Just buy a new to you house and that old rusty breaker panel in the laundry room making you nervous. Looking at that new hot tub and unsure if you have the Juice to handle it? The electricians at Down Home Electric are panel experts. Contact us today, for a panel inspection, and let us come take a look "under the hood".
Many of the major manufactures' panels are made to last up to 50 years, with some of the major brands still sold today without many major changes. Most breakers have an expected life span of 30-40 years, with an average of around 35 years of service. In many cases your panels life can be extended several years with a full breaker replacement. A properly installed panel can provide many many years of continuous and trouble-free service.
The current Electrical code requires several of the home's circuits have new protective breakers that also provide additional protection to you your guests and your home. AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters) are Designed to detect the smallest of electrical Arcs, that can cause an electrical fire. GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) are designed to protect people in your home from electrical shock in and outside the home, or anywhere that electricity and water may meet. While these devices are a good deal more expensive than standard breakers, but are now required in many circumstances, to save property or even your life.
Many factors can cause this life expectancy to be diminished including moisture causing corrosion, heat damage due to improper installations, faulty materials and or workmanship. The pros at Down Home Electric can help you select whether your panel is in good working order, in need of a simple tune up, or if it is time for an upgrade or replacement.
There are cases where your breaker panel could be a major hazard to your home and your family, even if it has never given you trouble. Panels manufactured by Federal Pacific, and Zinsco should be replaced immediately. These panels have been found to pose major safety hazards, to the point where some home insurance companies may even refuse to insure your home.
Is your panel full up, but you're looking to upgrade the back yard with that dream hot tub, or maybe adding in a workshop space in the shed or basement? Did a limb fall on the wires coming into your home and now your Electric meter requires repair? We are here to help build out your system to handle anything you can throw at it. Down home Electrical can build a plan for your system, be it installation of an additional sub panel fed from your existing system, or a whole new service. We have your back to make sure your system delivers what you want, when you want, where you want it.