If you have recently purchased a home with an older panel or your current panel cannot supply the amount of power you need, then you might need to upgrade the panel or install a new one. The minimum requirement for an electric breaker panel is 100 amps. Panels come in 100, 150, 200 and 400 amp capacities. Old panels, especially those with the old glass fuses, are prone to tripping and can pose a fire hazard. Remember to choose a panel that exceeds your electricity needs so you won’t tax your electrical system, which can cause outages, or worse, a fire. Your electrician can advise you on whether your panel can be upgraded or needs to be replaced. Keep in mind that an old style fuse box cannot be upgraded and must be replaced with a new panel.
Great advice that was given on choosing a panel that exceeds your electricity needs. An advice like that is what I would need to keep in mind. Later today, my father will be taking me to find a new electrical panel to install for my home since the old one is not doing me any good.
I had never thought about upgrading my breaker panel. I don’t even know how much it can sustain. For me, I’ve been using more and more musical equipment like big PA’s and subs that require a lot of power. I guess I should check out how much my breaker can handle before I add any more. Thanks for the heads up!
Your tips for upgrading my electrical panel are exactly what I need. I have an older panel in the home I just bought, so I want to upgrade it. You said that old panels are prone to tripping and can pose a fire hazard, so I’ll make sure to consult an electrician so that I can know how to choose a new panel that won’t exceed my electricity needs.