Los Angeles Electrical Panel Upgrades

Upgrading Your Electrical Service Panel

The main electrical panel is an integral feature in every commercial or industrial setting, making a significant impact on the daily running of the business property in relation to its function, safety, and efficiency. If your facilities are showing signs of damage, or simply haven’t been treated for a long time, our electrical panel installation and service team can help your organization prepare for the demands of operating a firm in the modern era. Suncoast Energy offers a wide range of Electrical panel upgrade services including:

Residential panel upgrades: Upgrading your house panel from 100 amps to 200 amps.
Main panel upgrade: Upgrading the main panel which usually houses the electrical meter.
Secondary panel upgrade: Electrical sub panel upgrade which houses secondary electrical breakers for the building.
Commercial panel upgrade: Commercial panel upgrades usually consist of electrical panels at 200 amps, 400 amps, 800 amps and 1200 amps.
Industrial Panel upgrade: Industrial electrical panel upgrades consist of 480 volt electrical panels and industrial control panels.
Switch gear panel upgrades: Upgrading electrical switch gear upgrades for commercial and industrial businesses.

Why Are Electrical Panel Upgrades Necessary?

While main electrical panels are designed to facilitate safe and efficient electricity supplies, they can encounter problems over time. The constant supply of current can cause the bussing and breakers to overheat, which subsequently stops them from tripping when required. Once the circuit breaker stops working it may stop tripping which can pose a threat for an electrical fire.

Breakers can become damaged over time due to a wide selection of reasons. Perhaps the most common source, however, stems from the materials used. Aluminum heats at a quicker rate than copper, meaning any electrical panels using the former solution are at risk of damage over time. Unfortunately, there was an era when aluminum was the most common option, mainly due to copper shortages. These outdated units are the perfect candidates for upgrading and installing a new electrical panel.

Installing a brand new electrical panel will help achieve a wide range of beneficial outcomes. The most telling attributes include;

Increase safety by installing a new electrical panel that uses the most robust materials.
Improve the speed of identifying potential electrical problems as switches will trip with better response times.
Facilitate a consistent and reliable current to all areas of the business following an expansion or extension of the property.
Remove worn wires and replace them with new breakers and wires that can protect your business for years to come.
Gain the peace of mind that comes from creating a safe and efficient electrical panel.

Upgrading Your Main Electrical Panel

A main electrical panel is the metal box that you probably refer to as a fuse box, circuit breaker, or breaker panel. They are traditionally found connected to the building’s exterior, but may also be found in an electrical room or the basement. Their chief function is to facilitate a reliable supply of electricity to the commercial property.

All properties, including residential ones that receive an electricity supply, will boast at least one electrical panel. However, more extensive commercial settings may additionally use secondary service panels in other parts of the property or utilize switchgear.

Most main electrical panels include a main circuit breaker that can control the electrical supply to the property via a simple ‘on’ or ‘off’ switch. Meanwhile, individual circuit breakers are used to control specific locations. For example, there may be one circuit breaker for the storeroom and another for the office reception. Other setups may use one circuit breaker for the lights, alongside another for appliances or machinery.

While the electrical panels may show some contrasts from one company to the next due to different manufacturers and building requirements, the fundamental features remain the same.

What Are The Signs You Need A New Electrical Panel?

Most electrical panels have a lifespan of 30 to 40 years, but this can vary due to a variety of issues. The fluctuations are a little greater in commercial settings compared to residential buildings due to the type of usage. However, electrical panels are very good at altering owners to potential faults, particularly if you know what to look for.

This can be due to faults or changing requirements within the business building. Issues associated with commercial electrical panels include, but are not limited to;.

There are signs of rust inside the panel, suggesting moisture damage that can lead to further overheating and problems.
Circuit breakers regularly trip, showing that the system is either overloaded or suffering from an electrical fault.
Areas within the electrical panel show signs of burning, confirming that overheating has occurred over time.
Lights flicker or outlets regularly display signs that they have temporarily lost power, even for a split second.
Inadequate wiring, either due to oversized breakers or messy wiring in the primary or secondary electrical panels.
You are using multiple power strips, particularly for heavy-duty machines that require lots of electricity.

What Happens If It's Left Untreated?

Ignoring the need for a service panel upgrade, or trying to delay the inevitable, can lead to significant problems relating to various aspects of the business. Some of the most worrying and damaging repercussions are;

Run an increased risk of electrical fires either at the fuse box or in the property itself.
Encounter increased downtime through temporary issues that occur following the trip, as well as downtime that requires an engineer to visit your venue.
Cause unnecessary damage to equipment and machinery as they lose power due to the electrical overheating.
Lose data and unsaved documents while also running the risk of data corruption.
Spend more money in the long run due to the decreased efficiency of your electrical supply, as well as the prospect of needing emergency repairs.
Increase your stress levels due to the frequency of minor faults and issues.

The Electrical Panel installation Process

If you believe that your commercial building needs a new and improved electrical service panel, you are probably right to make this assumption. Even if it isn’t an emergency situation, taking action at the next convenient moment is advised, as leaving it untreated exacerbates the problems.

Electrical panels are made from various elements, which is why calling an experienced electrical technician to provide a comprehensive electrical panel inspection. This will analyze a full range of components, such as;

The enclosure bonding
The feeders
Wire ampacity
Arc flash settings
Grounding
Ground lug
The fittings
Ground busbar
Breaker trip settings
Bonding jumpers
Conduit fills

Whether identifying a simple issue relating to an incorrect setting or diagnosing the need to replace the electrical panel, this is the first step towards getting your systems back up to scratch. An electrical panel inspection is highly encouraged when making significant electrical upgrades or when you are having repeated electrical panel issues.

How Will The Electrical Panel Installation Be Completed?

The next steps are heavily influenced by the results of the inspection. It is possible that a simple change of settings and rewiring could fix the situation. In the vast majority of cases, though, a service panel upgrade will be needed. While there are many potential pathways to follow, the most likely results are;

Replace an outdated model that uses aluminum components or is made from an outdated manufacturer such as Zinsco, Federal Pacific Electric, or Pushmatic & Challenger.
Remove a faulty electrical panel to replace it with a new one that is built to provide your business with consistent and safe electricity supplies for decades to come.
Install new electrical service panel and replacing and adding secondary panels to provide energy to new workspaces and commercial areas.
Installing electrical panels that can support the eco-friendly technologies that have been used to upgrade your commercial building.

A thorough service includes lighting inspections and surveys of the company’s electrical usage to identify further upgrade opportunities while you should also seek advice on how to keep the energy supply in good health.

We are living in a digital age, and our reliance on electricity is greater than ever. Due to the increased demands, it’s very likely that your older work buildings need attention in this area. To find out more or arrange a consultation and audit, contact us touch today.

Contact Suncoast Energy For A Free Service Panel Upgrade Quote

Electrical service panels remain the heart of each home or business, and more and more home and business owners are interested in upgrading. If you are thinking about upgrading your electrical panel at home or at your business, it’s critical to work with experienced electrical panel upgrade expert and to obtain detailed written quotes before you proceed. If you have any questions, or you’d like to discuss your plans further, give us a call today to schedule an appointment.

Are You Ready To Discuss Your Next Project?

When it comes to electrical services, trust Suncoast Energy to deliver reliable, efficient, and safe solutions for your home, business, or industrial facility. Our dedication to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction sets us apart as a leading electrical contractor in California. Whether you're upgrading your electrical panel, repairing home wiring, or optimizing your business’s lighting system, we’re here to provide expert support every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the difference professional, licensed electricians can make for your electrical system.

(562)548-2788

service@suncoast-energy.com