How to Know it’s Time to Upgrade Your Electric Panel in Denver
Whether you call it a breaker panel, a load center, a breaker box, or an electric panel, your home has one, otherwise, you would truly be ‘off the grid’. The real question is, is the one you have installed the perfect fit for your electrical needs? If you’re ready to take on some new home electrification projects like EV charger or solar array installation, there’s a chance that your existing panel won’t be able to support these upgrades. Today, we’ll explore when it’s the right time to upgrade your electric panel in Denver and how to choose the right one for your home.
What Does Your Electric Panel Do?
The central hub that connects your home to the power grid is your electric panel. It receives electricity from Xcel Energy here in Denver, and distributes it to the various outlets in your home. As electricity can be very dangerous, effective electric panels are essential. They are equipped with circuit breakers that can trip when there is an overload of electricity, protecting your home from electrical fires and other hazards.
Signs Your Current Panel Isn’t Cutting It
While you’re likely here on a home electrification journey and want to get the latest technology for your property, there's a chance issues are present in your current panel. The most common of these are:
Frequently tripped circuit breakers
Flickering or dimming lights
Not enough electrical capacity to meet your needs (e.g. to prepare for whole home electrification)
If you think that your electric panel may be malfunctioning, it could pose a danger to your home and its inhabitants, so be sure to reach out to trusted professionals like our team at My Electric Home. We can help identify the problem and figure out the next best steps to ensure your home has the panel it needs to support your current and future power needs.
Exploring Types of Electric Panels
There are several electric panel types out there, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the most common types include:
Main Breaker Panels
Usually located in a prominent spot in a home or building, a main breaker panel contains the main power switch that controls all the circuits.
Sub Panels
These are additional panels that can be added to distribute power to specific areas, helping to prevent overload on the main panel.
Lug Panels
Lug panels are used to connect large wires together and are typically found in industrial settings or for heavy-duty equipment.
Fuse Boxes
An older style of panel, a fuse box, uses fuses to protect circuits from overloading. Rather than flipping a switch after an overload, you must fully replace the fuse. In the off chance your home still has a fuse box, it is certainly time to upgrade your electric panel.
Benefits of a Span Electric Panel
Technology is always advancing in new ways to improve our lives, and the electric panel industry is no exception. While there are a variety of smart electric panels on the market today, one stands apart from the rest as a superior solution. SPAN Panels offer an innovative and unique system that come with a ton of benefits including:
Improved energy efficiency: By monitoring your energy usage, a SPAN panel can help you identify ways to reduce your electricity consumption and lower your utility bills.
Enhanced safety: Smart panels can detect electrical faults and abnormalities, helping to prevent electrical fires and other hazards.
Remote access: With a smart panel, you can control your electrical system from anywhere, making it easier to manage your home’s energy usage and troubleshoot problems.
Energy Mangement System (EMS): The SPAN Panel is energy management equipment listed to UL-916 that “energizes or de-energizes electrical loads to achieve a desired use of electrical power.”
And, the SPAN panel is specifically designed to seamlessly integrate with solar and battery systems, allowing you to maximize the benefits of renewable energy sources. With its customizable features, the SPAN panel can effectively handle all the electrical demands of your household, ensuring a reliable and efficient power supply.
Hire Professionals to Upgrade Your Electric Panel in Denver
Upgrading your electric panel is not a DIY project and should be handled by licensed electricians. At My Electric Home, we will assess your home’s electrical needs, recommend the best panel for your situation, and ensure that the installation is carried out safely and correctly. Whether you're just starting to make eco-friendly upgrades or you're a seasoned electrification aficionado, we've got you covered.
To learn more about the great capabilities of SPAN electric panels or any of our other services give My Electric Home a call today!