What is an Electrical Service Upgrade?

An electrical service upgrade refers to the process of increasing the capacity and capability of your home’s electrical system. This may involve upgrading the main electrical panel, wiring, and other key components to support higher electrical loads, meet modern safety standards, or accommodate the demands of new appliances and devices. An electrical service upgrade is often necessary if your current electrical system is outdated or insufficient for your needs.

Here are the main aspects that typically constitute an electrical service upgrade:

1. Upgrading the Electrical Panel (Breaker Panel)

   - What it involves: Replacing the existing electrical panel with a larger, more modern one that can handle more circuits or a higher amperage rating.

   - Why it’s needed: If your electrical panel is old, undersized, or doesn't provide enough capacity for your current electrical usage, an upgrade is essential to prevent overloading, tripped breakers, or fire hazards.

   - Common upgrades: Many homes are upgraded from 100-amp panels to 200-amp panels, which provide more capacity for modern appliances, air conditioning, electric heating, or home additions.

2. Increasing Amperage (Amperage Upgrade)

   - What it involves: Increasing the amperage of the electrical service, which is the maximum amount of electricity your home can safely use at one time.

   - Why it’s needed: Homes with higher energy demands (due to new appliances, home additions, or extensive use of electronics) may require an amp service upgrade. Common upgrades include moving from 100 amps to 150 amps or 200 amps, which provides more power to support modern electrical systems.

   - Typical applications: If you plan to install heavy-duty appliances like an electric range, oven, or electric vehicle (EV) charging station, or if you’re adding more living space, a larger amperage service may be required.

3. Rewiring or Updating Home Wiring

   - What it involves: Replacing old or outdated wiring with new, higher-capacity wiring that meets modern standards.

   - Why it’s needed: Older homes may have outdated aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube wiring, or insufficiently sized copper wiring that could pose a fire risk or fail to support modern electrical loads. A wiring upgrade ensures the system can safely handle current demands.

   - Typical applications: Rewiring may be necessary when renovating an old home, upgrading to more energy-demanding appliances, or after the installation of a higher-capacity electrical panel.

4. Upgrading the Service Line

   - What it involves: Upgrading the service line—the power line that connects your home to the utility company’s electrical grid.

   - Why it’s needed: If your utility company’s service line is undersized for your home’s power needs, or if it’s old and prone to failure, an upgrade may be necessary to ensure a reliable power supply.

   - Typical applications: This is more common in older homes, homes in rural areas, or houses that are increasing their amperage (e.g., upgrading to 200 amps). The electric utility company often manages this upgrade.

5. Adding Dedicated Circuits

   - What it involves: Adding specialized circuits for specific appliances or areas in your home (e.g., for electric stoves, water heaters, hot tubs, or home offices).

   - Why it’s needed: Certain appliances or equipment (such as HVAC systems, large refrigerators, or home theaters) may require a dedicated circuit for safety reasons. A dedicated circuit ensures these devices don’t overload the existing electrical system.

   - Typical applications: Homeowners upgrading to modern appliances or adding heavy-demand equipment often need dedicated circuits to ensure safe and efficient operation.

6. Grounding and Bonding Upgrades

   - What it involves: Improving the grounding system of the electrical service to prevent electrical shock hazards.

   - Why it’s needed: Modern homes require proper grounding for safety. If your system is outdated or doesn’t meet current safety codes, upgrading the grounding and bonding will protect against electrical shocks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

   - Typical applications: This upgrade may be necessary during a complete electrical system overhaul or when code violations are identified.

7. Installing Surge Protection

   - What it involves: Adding a whole-house surge protector to prevent damage to your electrical system and devices from power surges (caused by lightning strikes, utility grid fluctuations, or other factors).

   - Why it’s needed: Surge protectors safeguard sensitive electronics and appliances, extending their lifespan and preventing costly damage. This is often added during an electrical service upgrade.

   - Typical applications: Homeowners in areas prone to power surges, or those with many sensitive electronics, may opt to install surge protection during a system upgrade.

8. Compliance with Modern Electrical Codes

   - What it involves: Ensuring that your electrical system meets the latest electrical codes set by local, state, or national authorities (e.g., the National Electrical Code, or NEC).

   - Why it’s needed: Outdated systems may not comply with modern code requirements, which can create safety hazards and may be necessary for insurance or resale purposes. An upgrade may involve ensuring that your system is AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) and GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) compliant.

   - Typical applications: Any home that has not had a system upgrade in 20-30 years, especially in areas with updated safety codes.

Why You Might Need an Electrical Service Upgrade:

- Renovations or home additions: If you’re adding rooms, a basement, or extra living space, an upgrade may be required to meet the increased electrical load.

- Installation of major appliances: Installing electric dryers, ranges, or air conditioners can push your electrical system beyond its current capacity.

- Growing energy needs: If you’ve added many high-demand appliances (e.g., EV chargers, hot tubs, or home theaters) and are experiencing issues like tripping circuit breakers, you may need an upgrade.

- Safety concerns: If your current system uses outdated materials or components (e.g., aluminum wiring or knob-and-tube wiring), or if your panel is old and not functioning properly, it’s important to upgrade for safety reasons.

- Property resale or insurance requirements: Some insurance companies may require an updated electrical system for coverage, and potential homebuyers may require a modern, safe system for peace of mind.

Contact Lytle Electric to get started on your electrical service upgrade today!