Category: Electrical

Electrical Panel Upgrade: When You Should Do It?

Jan 30, 2023

Electrical Panel Upgrade: When You Should Do It?

  • Electrical
electrical panel upgrade in Chelmsford, MA done by MillTown Plumbing

You might not have given much thought to an electrical panel upgrade, but it is a critical part of your home’s electrical system. Most homeowners pay attention only when something breaks down and scramble for quick fixes. 

A few things in your electrical panel require an upgrade over time, such as outdated fuses, because they pose a severe fire risk., Outdated fuses kill almost 500 people and cause $1.3 bn of property damage each year. Flickering lights and a burning smell are also concerning and demand your attention.

Besides these reasons, if your home is older than 20 years, you should probably consider upgrading your electric panel because of code compliance, insurance requirements, or safety concerns. This article will discuss all that one needs to know about electrical panel upgrades and how they improve your life in many ways. 

Signs That Your Home Needs An Electrical Panel Upgrade

If you noticed any of the below-mentioned signs, it’s a sign that your electric panel needs an upgrade:

  • Frequent tripping of circuit breaker 
  • Unusual warming of electrical panel 
  • Failing of circuit breaker
  • Regular dimming or flickering of lights

Electrical Panel Problems and How to Resolve Them 

Electric panels can face many problems over the course of their life, such as corrosion, over-fusing, dangerous openings, and more. Let’s discuss them in detail and understand how to address them. 

Over-fusing

Whenever the capacity of a load-carrying wire does not match the rating of a fuse or breaker to which it is connected, over-fusing occurs. A wire that doesn’t have enough capacity can overheat quickly and start a dangerous fire. 

You can replace individual circuit breakers to resolve this issue. However, always consult a professional electrician before doing that, as there might be other underlying problems you should have noticed. Replacing just the circuit breaker without going into the issue in depth might prolong it.

Panel Openings 

All electrical panels have perforated knockouts that work as entry and exit points for electrical wires. They are also the access points to fuses and breakers. Sometimes the perforations get damaged, and a permanent opening remains there if no breakers are installed. It opens the way to the interior of the panel, which can be very dangerous because children can stick something inside it. It can also be an entry point for small rodents, bugs, and dirt which can damage the whole system. 

The solution to this problem is to install breakers as soon as possible to fill the gaps so that children, animals, bugs, or dust cannot access them. 

Corrosion 

Corrosion affects many electrical panels and ranges from mild to excessive, depending upon the exposure of the panel to moisture and humidity. Water entering the main service wire can cause a lot of issues. It can hinder the connection between branch circuit wiring and service cable wiring, resulting in increased resistance and heat, which can ultimately cause a fire. 

The full extent of damage from corrosion can only be judged by an experienced electrician with all the required testing and safety equipment. 

Damaged or Missing Handle Ties 

Handle ties are devices that connect two breaker switches to ensure that two halves of a multiwire branch circuit are switched off at the same time. They ensure that both sides are switched off simultaneously. 

Sometimes these ties get damaged or are missing altogether, which calls for a replacement. However, a seasoned electrician should do it because doing it yourself poses a huge hazard.

Overcrowding 

If you’re living in a new home, chances are you have upgraded from a 100 amp to a 200 amp panel. However, the homes built before the 1990s usually have 100 amp panels which are insufficient these days. It can result in overcrowding with multiple wires crossing over each other. 

Sometimes two wires are connected to the same breakers, which is not only a code violation but can also be hazardous. The best way out of this problem is to upgrade from 100amp to 200amp to have peace of mind. 

Features & Benefits Of A 200 Amp Electrical Panel Upgrade

Here’re some of the benefits of an electrical panel upgrade:

  • Upgrading your electrical system from 100 amp to 200 amp ensures that all appliances get sufficient power while preventing electrocutions and electrical fires. 
  • Getting more circuits helps you distribute the electrical power to multiple outlets, reducing the risk of fires. 
  • Installing a new power panel can help bring consistent power to your appliances, the lack of which can cause circuit overloads and tripping of breakers. 
  • Getting a service upgrade can also significantly increase your home’s value, especially if you have been using an outdated electrical system. 
  • A new electrical system is more efficient and consumes far less power than its older counterpart. As a result, you have to pay lower smaller electricity bills.

What to Expect In an Electrical Panel Upgrade? 

Before pursuing every aspect of the electrical panel upgrade process, you must thoroughly understand it. Let’s look at how it works.

Time Required 

The time needed for an electrical panel upgrade depends upon the particular panel, the required upgrade, and the wiring involved. Old fuse panels are slightly easy to replace, as you need to unscrew them and put a new one in their place.

Sometimes, it is easy to replace the panel, but the circuitry makes the task much more time-consuming. For instance, replacing a 20-position panel with a 32-position panel shouldn’t take too long, but it can take days if it has crossed circuits.

Costs 

The standard power required in homes used to be 60 amps. However, now it has climbed up to 200 amps, thanks to modern appliances such as air conditioners, computers, high-definition televisions, etc. The cost you incur to upgrade your electrical system to 100 amp, or 200 amp can fall anywhere between $800 to $3,000, or even exceed that in some instances.

If your house is over 40 years old, you’ll need to upgrade your wiring to handle the increased load. Opening the wall, installing new wiring, and connecting switches and outlets can cost up to $8,000. The cost for larger homes with exterior walls can cost even more.

No Appliances 

Unfortunately, as long as the electrical panel upgrade is incomplete, you cannot use your home appliances because the power will stay cut off. Turning the power connection on prematurely is not only damaging to the system but is also risky for everyone involved in the process. So, be patient and let the electrician finish the task before you use your appliances again.

Usually, it takes 1-3 days, so ensure that your laptop and other devices are fully charged. Arrange some alternative power source during the outage, so it doesn’t affect your work.

Electrical Panel Upgrade Installation Process 

Here’s what a typical electrical panel upgrade looks like;

  1. Initial Assessment: An electrician will perform an assessment and ask the power company to cut the supply until the electric system upgrade is finished. 
  2. Replacing Meter: First, replace the existing meter with a new one to avoid faulty readings and a more manageable billing process. 
  3. Changing Circuit Breaker: Replace the circuit breakers, especially if you notice signs of damage, such as dimming lights and foul smells. 
  4. Upgrade: Completely upgrade the electric panel for better power distribution. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it. 
  5. Make Desired Changes: If your home needs more power, add more circuits because the new panel has enough space. 

Replace traditional light bulbs with LED bulbs to complement the panel upgrade. LED bulbs save energy and can reduce your electricity bills. Once the electric system upgrade is finished, a building inspector will visit and perform a thorough inspection to ensure that all the building and electricity regulations have been met.

Note: Make sure you or your electrician has a permit for upgrading the panel or installing a new one from the relevant state authorities.

Conclusion 

The electrical system is the backbone of any modern home, thanks to its ability to power all our appliances. Your energy bill, appliances, and safety are compromised when there are issues. Therefore, an electrical panel upgrade can save a lot of trouble with only a few simple steps.

If you’re also noticing some problems with your electrical system, don’t wait and contact MillTown. Our expert team will visit you, assess the situation, and suggest the best options for your electrical panel upgrade.

By Milltown Plumbing

9 Warning Signs of Outdated Wiring

May 01, 2022

9 Warning Signs of Outdated Wiring

  • Electrical
outdated wiring

As wiring becomes outdated, problems occur that inconvenience you. You may find yourself in the dark a lot due to frequently tripped circuits or blown fuses. You might not have enough power to run all of your appliances, lights and devices at the same time. You may receive shocks frequently. You may notice your electric bill is becoming increasingly high for no apparent reason, which may attribute to old wiring. Outdated wiring has the potential to do more than just complicate your life. You could find yourself without a place to call your own once the faulty wiring sparks and starts a fire.  

Benefits of Rewiring

If you opt to rewire your home, you could find yourself saving money. Although it sounds hard to believe you can save money by spending it, it’s true when it comes to electrical work. A bad breaker box will increase the amount of energy you consume. Additionally, the electric doesn’t always flow as smoothly through the wiring. Leakage in underground wiring will cause you to use more electric as well. All of this can be repaired to save you money on your electric bill.

If you have an electric furnace, your home might not be heating as efficiently as a result of the outdated wiring. Homeowners notice their home’s furnace heats more efficiently when the wiring is up-to-date, meaning winters will be much warmer as a result of the update. Lights are brighter with newer electric wires, changing the entire ambiance of your home. 

Your electronic devices will thank you for updating your wiring since outdated wiring isn’t adequate and may damage the equipment. Sixty amps were once enough for all major devices in a home. Today, homes require 200 or more amps for TVs, computers, air conditioning units and other electronic devices. When the voltage drops, it’s hard on the electronics and can cause them to quit working prematurely. 

Here are some signs that your home needs to be rewired:

1. Dimmed ceiling lights

Dimmed ceiling lights aren’t just a sign a light bulb is preparing to burn out. Oftentimes, it’s an indication there isn’t an adequate amount of electricity flowing through your wiring to power it, so it doesn’t illuminate as strongly. 

2. Smoking from Outlets, Lights or Appliances 

When your appliances, lights or outlets begin smoking, you need to take action immediately. Electrical devices smoking isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a sign the health of your wiring is poor. The smoking indicates something is burning, and when it continues to do so, you could find your whole home going up in flames. 

3. Noisy Electrical 

The electric in your home should run without making any noise. What you might be blaming on paranormal activity usually signifies outdated wiring. Noises like buzzing, crackling or sizzling signal issues like a short, a faulty electric panel or fuse box or an overloaded circuit. 

4. Burning Smell

You might notice a burning smell around your electrical, or you may just start smelling a burning smell in your home that you can’t identify the source of. It tends to smell like a burning candle. You might just notice the smell occasionally. The odor means wires in your home are starting to melt. 

5. Discoloration Around the Outlet 

One sign of old wiring is discoloration around the outlet on the cover or even up the wall. The area may appear scorched with black or brown discoloration. This is a sign the wiring behind the wall is getting too hot. 

6. Warm Spots

Your outlets shouldn’t get hot from your electrical for any reason. The electric runs behind the walls through coated wiring that protects the electrical current from escaping. Unfortunately, as the wiring ages, the coating doesn’t trap the current like it should, which will cause the electric to escape and heat the wall. Usually, these spots arise on the outlet. Ultimately, this puts your home at risk of catching on fire.

7. Aluminum Wiring 

Today, copper dominates as the most reliable and conductive material for electrical wiring. However, during the 1960s and 1970s, homes were commonly built using aluminum wiring. It’s a safety hazard since the connections loosen over time. The loose connections cause overheating and are a fire hazard, especially when you plug appliances into them. 

8. Knob and Tube Wiring

Originating in the 1880s, knob and tube wiring is highly outdated. It was only used until the 1970s and consisted of rubber, which breaks down over time to expose bare wires. Without the protective coating on them, the moisture and air reach the wires, which increases your risk of a short or fire. 

9. Frayed Wiring 

With age, comes problems with your wiring. For instance, the wires may fray and cause electrocution. They also lead to faulty operation of electric devices and fire. 

Call MillTown today and schedule your checkup to see if you need fixes for cold spots in your house!

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By Milltown Plumbing

Have an Old House? You Probably Have Old Plumbing

May 01, 2022

Have an Old House? You Probably Have Old Plumbing

  • Electrical
old plumbing

Many people choose to buy older homes due to their inherent character and charm. However when it comes to your older homes plumbing system, you must consider the problems you may encounter. Being well informed about old plumbing systems equips you with a necessary tool in your older home buyer arsenal.

Benefit From a Proactive Approach

There are many advantages to being on top of these issues. Having a professional you trust complete a thorough investigation of your system will save you from future problems. Consider that avoiding this critical knowledge may lead to damage to your home in the event of a plumbing crisis. Your loved ones may hurt themselves as a result of faulty plumbing. Other utilities in your home may be used inefficiently causing increased costs all due to problematic plumbing. You may have to repair walls and floors, replace furnishings, carpets and possessions in the event of leaking or flooding.

That little noise may be nothing but it could be the beginning of a major plumbing issue. Some plumbing problems come with a warning like a small leak, a noisy toilet, a slow flush. Unfortunately many more plumbing problems are upon you with no warning whatsoever. Suddenly you are impacted by a deluge of water, raw sewage, or both. Though your homes’ plumbing will receive a cursory review during the inspection, in order to completely avoid problems, if permissible ask your real estate agent and the previous homeowner if you can have a plumber assess the system. If you want the home regardless of the issues that may be present, be certain to have the plumbing evaluated as soon as possible after purchase.

Every problematic plumbing issue is different and the best course of action entails many variables and should only be determined by a professional. Major plumbing problems are not a DIY issue. In some cases the entire line must be replaced or your home may have to be excavated to see the problem and remedy them. There are cameras that can be put into the line to show a professional exactly where the problem lies. The problems are not avoidable and will not go away on their own. Below you will find eight of the most common plumbing issues you may encounter as the new owner of an older dwelling.  

There’s Water, and There’s Raw Sewage

If your home was built before the 1960’s, it is a good chance that galvanized plumbing was installed in it. Galvanized plumbing includes pipes made of steel with an added layer of zinc as a protection. The problem with galvanized plumbing systems is that zinc erosion occurs following several decades of use. Water pressure decreases as a result and the quality of the water is compromise. Eventually the plumbing is rendered useless.

Following the use of galvanized piping, builders began using polybutylene plumbing in the late seventies to mid 1990’s. Experts relate that over time the plastic begins to fail forming small cracks and fissures. The culprit is chlorine and other oxidants that are found in the public water supply. The structural problems that result may have a sudden onset and cause major damage.

Used mainly as the connector between the outside service lines and your home, lead service lines pose a significant risk to water quality as the lead often leaches into the water supply due in part to chemicals. It is a good idea to have your water supplier come out and test your tap water. If you indeed have lead in your water the service lines must be replaced.

If you have a belly in your sewer line that means that the line was not bedded or set correctly upon installation. Simply put bedding is the process of correctly adjusting the surrounding area of where the pipe is laid. A belly or dip in the line is a sagging place in the piping system. This sag allows for sewage or sediments to settle and clog the line and restrict the flow.

Many older homes may have been built with concrete or cast iron pipes. Cast iron is only durable for 20 to 30 years. The iron starts to wear away over time and eventually completely disintegrates, soil erosion occurs as a result. While concrete last for a much longer period of time, problems occur with them due to the natural shifting of the home and the movement of the ground. These rigid systems can be hard to locate if they were installed under the home. The house may have settled on top of the now disintegrating cast iron or concrete piping.

Sewer lines and systems, pipe and fixture corrosion, and outdated and unserviceable lines angle stops and shut-off valves are also common plumbing crisis’ that you may face in your older home. Your municipality is only responsible for your plumbing where it meets the street. It is important to check with them to make sure they have updated the leads to your home since corrosive elements enter your plumbing via the public works. Corrosive elements and wear and tear over decades has a devastating effect on shut-off valves and angle stops since sediments settle in the twists and turns of both. The ease in replacing them depends on their location. Some lines are unserviceable and must be managed and under constant maintenance by a professional. 

Call MillTown today and fix any old plumbing issues in your home today!

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electrical safety

By Milltown Plumbing