licensed and insured electrical contractor. Our team consists of highly trained and experienced electricians who are committed to providing quality services.

Choosing Between a Subpanel and Upgrading Your Electrical Panel

To determine whether to add a subpanel or upgrade your entire electrical panel, start by assessing your current electrical needs. This includes evaluating the existing amp rating of your main panel and identifying potential overload risks from using multiple appliances at once.

Adding a Subpanel

A subpanel can enhance your electrical capacity by:

• Providing additional breaker slots
• Allowing for new circuits in specific areas

However, it might only serve as a temporary fix for an outdated system.

Upgrading Your Electrical Panel

Upgrading your entire panel offers several benefits:

• Enhanced safety with modern circuit interrupters
• Optimized power distribution
• Support for increased power demands and future requirements

This guide delves deeper into these considerations and aids you in selecting the best option for your home.

Assess Your Electrical Needs

When evaluating your electrical needs, begin by determining the amp rating of your main electrical panel. Ensure that your panel has an adequate amp rating, such as 100-amp or 200-amp, to manage current and anticipated electrical loads.

Consider the following:

• Identify any overload risks by checking if using multiple high-energy appliances simultaneously could exceed the existing service capacity.
• Assess the panel’s condition and age to see if it is outdated or overworked, which may warrant a replacement.
• Verify whether the current panel has enough breaker spaces for any additional electrical requirements.

Next, calculate the total power needed for any new installations or increased usage to ensure your system can handle the load effectively. Additionally, making sure your home is well-insulated and free from air leaks can help manage overall energy consumption.

Finally, take into account the electrical requirements for any new rooms or specialized spaces, and plan for future expansions to ensure your system can be easily upgraded.  

Benefits of adding a subpanel

• It adds additional circuit breaker slots when the main panel is full, preventing overcrowding and reducing fire hazards.
• It allows for the expansion of electrical capacity without overhauling the main panel, making it suitable for older homes with limited main panel space.
• It enables the addition of new circuits in specific areas, such as garages or workshops.
• It also alleviates the load on the main breaker to reduce overload risks.

Good reason to upgrade your panel:

Upgrading your entire electrical panel can offer significant advantages over adding a sub-panel, especially regarding overall safety, efficiency, and functionality.

It greatly reduces the risk of electrical fires and other safety hazards by incorporating modern innovations like arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

New panels are more efficient, optimizing power distribution and reducing energy waste, which can lead to lower electrical bills.

They also prevent overloading and short circuits through improved breaker technology and circuit distribution.

Additionally, a whole panel upgrade supports increased power demands, provides more circuit space, and prepares your home for future electrical needs, making it safer, more efficient, and more valuable.

Compare Safety and Efficiency:

Comparing the safety and efficiency of a whole panel upgrade versus adding a subpanel reveals notable differences that can impact your home’s electrical system.

When it comes to safety, a whole panel upgrade is the better option. Modern panels include arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) that detect and interrupt dangerous electrical arcs and ground faults, significantly reducing the risk of electrical fires and electrical shocks.

Upgrading the panel also guarantees compliance with current electrical codes, which is vital for insurance coverage and property value.

In terms of efficiency, whole panel upgrades manage electricity distribution more effectively, preventing overloading and short circuits. They provide adequate circuit distribution that matches your home’s electrical demand, supporting modern appliances and technological advances.

This contrasts with subpanels, which may not address the underlying issues of outdated electrical systems and may only offer temporary solutions.

Installation and maintenance concerns:

The installation and maintenance aspects are as important as the safety and efficiency factors when considering whether to upgrade your whole panel or add a sub-panel.

For the location, verify the subpanel is easily accessible for maintenance and troubleshooting, and avoid inaccessible or obstructed areas. Choose a spot with enough space and protection from physical damage and the elements.

In terms of capacity and sizing, the subpanel’s main breaker should match the feeder wire’s capacity, and the subpanel’s capacity shouldn’t exceed the main panel’s. Assess the power requirements of the area it will serve and consider future needs.

Confirm proper ventilation and maintain required clearances as specified by local electrical codes. Installation should be done by a licensed electrician to guarantee it’s done safely and to code.

Plan for future expansions and obtain necessary permits to comply with local standards.

Yes, we are a licensed and insured electrical contractor. Our team consists of highly trained and experienced electricians who are committed to providing quality services.

Yes, we are a licensed and insured electrical contractor. Our team consists of highly trained and experienced electricians who are committed to providing quality services.