Basic, need-to-know facts about electrical panel maintenance, explained in plain English by our Master Tradesman.
Austin’s youngest division—our Electrical Team—is actually pretty old. What have we learned after decades of serving southeastern Wisconsin communities?
Well…
For whatever reason, WI homeowners tend to neglect their electrical panels. I mean, entirely, and for as long as possible. So as time and electricity naturally take their toll on a home’s electrical system, you draw closer to the day that something inevitably fails. Let’s talk about how to avoid that future (or what to do if it’s your problem in the present)!
Why Your Electrical Panel Matters
Your electrical panel, also known as a load center, is critical for two reasons: safety and performance. As the central hub of your home’s electrical system, this load center has to handle and distribute power to every outlet, light switch, and appliance you own.
Older panels are known to struggle with increasing electrical demands, which are unavoidable in the modern day. So this isn’t a problem you can freely put out of your mind just because it’s usually out-of-sight.
Q: What options do I have for keeping my electrical panel in good shape?
A: There are three types of service available for homes with failing or otherwise insufficient load centers: panel refresh, panel replacement, or a full-service upgrade.
Option #1: Electrical Panel Refresh (Repair)
A panel refresh is the most cost-effective option, often suitable when the panel is still in good shape but the breakers are aging or minor code improvements are needed.
Ideal for homes that…
- Have an older panel with breakers that are over 30 years old. Aging breakers can weaken, trip unnecessarily, or fail to trip when they should, posing safety risks.
- Have an intact outdoor-service setup. If your outdoor meter pedestal (for underground service) or mast (for overhead service) is in great shape, a refresh may be all you need.
- Don’t need more electrical capacity. If your home’s electrical needs haven’t grown—meaning no plans for hot tubs, EV chargers, or other power-hungry additions—this could be your best option.
What’s Included:
- New breakers for your panel.
- Installation of a whole-home surge protector.
- Retorque of all connections for safety and efficiency purposes.
- Minor code corrections within the panel, like fixing combined grounds and neutrals or double taps.
Option #2: Replacement (Installing a New Electrical Panel)
If your panel shows signs of aging or damage, it may be time for a full panel replacement. Common issues include rust, corrosion, and failing breakers, especially in homes with outdated panels like Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Pushmatic brands.
Best for homes where…
- The panel is outdated or unsafe, with signs of wear and tear.
- The breakers trip frequently, or the panel has burned areas.
- You have a 100-amp service but aren’t planning to upgrade to a 200-amp service (yet).
- The outdoor service components are still in good shape, so no major outdoor upgrades are necessary.
What’s in a Panel Replacement:
- A new UL-listed load center.
- Replacement of all breakers.
- Installation of a whole-home surge protector.
- Retorque and sealing of all connections.
- Code updates related to the load center, ensuring it complies with current safety standards.
- Full labeling of your circuits.
Option #3: Full-Service Upgrade (Indoor/Outdoor Replacement)
A full-service replacement involves upgrading both the indoor panel and the outdoor service, often increasing your electrical system’s capacity to 200 amps. This is essential for homes with higher electrical demands, such as homes with modern appliances, HVAC systems, or plans for future additions like EV chargers.
Recommended for those whose homes…
- Have outgrown their existing 100-amp service and need more power to support modern technology and appliances.
- Are adding energy-intensive features like a hot tub or EV charger.
- Also the smart choice for those who want to future-proof their electrical system for potential expansions down the road.
What a Full-Service Replacement entails:
- Installation of a new load center.
- A new main breaker and full breaker replacement.
- Retorque and sealing of connections.
- Whole-home surge protection.
- Code-compliant updates for the panel and outdoor components.
- If you have overhead service: a new weather mast and meter socket.
- If you have underground service: a new meter pedestal.
What Homeowners Should Know About Major Electrical Work
When it comes to any major electrical replacement, there’s something important to keep in mind: the new system components will still be connected to the older parts of your home’s electrical system—and those parts may not meet today’s codes. This is common with any significant electrical upgrade.
Here’s why that matters: As we install your new panel, we may discover issues in the older wiring or components that don’t comply with current safety standards. These are typically not included in the scope of the original project but are crucial for your home’s overall safety.
If we identify any non-compliant or problematic wiring during the installation or inspection, we’ll provide a separate quote for fixing these issues. It’s always best to be aware that with older systems, updates may go beyond the panel itself and require additional work to bring your entire electrical system up to code.
How to Decide Which Option is Right for You
- Assess Your Current Electrical Needs: Do you need more power, or are your existing circuits enough? If your panel is in good condition but your breakers are old, a refresh could be the simplest fix.
- Check for Signs of Aging or Damage: If you notice rust, burning smells, or breakers that constantly trip, a panel replacement is likely necessary.
- Future-Proofing Your Home: If you’re planning to add high-power features or expand your home’s electrical needs, upgrading to a 200-amp service now can save you from future headaches.
Why Take Action on Your Electrical Panel Now?
It might seem like your electrical system is running smoothly, but during our inspection, we identified several reasons to consider refreshing or replacing your load center (panel). Electrical systems, like other home components, don’t last forever. While they may be “working,” they often mask underlying issues until a significant failure occurs.
The Reality of Electrical System Lifespans
- Electrical service equipment generally has a lifespan of 30 years. However, unlike many home systems, electrical components often don’t fail until there’s a serious safety issue—such as sparks, arcs, or even fire. That’s why it’s crucial to address aging systems before problems surface.
Not Overuse, But Underuse
- It’s not constant use that causes wear and tear on electrical panels; instead, it’s the outdated safety technology and years of underuse that lead to a system’s deterioration. When these systems sit idle, they’re more prone to failure when finally tested under duress.
Code Updates Keep Your Home Safe
- With electrical codes updated every three years—and Wisconsin adhering to the National Electrical Code (NEC)—it’s essential to keep your home’s system current. (No pun intended, but we’ll leave it there.) These updates ensure your electrical system meets modern safety standards, protecting you and your family from preventable risks.
For reference, consider this:
- In 30 years, you’ll replace your roof once (~$20k),
- Your water heater three times (~$8k),
- And your HVAC system twice (~$20k).
And yet, so many homeowners still don’t think about their electrical panels!
Proactively refreshing or replacing your electrical panel not only brings peace of mind but also prepares your home for the future—particularly with the rise of the electrification initiative. This movement includes higher energy demands with things like EV chargers, modern appliances, and smart home systems.
Why Choose Austin Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric?
At Austin Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we approach every job with the care and precision of a master tradesman. We don’t just fix electrical problems; we ensure your home is safe, compliant, and future-ready. Our team has years of experience, and our electrical services come with warranties for peace of mind. Contact us today!
