At Power Up Electric, we provide expert electrical panel upgrades for a wide range of properties, including apartment buildings, custom homes, historical homes, and multi-meter systems. Whether you’re managing a multi-unit building with a complex multi-meter setup or upgrading a custom or historic home, our team ensures that your electrical system is safe, efficient, and equipped to handle modern power demands. From single-unit homes to large apartment complexes, we offer tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and upgrade your electrical panel with confidence.
The Power of Trust
Serving in the greater Los Angeles area since 1983.
Key Factors
When Installing an Electrical Service Panel.
The electrical control panel is the heart of your home or building, responsible for distributing and regulating power to various areas by creating dedicated circuits with different amperage levels. An ideal service panel should have at least 200 amps to safely and efficiently meet the demands of modern appliances and technology. Anything below 200 amps may increase the risk of overloading circuits, posing a fire hazard and compromising your family’s safety. If your panel is outdated, it may be time for an upgrade. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and ensure your home is protected and prepared for the future.
Factors to consider:
- Building Size: Larger buildings with more rooms require greater power distribution to ensure every area receives adequate electricity.
- Appliance and Equipment Usage: The panel must accommodate the electrical current demand of all appliances and equipment, ensuring efficient and safe operation throughout the property.
- Future Expansion Needs: If there are plans for future renovations or additions, the panel must have the capacity to handle increased power requirements without needing another upgrade.
- Compliance with Local Electrical Codes: The panel must meet local safety regulations and standards to ensure the electrical system is properly installed and safe for long-term use.
Here are other names referred to the Electrical Service Panel:
- Breaker box
- Circuit breaker panel or box
- Power breaker
- Fuse box
- Fuse board
- Load center
- Panel board
- Electrical service
- Residential service
- Service panel
- Main panel
- Distribution board
Proper sizing and installation of your electrical service panel are crucial for preventing overloads, maintaining energy efficiency, and ensuring safety. Here are six scenarios highlighting the importance of upgrading your service panel:
Obsolete Electrical Panels:
Zinsco, Pushmatic, and Federal Pacific
Zinsco, Pushmatic, and Federal Pacific Electrical Service Panels have been discontinued due to significant performance and design flaws. These outdated panels are known for failing to provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of electrical fires and malfunctions. If your home or building still relies on one of these obsolete panels, it is highly recommended to upgrade to a modern, safer electrical panel to ensure proper protection and performance.
Edison Fuses:
Outdated and Replaced by Modern Breakers
Edison fuses are now considered obsolete and have been replaced by more reliable circuit breakers. Unlike breakers, which safely interrupt the electrical current during an overload, fuses burn out and require replacement. Breakers offer greater safety, efficiency, and convenience by protecting your electrical system from overloads and preventing potential fire hazards.
No Main Breaker:
Limited Control and Insufficient Breaker Spaces
Panels without a main breaker offer no direct control over the main electrical current, posing a safety concern in the event of an overload. Additionally, with only four breaker spaces, these panels severely limit power distribution, leading to potential overloads and electrical inefficiencies. Upgrading to a modern panel with adequate breaker space and a main breaker is crucial for both safety and meeting today’s power demands.
All Twins:
Limited Control with Outdated Panel Design
Panels with no main breaker and all twin breakers (15 amps) offer limited control over the main electrical current and feature only four breaker spaces. This design creates power limitations and potential safety hazards, as twin breakers divide the electrical current into more channels without increasing the total capacity. As a result, the panel can become overloaded more easily. Upgrading to a modern panel with a main breaker and adequate space is essential for enhanced safety and reliable power distribution
Small Main:
Inadequate Power Capacity
Panels with a small main breaker (50-100 amps) and only 4-8 breaker spaces often fall short of the needs of most standard-sized homes. A minimum of 200 amps is typically required to ensure reliable and safe operation. Panels with less than 200 amps may experience power cuts and overheating of wiring, which increases the risk of electrical fires. Upgrading to a panel with the appropriate capacity is crucial for maintaining electrical safety and meeting the demands of modern living.
Small Main + Subpanel:
Insufficient Amperage with Divided Circuits
Panels with a small main breaker (50-100 amps) and only 4-8 breaker spaces often fall short of the needs of most standard-sized homes. A minimum of 200 amps is typically required to ensure reliable and safe operation. Panels with less than 200 amps may experience power cuts and overheating of wiring, which increases the risk of electrical fires. Upgrading to a panel with the appropriate capacity is crucial for maintaining electrical safety and meeting the demands of modern living.
Modernize Today
Meet Electrical Standards.
With over 30 years of experience serving the Los Angeles area, Power Up Electric Inc. specializes in precise and efficient Electrical Service Panel Upgrades. Our services are designed not only to meet current electrical standards but also to accommodate future needs, with ample room for circuit expansion and increased amperage. By staying updated with the latest technologies in appliances, electronics, and equipment, we ensure that your panel is prepared for both today’s demands and tomorrow’s advancements. Trust us to modernize your electrical system and future-proof your property.