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If you own an older home or are experiencing issues with your electrical system, Home Team Electric recommends an electrical upgrade in Indio, CA.
There are various options for modernizing and improving your home’s electrical system. One of the core upgrades we recommend is an electrical panel upgrade.
Our licensed electricians can install an electrical panel that meets your modern electrical needs. We can also replace wiring, add outlets, and much more.
A common question we get from homeowners is concerns about when to upgrade their panels.
The general industry rule is that you should replace your panel after 40 years. At this point, the current panel is old, both in terms of wear and tear and technologically outdated.
In some cases, you may need to upgrade your panel before the 40-year mark. One scenario is when a new appliance causes your home to exceed the load limit of your current panel. Another is adding a modern appliance that has demands beyond your panel’s capabilities.
Many older homes have a 100-amp electrical panel. A 200-amp panel is the standard for new construction. An electrician may recommend a 300-amp panel in some cases. These include larger homes and midsize homes with electric heating systems.
A circuit breaker is a consideration when upgrading your electrical panel. Each circuit breaker provides between 600 and 800 square feet of coverage. That said, the electrical load is the limit you’ll generally have to deal with.
Electricians usually limit each circuit to 10 devices, including lights and outlets. The minimum for a modern panel is 20 circuits. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), the upper limit is 42. That provides you with many more possibilities when it comes to planning out your home.
Whole-house surge protection is also a consideration. There are three layers to surge protection: T1, T2, and T3. T3 is local surge protection. It includes surge protector strips and outlets with integrated surge protection.
A T2 surge protection device (SPD) is a main distribution panel surge protector. We install it between the panel and the electrical system. It protects against internal and external power spikes and surges. A T3 SPD provides point-of-use surge protection.
We install it between the panel and grid. It gives your home an even higher level of protection against lightning strikes and abnormalities from the electrical source.
You should also consider upgrading your outlets and switches. Modern outlets and switches are safer, more efficient, and more sophisticated.
Per the NEC, you should use ground-fault circuit interrupter (GCFI) circuit breakers and outlets where necessary. Where necessary, outlets near sources of water, including all bathrooms and kitchens, should be included.
You have many options for your outlets. Smart outlets are an excellent choice. They provide remote access to the outlet and can also prevent phantom draws. A phantom draw is an electrical draw while a device is on standby, which wastes homeowners hundreds of dollars a year. You may also want to consider integrated Ethernet ports and USB ports. USB ports will eliminate the need for dedicated smartphone chargers.
Smart switches and dimmers are also options. Dimmers provide much finer lighting control than a traditional light switch, and smart devices help you avoid wasting electricity.
They can turn off on a schedule you set or a timer. You may also want to consider ceiling fans in any rooms that don’t have them but can accommodate them. Ceiling fans improve comfort, ventilation, and energy efficiency.
Home Team Electric is a well-respected electrical contractor serving Indio and the entire Coachella Valley area. We have served this region for more than 15 years and offer more than four decades of industry experience.
We are a customer-focused electrical service provider that has earned an A+ BBB rating. Our company has Ygrene and Green Screen certification. We’re also an award-winning company, including Morongo Basin’s Best of the Best.
Are you ready to enhance your home with an upgraded electrical panel? Contact Home Team Electric today to schedule an in-home consultation for an electrical upgrade in Indio.
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