You can get electrical panels in different sizes and amperages. The amperage is essentially the maximum electrical load the panel can handle. To ensure your electrical system is as safe as possible, you need to get a panel that is large enough to handle the watts of electricity your home uses. If the panel is too small, you may experience tripped circuit breakers, overheated wires, and a higher fire risk.
How To Choose the Right Electrical Panel
Luckily, you don’t have to pick an electrical panel on your own. If you need help choosing an electrical panel for your Ocala home, a qualified electrician from Mister Sparky can help.
Typically, older homes contain 60-amp service panels. However, older generations didn’t have video games, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Because of this, you should replace your older panel with a 100-amp service panel or higher. According to the National Electric Code (NEC), 100-amp panels are the minimum option that homeowners should get.
If your home is fairly small and has a handful of 240-volt appliances, the minimum panel size should work. However, any home that has electric heat or central air conditioning needs to get a 150-amp or 200-amp service panel. For an extremely large home, you may need to invest in a 400-amp electrical panel. This is especially true if you have many electric devices, like a charging station for an electric vehicle or a hot tub.
If you were to have both situations, then you might need multiple electrical panels. In any event, if either of these two scenarios apply to you, not to mention having a large family, too, then we could advise you regarding a panel upgrade as part of your rewire.
Find Your Current Panel Size
If your home was built in the last few decades, it may already have the right panel size. You can find out what your current panel size is by checking in one of three different places.
Label
Check the electrical panel for a label. Some inspectors or manufacturers will add a label that includes the panel’s amperage.
Main Breaker
If you don’t see a label, try opening up your electrical panel. Then, find the main breaker or fuse. In general, this will be the largest switch inside the panel.
The main breaker should have its capacity written on or near it. Often, these breakers are labeled as the main breaker or service disconnect. The number listed on the breaker reflects the amperage your home can handle.
Electric Meter
If none of the previous locations includes the amperage, you can try checking the electric meter. The meter likely has the amperage written on its face or body. If it says CL200, then it has an amperage of 200.
Signs You Need a New Electrical Panel
Often, people forget about their electrical systems. They turn on their lights each day without considering the complex systems that make their home run properly. Unless there is a problem, most people forget that electrical panels exist.
However, these panels play a major role in your home. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may be time to get an upgraded panel.
1. Flickering Lights
The lights in your home should never flicker off and on. If this happens, it is often a sign that there is a connection problem with the panel. Flickering lights are an indication that your panel isn’t designed for the load it is handling.
2. Faulty Wiring
If your home has old or faulty wiring, you may have dim lights. You may also notice a burning smell near your electronics. An electrician from Mister Sparky can help you determine if the problem is your electrical panel or faulty wiring. If your home is old, you may need both components replaced.
3. Original Panels
You may also need to replace your electrical panel if it originally came with your home. In general, electrical panels must be replaced every 25 to 40 years.
4. Melting or Burning
Burning smells, melted wiring, or similar symptoms are an indication that something is wrong. The panel may need to be replaced. Alternatively, you may be dealing with faulty wiring as well. Because these issues are major fire hazards, you should immediately turn off your power supply and call an electrician.
5. Flipped Breakers
It is normal for a breaker to flip every once in a while. If it flips all the time, it indicates that part of your home is trying to pull too much power at once. You should talk to an electrician about managing this issue or replacing the breaker panel.
6. Power Strips
If you are using many power strips and extension cords in your home, you are likely using more electricity than your home was set up for. The number of outlets generally matches the amount of electricity your home can handle safely, so it may be time for an update.
7. New Appliances
Hot tubs, central air conditioning, and other large appliances need a lot of electricity. If you are getting a new appliance, call an electrician to make sure your home is able to handle the larger electrical load.
Get an Electrical Inspection Today
At Mister Sparky, we recommend getting regular electrical inspections and maintenance work done on your home. Over time, electrical wiring, panels, and outlets can develop problems. To avoid fires and damage to your home’s wiring, it is important to get your home inspected on a regular basis.
If you are struggling to find your panel’s amperage, we can help. Some older homes don’t list the amperage, but one of our electricians can figure out what panel size you have. Then, we can help you quickly find the best replacement panel for your home.