Electrical Panel Upgrades
Serving Across WNY including Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Williamsville & Amherst 

As a homeowner, it’s important to understand when it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel. Have you experienced any of these warning signs?



1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips: If your circuit breakers trip often, it could be a sign that your panel is overloaded and can't handle the electrical demand of your home.
2. Flickering Lights: Lights that flicker or dim when you turn on other appliances can indicate an overloaded panel or other electrical issues.
3. Warm or Sparking Panel: If your electric panel feels warm to the touch or you see sparks when you plug in or unplug appliances, it's a clear sign that something is wrong.
4. Old Age: If your electric panel is more than 25-30 years old, it might be outdated and unable to handle the electrical demands of modern homes.
5. Fuse Box: If your home still has a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel, it's definitely time for an upgrade. Fuse boxes are outdated and can't handle the electrical needs of today's homes.
6. New Appliances: If you've recently added new appliances, such as a hot tub, air conditioner, or high-end kitchen appliances, your panel might not be able to handle the increased electrical load.
7. Rust or Corrosion: Any signs of rust or corrosion on your electric panel indicate a problem, possibly due to water exposure, which is a serious safety hazard.
8. Strange Odors: If you notice a burning smell or any other unusual odors coming from your electric panel, it could be a sign of overheating or other electrical issues.
9. Inadequate Power: If you find that you don't have enough outlets or that your current outlets can't power all your devices and appliances, an upgrade might be necessary.
10. Renovations or Additions: If you're planning to renovate your home or add new rooms, you'll likely need to upgrade your electric panel to handle the increased electrical demand.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to contact a licensed electrician to assess your electric panel and determine if an upgrade is necessary. 

How Long Does It Take To Replace an Electrical Panel?

The duration of an electrical panel upgrade can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the job, the size of the panel, and any additional electrical work that needs to be done. However, here's a general timeline to give you an idea:



1. Planning and Permits (1-5 days): Before starting the work, your electrician will need to plan the upgrade and obtain any necessary permits from your local building department.
2. Material Gathering (1-3 days): The electrician will need to gather all the necessary materials, including the new panel, circuit breakers, wires, and other equipment.
3. Upgrade Work (4-8 hours): The actual upgrade work typically takes between 4 to 8 hours. This includes:

• Turning off the power to your home.
• Removing the old panel and installing the new one.
• Upgrading the wiring and connecting it to the new panel.
• Installing new circuit breakers.
• Labeling the circuits.

1. Inspection (1-2 days): After the upgrade is complete, it will need to be inspected by a local electrical inspector to ensure it meets all safety codes and regulations.
2. Power Restoration (Less than 1 hour): Once the inspection is passed, the power to your home can be restored.

So, in total, the entire process can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the specifics of the job and the local inspection process. It's always a good idea to discuss the timeline with your electrician before the work begins, so you know what to expect.

Call Our Reliable Electricians Today

Ditch your outdated electrical unit and get a more efficient, electrical panel upgrade from Zacher Electric. Our experienced team will have your new unit up and running with little downtime to keep you going with your daily routine. If it’s time to upgrade your old electrical panel, then contact us at Zacher Electric for a consultation today.