Tag: electrical panel

How Much to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel in Massachusetts

Mar 29, 2023

How Much to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel in Massachusetts

  • Electrical
  • Uncategorized
How Much to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel in Massachusetts - Milltown Plumbing

If you’re experiencing electrical issues or planning to add new appliances or circuits to your home, you may need to upgrade your electrical panel. But how much does a panel upgrade cost in Massachusetts, and what permits do you need? In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about upgrading your electrical panel in MA.

Cost to Upgrade an Electrical Panel in MA

The cost to upgrade an electrical panel in Massachusetts can vary widely depending on factors like the size of the panel, and the complexity of the installation. In general, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for a standard panel.

Signs That You Need an Upgrade

If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, you may need a panel upgrade:

  • Frequent circuit breaker trips or fuses blowing
  • Lights flicker or dim when you turn appliances on
  • Outdated or unsafe wiring
  • Adding new appliances or circuits that exceed your current electrical capacity

Permits for an Electrical Panel Upgrade

In most cases, you will need a permit to upgrade an electrical panel in Massachusetts. The exact permit requirements can vary depending on your location, so it’s important to check with your local building department or code enforcement agency. In general, a licensed electrician will need to submit an electrical permit application and obtain the necessary inspections and approvals to ensure that the work is done safely and up to code. We do not recommend that you do a service panel upgrade on your own due to the possible dangers.

How to Apply for a Permit

An electrical contractor will usually apply for a permit on your behalf. To apply for an electrical permit in Massachusetts on your own, you’ll need to follow these steps:

  1. Contact your local building department or code enforcement agency to determine the specific permit requirements for your project.
  2. Submit an electrical permit application, including the project scope and details, the licensed electrician’s information, and any required fees.
  3. Wait for permit approval and any necessary inspections to be completed before starting the upgrade.

Upgrading your can provide a safer and more reliable electrical system for your home. If you’re experiencing any signs of electrical issues or planning to add new appliances or circuits, it’s important to consider an upgrade. By understanding the costs, permit requirements, and application process, you can ensure a smooth and safe upgrade in Massachusetts.

Call Milltown Plumbing for more information and to schedule your electrical panel upgrade.

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By Milltown Plumbing

Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Fuse Box

Jan 27, 2021

Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Fuse Box

  • Electrical
fuse box upgrade

When your home has a properly working electrical panel, the home is in excellent shape. Your home’s electrical service panel contains a series of circuit breakers and fuses that control all the electrical components in your home. Much like other appliances in your home, even your electrical system is prone to malfunction.  Here are a couple of indicators that it is time to repair or replace and get a fuse box upgrade.

Faulty Wiring Issues

Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of residential fires in the United States. If a home has faulty wiring, there is a significant increase in likeliness of fire. Older wiring may not meet code and wire insulation and other materials tend to deteriorate over the course of time. Some of these warning indicators of faulty wiring include:

  • Flickering or dimming lights
  • Slight shock or tingling sensation when touching appliances
  • Constant burning smell
  • Sparking or discolored power outlets

If you notice any of these signs, it would be wise to contact a professional electrician at MillTown. 

Installing New Large Appliances

If you are installing large appliances in your home, especially one that requires large amounts of energy, you should check your electrical panel and fuse box. The panel may not be able to handle the amount of power to keep these appliances running. These appliances include refrigerators, hot tubs, air conditioner, and other large devices. 

Electrical panels provide fairly wide amounts of power amps, ranging from 100-400 amps. If your amps do not meet your electrical consumption needs, your circuit breakers will trip any time you try to turn on the hot tub or air conditioner. 

Replacing Fuses with Circuit Breakers

Fuses and circuit breakers perform the same essential functions. They prevent short-circuiting or overloading of electrical currents that is attached to any electrical devices. Fuses, however, are one-time use and are color-coded depending on their capacity. When they detect that a current is running at too high of a level, the fuse will combust and melt, creating an interruption of electrical flow. Older homes typically divide amperage amounts amongst four or so fuses within a home. Circuit breakers simply have to be reset. 

Fuses are somewhat outdated in relation to the modern age. Contact MillTown Electric as soon as possible. 

Blown Fuses

Mid-century fuse boxes were designed with a 60-amp capacity. Modern homes use three times more amperage than the outdated predecessor. Individuals and families have more electronic devices such as laptops, blow dryers and more televisions in the past number of decades. Because of this, there is a larger draw on electrical systems. Because of this, archaic fuses are more prone to overload. If your home has frequently blown fuses, you should upgrade your system.

Constant Use of Extension Cords

While extension cords can be beneficial in certain scenarios, an over-reliance on them could be dangerous. Most extension cords are intended for temporary use rather than extended usage. 

In addition to being a tripping hazard, electrical wires are usually kept in or against walls for a purpose, a protected system of wiring leads to less wear and tear. Wires that are left strewn across your living room floor can get shorted or pinched leading to damaged outlets. Constant use of these extension cords is not ideal. Contact a MillTown electrician to install more outlets. 

You Are Upgrading Your Home or Other Appliances

If you are expanding your home, remodeling or installing new appliances, this might be the ideal time for upgrading your electrical panel. If you are installing any new appliances, you will need to upgrade your panel. 

In any of these cases, it is ideal that your upgrade your system for safety purposes. Take this into consideration. About 51,000 house fires a year are caused by improper and malfunctioning electrical panels, so it would be wise to contact an electrician as soon as possible.

Don’t Let Your Panel Cause You Problems. Call & Schedule a Fuse Box Upgrade with MillTown Electric Today!

By Milltown Plumbing