Get Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Electrical System Upgrades

At Sonner Electric we find that when clients find they should upgrade their electrical system, they understandably have a lot of questions. While we are happy to answer your questions directly if you want to call us at 661-728-0126, you can also read on to learn some of the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Is it Necessary to Update the Electrical System on My Home?

There are many signs that may point to the fact that it is time to update your electrical system. These signs including frequently tripping your circuit breaker, noticing that lights are dimming when an appliance is turned on, hot electrical panels, resetting a breaker after it trips and it won’t stay reset, an electrical system that is more than 25 years old, or your electrical needs have changed significantly.

Why is it Necessary for Older Homes to Get Electrical System Updates?

To keep everyone in the home safe. If you have a home that was built in the 1960s, just take a moment to think about how your electrical needs differ from those of a family who lived there when it was built. Homes then had a few appliances and clocks. Today’s homes have a variety of appliances, many different technological devices plugged in, computers – the list goes on.

When a home is not built for these advanced electrical needs, a circuit breaker should trip. This means that the circuit is overloaded. While it may be aggravating, if it did not trip then it could overload the circuit and cause a serious fire.

How Long Do Home Electrical Panels Last?

Today’s electrical panels should last between 25 and 40 years. However, this can vary based on the brand and type. If you end up adding a significant electrical need, such as air conditioner or a jacuzzi, add on additional rooms that need electrical, or otherwise significantly change the way you use electricity, you could end up needing to replace it earlier.

Can I Do it Myself?

No. You should only have this done by a licensed, experienced residential electrician. If you choose to do it yourself, not only do you put your home in danger if you do not do it correctly, but it may not be up to code. This can cause issues with home insurance, could make you liable for damage and injuries to others, and is simply not worth the immediate “savings.”

If you are in need of an upgrade to your electrical system, we recommend contacting Sonner Electric at 661-728-0126 now. We will carefully consider your needs and offer our best advice on how to proceed.