Your home's electrical panel is the central hub for your power system, and if it's not upgraded, it could put your entire Fort Worth home at risk. With the increasing electrical needs in today's DFW home, knowing when and how you should go about upgrading your electrical panel is very important for the safety of your home.

Why Your Fort Worth Electrical Panel Needs to be Upgraded

A lot of houses in the DFW area have an electrical panel installed many years ago. This electrical panel was likely installed before the increase in electrical demand seen in DFW, making it hard to keep up with power needs. There are so many electrical devices that we use every single day that weren't around years ago (computers, large televisions, smart appliances, and EV chargers). An electrical panel might simply not be powerful enough to safely keep up with this demand.

Outdated Electrical Equipment and Safety Issues

Some of these electrical panels may be old and outdated and not comply with the latest electrical code standards. If you have panels installed in the 60s, 70s, or 80s, chances are the equipment inside them is not considered as safe or efficient as it should be today. Some brands used for electrical panels in the decades above were even identified as presenting a known fire hazard. By upgrading your electrical panel, you can get rid of this outdated equipment in favor of modern circuit breakers and wiring that are much safer and protect your house from electrical overloads and short circuits.

Increased Demand for Electrical Power

Many homes today are getting electrical panel upgrades for this reason. As you add more appliances, remodel, and/or install an electric car charging system, your house requires more electrical power. You run into trouble when your electrical panel is not powerful enough to supply the electricity that it should for your home. This can result in circuit breakers tripping often, lights flickering when a device is turned on, and/or potential damage to your devices. A new electrical panel will provide the extra capacity that your DFW home needs to handle increased electrical demands.

Future Proofing Your Electrical System

A new electrical panel is an investment in the future of your home. Not only does an electrical panel upgrade make your home safer and more efficient, but it also adds to your property value! You'll also be better prepared for new technologies like smart home systems, advanced entertainment systems, and renewable energy solutions (solar panels and charging stations for EV). A new electrical panel will make your DFW house much more desirable if you ever need to sell it later in the future.

What Indicates Your Home Needs A New Electrical Panel in Fort Worth

The electrical panel is an invisible part of our homes and it can be hard to tell when it isn't working well, or when it can't provide enough electricity. Here are some things that will alert you when your electrical panel needs an upgrade:

• Circuit breakers keep tripping, when several devices are running at once.
• Lights will flicker or go dim when something is turned on.
• A burning smell comes out of the electrical panel or outlets.
• Your house is using a fuse panel instead of circuit breakers.
• Rust and/or burning is seen on electrical panels.
• Electrical outlets feel warm to the touch.
• You have so many devices that you are always looking for available outlets.
• You are planning a major renovation project like adding an AC unit to your home or an EV charging system.

If you notice any of these warning signs, be sure to call a licensed electrician in the DFW area to come take a look. Don't ignore these warning signs and let an issue escalate into something more serious with potentially serious consequences for electrical safety.

What To Expect When Upgrading Your Electrical Panel in Fort Worth

An electrical panel upgrade is a big electrical job that should only be handled by an experienced and licensed electrical contractor. If you hire a professional, reputable DFW electrical contractor, the electrical panel upgrade will be smooth and hassle-free.

Initial Assessment and Planning It starts with a complete analysis of your existing electrical system and electrical needs. Your electrician will ask you questions about your future plans, such as adding additional circuits, installing a new appliance or installing an EV charger so that the correct size and kind of panel can be recommended for your house.

Permitting and Code Compliance Most electrical panel upgrades in the Fort Worth area and surrounding communities require a permit to bring the project in line with local building codes. A qualified residential electrician will secure all the permits and see to it that the installation follows the most recent safety standards, such as the National Electrical Code. That's what will ensure you are doing the job correctly and safely to protect your home and family from harm.

Installation Process The installation includes the careful removal of the old panel, setting up the new panel, adjusting the wiring if necessary, and linking the panel to your home electrical system and utility meter. There will be a time frame in which electricity to the house will need to be cut off temporarily for a number of hours, though your electrician should let you know in advance about the expected amount of downtime.

Final Inspection and Testing Once installed, your electrician will conduct thorough tests to ensure the new panel is working properly and is safe. If required by the permit, you may need to have the work inspected by a local authority. You will be given a comprehensive description of your new panel, and instructions on how it functions properly and safely.

Looking for a Safer, More Efficient Electrical Panel?

An electrical panel upgrade is an essential investment for any Fort Worth homeowner who wants to make their home safer, add electrical capacity and make their home ready for modern day needs. At KSI Electric, we have been providing Fort Worth electrical services for over 25 years, providing DFW metroplex licensed and insured residential electricians for every job in our care. Our experienced electricians respect all homes as the sanctuary they are, and provide all work done in accordance with applicable codes and a transparent and upfront quote before the start of work. If you're having electrical problems or just want to make sure your home's electrical system is up to current safety codes, please call us at (817) 932-5882, or get a free, no obligation quote at ksiresidentialelectric.com. Let us do our part to keep your home safe and power it correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost in Fort Worth? The price of an electrical panel upgrade in Fort Worth, and surrounding communities, can vary widely. This is affected by the size of your new panel (ie, 100 amp, 200 amp), the complexity of your current wiring, the need to do additional wiring or change of circuits, and permit fees. However, you can anticipate that you're likely going to see between $1,500 and $4,500, but a qualified electrician would need to see your home to give you an accurate, personalized estimate.

How do I know if I have an out-of-date electrical panel? Some common indications you may have an electrical panel that is either out-of-date or not adequate for your needs are circuit breakers tripping on a frequent basis; lights flickering or dimming when certain appliances are turned on; a consistent odor of burning, black or scorched marks on the panel; or having a fuse box rather than circuit breakers. If you observe any of these issues, you should have a qualified electrician examine your system as soon as possible.

What is the typical time required for an electrical panel replacement? Most home electrical panel upgrades can normally be performed over the course of the same day. That said, this is inclusive of taking the old panel down, putting up the new panel, and hooking that panel up to your home electric system. The full installation, though, including scheduling the appointment, obtaining the necessary permits, and getting final inspection, can take a day or so, but possibly even up to a week or more, in accordance with your community rules and your electrician's availability.