The electrical panel distributes power to every circuit in the house, and in many older homes it was sized for far less than it carries today. If you are wondering whether you need an electrical panel upgrade in Philadelphia, these are the five signs to look for, followed by what the work involves.
An occasional trip is normal. A breaker that trips whenever the microwave and the toaster run together, or whenever the air conditioner starts, is telling you that the circuit, or the whole panel, is at its limit. Resetting it does not fix anything, and replacing the breaker with a larger one is dangerous because the wire behind it stays the same size.
A brief dip when a large motor starts can be normal. Lights that dim noticeably every time the dryer, the air conditioner or the vacuum comes on point to a service that is short on capacity or to a loose connection, and a loose connection needs attention soon.
Many Philadelphia rowhomes still have fuse boxes or 60 to 100 amp service. That was enough for lights, a refrigerator and a television. It is not enough for central air, an electric range or dryer and a kitchen full of appliances, which is why 200 amps is the usual size for an upgrade today.
A kitchen remodel, a finished basement, central air, a heat pump or an EV charger each adds demand. Check the panel at the planning stage. It costs less to upgrade as part of the project than to find out midway that there is no capacity, or no room, for the new circuits.
This one cannot wait. Heat, buzzing, a burning smell or scorch marks mean something inside is failing. Do not open the panel. If you see smoke or sparks, leave the house and call 911. Otherwise call a licensed electrician right away.
Recognize any of these? A licensed electrician in Philadelphia can inspect the panel and tell you whether it needs a repair, a replacement or a larger service.
An electrical panel upgrade in Philadelphia comes in two versions. A panel replacement swaps the old panel for a new one of the same capacity. A service upgrade increases the capacity coming into the house, usually to 200 amps, and includes the service cable and the meter equipment along with the panel. Both need an electrical permit from Licenses & Inspections, obtained by a licensed electrical contractor, and an inspection when the work is done. A service upgrade is also scheduled with PECO, because the power to the house has to be disconnected and reconnected.
Electrical problems tend to get worse, not better. If two or more of these signs sound familiar, have the panel looked at before the next heat wave or the next large appliance. See our electrical services or request a free estimate.
