The simple answer is yes. A homeowner can replace an electrical panel without hiring an electrician. There are, however, several safety concerns to consider before trying to replace your own electrical panel. It’s very important to have the correct tools and safety equipment before doing this kind of work. And when in doubt, it is always best to hire a professional electrician.
Advantages of replacing your own electrical panel
If you live in a home that is over 40 years old and it still has the original electrical panel, it’s time to replace it. There are many advantages to replacing the electrical panel yourself. For starters, a new electrical system will be able to support all the modern appliances and electronics in your home. Plus, with a more efficient panel, you can save money on your electric bills. Above all, you can safeguard your loved ones from the hazards of outdated electrical systems.
Potential dangers of replacing your own electrical panel
If you’re thinking of replacing your own electrical panel, you need to be aware of the potential dangers. To begin with, working with electricity is very risky. If you have no experience performing electrical work, it’s easy to injure yourself. Next, if the job is not done correctly, you may run into problems with your electrical system later. Lastly, if your electrical work is not to code, your home insurance carrier may not cover damages that result from your work. Replacing your own electrical panel may seem like a big cost savings, but the risks need to be considered carefully before proceeding.
How to replace your electrical panel safely
Replacing an electrical panel yourself is a big job, but it can save you money. If your panel is over 20 years old, you may want to consider replacing it. Below are some pointers on replacing your electrical panel safely:
- You must turn off the main power before you start working.
- Remove the cover to the panel.
- Take a photo of the wiring so you’ll know how to assemble the new one.
- Unscrew each wire from the old panel and reattach it to the new panel.
- Match up the ground wires and attach them first, followed by the neutrals and then the hots.
- Once all the wires are attached, screw on the new cover and turn on the power.
- Test each circuit to make sure everything is working properly.
Finding an electrician to replace your electrical panel
If you’ve decided to hire an electrician to replace your electrical panel, family members, friends, and neighbors can be great sources of information.
Once you have names of a few electricians, it’s a good idea to call each one to learn about their experience with electrical panels. Make sure they are licensed and insured. Ask them to provide bids for replacing your electrical panel. Find out the cost of labor and materials, as well as how long they think it will take to complete the job.
Once you have an electrician in mind for your job, ask them to pull the appropriate permits before they begin work on your electrical panel. This way you know the work will be performed safely and up to code.
Conclusion
In summary, it is risky to replace your own electrical panel if you do not have the knowledge, training, or experience. You will certainly save money by doing it yourself, however you can also seriously injure yourself and damage your home if something goes wrong. In the end, hiring a professional for this type of work is always the safest bet! Call Real Estate Electric for a free quote on your electrical panel replacement.
Recent Comments