Key Steps for Panel Upgrades in Plainview, TX
Panel upgrades in Plainview, TX involve replacing outdated electrical panels with modern units that provide increased capacity, enhanced safety features, and reliable power distribution for your growing household needs.
How Do You Know Your Panel Needs Replacement?
Signs your panel requires replacement include rust or corrosion, a burning smell, breakers that will not reset, a panel over 25 years old, or insufficient space for additional circuits.
Older panels with fuses instead of breakers lack the safety features of modern circuit breaker panels. Fuses cannot respond as quickly to overloads and require manual replacement each time they blow. Upgrading to a breaker panel improves both convenience and protection.
If your panel feels warm when you touch it, internal connections may be failing. Scorch marks around breakers indicate dangerous overheating. These conditions demand immediate attention from a licensed electrician before a fire starts inside the wall.
What Happens During a Panel Upgrade?
During a panel upgrade, the electrician shuts off power, removes the old panel, installs the new unit, reconnects all circuits, labels each breaker clearly, and restores power after thorough testing.
The process begins with a utility disconnect to ensure no electricity flows into your home during the work. The electrician removes the old panel carefully, inspecting every wire for damage or wear. New panels offer more circuit slots, allowing future expansion without another major upgrade.
Each circuit wire is transferred to the new panel and secured with proper connectors. Modern panels include built-in safety features like arc-fault and ground-fault protection that older models lack. After installation, the electrician tests every breaker and outlet to confirm correct operation.
Which Panel Size Suits Your Home?
Most modern homes require a 200-amp panel to support air conditioning, electric heating, kitchen appliances, and multiple electronic devices, though smaller homes may function well with 150-amp service.
Your panel size determines how much total power your home can draw at once. A 100-amp panel was standard decades ago but cannot handle today's electrical demands. Adding a hot tub, electric vehicle charger, or workshop equipment often requires stepping up to 200 amps.
An electrician calculates your home's load by adding up the wattage of all major appliances and systems. They also consider future needs, such as planned additions or new technology. Choosing the right size now prevents another costly upgrade in a few years.
Do Plainview Building Codes Require Permits for Panel Work?
Plainview building codes require permits for panel replacements to ensure installations meet safety standards, and inspectors verify proper grounding, bonding, and compliance before final approval.
Pulling a permit protects you by guaranteeing the work meets local and national electrical codes. Inspectors check that the panel is mounted securely, wires are sized correctly, and all connections are tight. Skipping permits can lead to fines and complications when selling your home.
Licensed electricians handle permit applications and schedule inspections as part of the service. They understand Plainview's specific requirements and ensure every detail passes review. Completed permits add value and documentation to your property records.
SPS Electric delivers professional panel upgrades for homeowners in Plainview, TX who need greater capacity and modern safety features. Our certified electricians guide you through every step, from assessment to final inspection. Start planning your upgrade by calling 806-239-0842 today.