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Electrical Panels Connecting Quality & Integrity Since 1941

Nebraska Electrical Panel Upgrades

Electrical Panel Experts Serving Homes and Businesses 

Your electrical panel serves as the heart of your home or business's electrical system. Think of it as the main hub where electricity from the grid enters your property and is then distributed to the various lights, outlets, and appliances throughout the building. Your electrical panel is also like a gatekeeper, as it ensures that electricity is safely and efficiently allocated to where it's needed while also providing a critical safety function. If your electrical system detects a problem, the panel will "trip" – or shut off the power to that area – to prevent potential damage or a fire.

When your electrical panel needs attention, our team at Snell Services can provide professional support. Our Nebraska electrical panel services include expert assistance with residential and commercial upgrades, repairs, and replacements. We can ensure your panel is serving your home or commercial property’s electrical needs, and if it isn’t, our technicians can recommend and implement a personalized solution. 

Having served our community for over 80 years, you can trust us to help power your home or business. We offer 24/7 emergency service, so call (308) 337-6337 or contact us online today!

Can an Electrical Panel Be Upgraded?

Upgrading an electrical panel is not only possible but often necessary to accommodate the growing electrical demands of a modern home or business. An upgrade may involve increasing the capacity of the panel to support more circuits or updating it to a newer model that provides improved safety features and reliability. 

  • The most common reason for upgrading an electrical panel is to increase the electrical capacity of the building. Modern appliances, HVAC systems, and other technologies can significantly exceed the capabilities of older electrical systems, leading to frequent circuit overloads and tripped breakers. By upgrading the panel, you can help ensure that your electrical system is ready to handle the current and future electrical needs of your property.
  • It may make sense to upgrade your electrical panel during major renovations or after adding new, high-powered appliances or systems like central air conditioning, electric vehicle charging stations, or a hot tub. These additions tend to require a substantial amount of electricity and may necessitate a panel that can support higher amperage.
  • If your current electrical panel is outdated, it may not comply with current electrical codes or may lack essential safety features. Upgrading to a modern electrical panel can enhance the overall safety of your electrical system by reducing the risk of electrical fires and providing better protection against electrical shocks.

Not sure if your electrical panel needs an upgrade? Our Nebraska electrical panel services include professional consultations. We can evaluate your home or building’s evolving electrical needs and recommend the appropriate upgrade. 

How Long Does an Electrical Panel Typically Last?

The lifespan of an electrical panel typically ranges between 25 to 40 years, although this can vary significantly based on the brand, model, environment, and usage patterns. Regular maintenance and the quality of the initial installation can also impact longevity.

Signs Your Electrical Panels Need to Be Replaced or Upgraded

Homeowners and businessowners alike should be aware of their panel's age and monitor for signs of wear or failure. Remember, technological advancements and changes in electrical codes may also render older panels obsolete, even if they haven't physically failed. Regular inspections by our qualified electricians can help identify issues before they become serious problems.

Here are some key indicators that your electrical panel may be due for a replacement or upgrade:

  • Frequent tripping of breakers. If your circuit breakers are tripping often, they may be overloaded. Your current panel may be unable to handle your home or building’s electrical demand.
  • Overheating electrical panel. An electrical panel should not be hot to the touch. Warmth or signs of scorching around the panel box indicate a potentially dangerous situation that requires immediate attention.
  • Buzzing or humming noises. Any unusual noises coming from your electrical panel are a clear sign of a malfunction. This could mean loose connections, breaker issues, or other potentially hazardous problems.
  • Flickering lights throughout your building. While flickering lights can be caused by one of several electrical issues, if this is a common occurrence across multiple rooms, it could be linked to an inadequate or failing electrical panel.
  • Rust or corrosion on the panel. The presence of rust or corrosion is never a good sign. Moisture in an electrical panel can lead to short circuits and increase the risk of electrical fires.
  • Use of fuse blocks. If your electrical system still uses fuse blocks instead of circuit breakers, your panel is almost certainly outdated and may not offer the safety features provided by modern panels.
  • Outdated or discontinued panels. Certain brands and models of electrical panels are known for their safety issues. Panels that are no longer supported, have known defects, or are no longer compliant with current electrical codes should be replaced.
  • Insufficient power supply. If your electrical panel does not have enough capacity to add additional circuits and you find yourself relying on extension cords or power strips to provide power, it’s probably time to consider an upgrade.

When you need Nebraska electrical panel services, our professionals have you covered. Call (308) 337-6337 or contact us online to request a free estimate today!

What Should I Consider When Upgrading or Replacing My Electrical Panel?

Our team can help you assess the safety, efficiency, and future readiness of your electrical system when planning a panel replacement or upgrade. Our Nebraska electrical panel services aim to set your home or business up for success.

When planning an electrical panel upgrade or replacement, we can help you evaluate:

  • Current and future electrical needs. You should review your current electrical usage and do your best to anticipate any future increases. Consider how new or future additions like automation systems, EV chargers, or expansions might increase electrical load. This assessment will help determine the capacity your new panel should support.
  • Compliance with local codes and standards. Electrical installations must comply with national standards as well as local building codes. These codes outline the requirements for electrical panel upgrades, including safety issues and the type of panels permitted. Our licensed electricians at Snell Services are familiar with local requirements and can provide guidance on compliance.
  • Selection of the right electrical panel. You should choose a panel that not only meets your current needs but also has room for future expansion. Panels vary by amperage capacity, brand, and the number of circuit slots. High-quality panels with additional circuit slots can offer more flexibility for future needs.
  • Safety features. Modern electrical panels usually come with enhanced safety features, such as arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) and ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) circuit breakers, which help protect against electrical fires and shocks. Consider selecting a panel that includes these features to enhance your home’s electrical safety.
  • Cost. The cost of replacing or upgrading an electrical panel can vary widely based on the complexity of the installation and the type of panel. We can help you find a solution that suits your building’s electrical needs and your budget. 
  • Permits and inspections. Most jurisdictions require a permit for an electrical panel upgrade or replacement. We can help obtain the necessary permits before we begin work. After installation, we can help coordinate a final inspection by a local electrical inspector, which is often required to ensure the work complies with all applicable codes.