Power Up Your Garage: Upgrading Your Electrical Service Panel

If you're building a new garage on your property, but the electrical service panel's breakers are already in use, then you will need to have an electrician upgrade the panel. Since this isn't a simple repair, you should know as much about the process as possible to ensure it's done safely.

Electrical Service Panel Basics

The electrical service panel is the central hub of your home's electrical system. It is where all the electrical wiring circuits in your home come together. The panel is where the main breaker is located, which controls the flow of electricity to your entire home.

When adding a new garage to your property, you'll need to upgrade your electrical service panel to accommodate the additional electrical load that the garage will require. This is because garages typically have high electrical demand due to housing electrical hogs such as bright lights and power tools.

Residential Electrical Service Panel Upgrades

A licensed electrician is required to upgrade electrical panels. The first step the electrician will take is determining the current electrical load your home uses. Once they know how much power you already use, they can evaluate the additional electrical capacity needed to accommodate the new garage.

The next step is determining what type of panel upgrade is necessary. For example, if the current panel is relatively new and has plenty of open spaces for new breakers, they may only need to add a new subpanel to accommodate the new garage. However, if the current panel is older or already at capacity, you may need to replace the entire panel with a larger one capable of accommodating the additional load.

Why It's Vital to Use a Licensed Electrician for Panel Upgrades

When installing the new panel or subpanel, it's crucial to hire a professional electrician to do the job. This is because installing a new panel or subpanel involves working with high-voltage electricity, which can be dangerous if not handled properly. A professional electrician will have the necessary training and experience to safely install the new panel or subpanel and ensure it is correctly wired and grounded.

Lastly, it's also important to note that upgrading your electrical service panel and adding new electrical breakers for your new garage may require permits and inspections from your local building department. A professional electrician can help you navigate the permitting and inspection process and ensure everything is done correctly and in compliance with all local codes and regulations.

For more information about service panel upgrades, contact a local company.

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