Signs Your Home Needs an Electrical Service Upgrade
Portland Metro Electric
Keeping your home’s electrical system safe and efficient is essential, especially as modern homes demand more power. A service upgrade involves increasing your home’s electrical capacity to meet current needs, addressing issues like frequent breaker trips and flickering lights. Below, we outline signs that indicate your home might need an electrical service upgrade.
Signs You Need an Electrical Upgrade
Frequent Breaker Trips
If your breakers trip regularly, it may signal an overloaded system.
Overloaded circuits cannot support the devices connected, causing the breaker to shut off for safety.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights that dim or flicker when you use other appliances are a sign of inadequate electrical capacity.
Flickering lights may indicate a strained system, particularly in homes with high-demand appliances.
Limited Outlets and Frequent Extension Cord Use
Relying on extension cords due to limited outlets suggests your system lacks the necessary power distribution.
Modern homes need ample outlets to safely support all devices and appliances.
Old or Outdated Wiring
Homes built over 30 years ago may have outdated wiring not suited for modern power demands.
Older wiring may not handle the load from newer appliances, leading to potential hazards.
Warm Outlets or Burning Smells
Warm outlets, switches, or a burning odor could indicate wiring issues or system strain.
This issue requires immediate attention to prevent safety risks.
Why an Electrical Service Upgrade May Be the Solution
Enhanced Safety: Reduces the risk of electrical fires and circuit overloads.
Improved Performance: Ensures consistent power flow to all areas of your home.
Future-Proofing: Prepares your home to handle additional appliances or upgrades.
Benefits of an Electrical Service Upgrade
Upgrading your home’s electrical service increases capacity, ensuring a stable power supply for all devices. It also enhances safety, reduces the risk of outages, and prepares your home for future electrical needs. A professional electrician evaluates your current system and upgrades it to a safe, adequate level.
Recognizing these signs early and scheduling an electrical service upgrade can improve home safety and performance. A licensed electrician can assess your needs, offer solutions, and ensure your system meets modern standards.
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FAQ - Electrical Service Upgrade
An electrical service upgrade increases the electrical capacity of your home. It involves updating your main electrical system to support modern power needs safely and efficiently. This upgrade does not replace your electrical panel but enhances your home’s total power capacity.
Signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, warm outlets, limited outlets, and the need for extension cords. Homes with outdated wiring or those over 30 years old may also require an upgrade to meet modern electrical demands.
No. An electrical service upgrade increases the overall capacity of your home’s electrical system. A panel upgrade specifically involves replacing or updating your electrical panel. While related, these services address different aspects of your electrical needs.
The cost varies depending on your home’s needs, location, and the current system’s condition. It’s best to consult a licensed electrician to get an accurate estimate based on your specific situation.
Most upgrades can be completed within a day or two. However, the exact timeframe depends on the complexity of your system and any specific requirements of your home.
Yes, in most areas, a permit is required to perform an electrical service upgrade. Your electrician typically handles the permitting process, ensuring that the upgrade complies with local codes and regulations.
Yes, an electrical service upgrade can enhance your home’s resale value, as it improves safety and allows the home to support modern electrical demands. Buyers often value homes with updated electrical systems.
When performed by a licensed electrician, an electrical service upgrade is safe and can reduce risks associated with an overloaded or outdated electrical system.
While an upgrade increases capacity, adding outlets may require additional work. Your electrician can evaluate your needs and install additional outlets as part of the service.
During an upgrade, your electrician will assess your current system, increase the capacity, and conduct tests to ensure everything functions safely. They will also handle all permits and adhere to safety codes. Power may be temporarily turned off during installation.
For more information or to schedule a service call, please contact Portland Metro Electric. We’re here to help with all your electrical needs.
Expertise
Our licensed electricians are highly skilled and continuously trained in the latest electrical standards and technologies.
Custom Solutions
We evaluate your specific electrical needs and provide customized solutions that best suit your home and lifestyle.
Local Knowledge
We prioritize your safety by adhering to stringent safety codes and using only the highest-quality materials.
Quality and Safety
From initial consultation to final inspection, our process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free, minimizing disruption to your daily life.
Customer Satisfaction
As local experts familiar with Portland's building regulations, we ensure that all upgrades meet or exceed local codes.
Contact Us for Your Free Estimate Today!
Call us now, or fill out our contact form and one of our electrical experts will get in tough with you shorty. We will listen to your project needs or concerns and help guide you in the right direction. If the project is can be remotely estimated we can send you a personalized estimate within the next 24 hours.
Our Step-by-step service Process
From the first call to the final reveal, our process is built for clarity, comfort, and craftsmanship.
Give Us A Call
A Portland Metro Electric expert will answer any of your questions, discuss the project in detail, provide professional expertise, and consultation. For most of our projects we can provide a minimum and maximum of what you can expect to pay for your electrical project.
Free Estimate
For certain projects we will provide a customized estimate without needing to schedule an in person visit. For complex projects we will schedule one our our electricians to visit your residence, provide an in person inspection, consultation, and a customized estimate.
Schedule Project
We will send you a customized estimate, and let you select the best date & time to schedule your project. The estimate will include a summary of the projects material costs and fees. Once the estimate is approved and project date is scheduled, we will take care of everything from permits (if necessary), to ordering all the materials.
Complete Project
On the day of the project our electricians will give you a courtesy call before arrival. We will begin and complete the electrical project. We will provide a detailed walkthrough on how to operate the newly installed service (EV charger, electrical breaker box, hot tub, etc.). And finally insure you are satisfied with the project and service.
We service most locations in the greater portland area!
Portland
Milwaukee
Gladstone
Clackamas
Happy Valley
West Linn
Oregon City
Lake Oswego
Wilsonville
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Tualatin
Gresham
Damascus
Sandy
And More!
OFFICE
Head Office
Portland Metro Electric LLC
8415 SE Hinkley Ave, Happy Valley, OR 97086
Ready to Restore Power or Upgrade Your Electrical?
Call us now, or fill out our contact form and one of our electrical experts will get in tough with you shorty. We will listen to your project needs or concerns and help guide you in the right direction. If the project is can be remotely estimated we can send you a personalized estimate within the next 24 hours.