There are two reasons that you’d need to choose an electrical panel for your home in Sarasota, Florida: You’re building a new home, or you’re upgrading the electrical capabilities of your existing home. There are several items to consider when deciding which panel to install, so read on for more information.
The Amperage
At a minimum, install a panel that accommodates 200 amps. The national electrical code demands at least 100 amps, making older homes with fewer than 100 amps legacies. Most of the cost when you upgrade will be in labor. A 200-amp panel will usually cost about $200 more than a 100-amp panel, but the installation job could be as much as $3,000 if you require rewiring. That means for such a job, improving your home’s amperage would only cost you about 7% more.
In some cases, such as when you have a big family or have a home business that requires what amounts to its own power, you might need a 400-amp panel. These panels are much more expensive than 200-amp panels, but in situations where you need such large amounts of electricity, a 400-amp panel is a necessity.
The Materials
In the 21st century, electrical panels are constructed from one of three materials: metal, thermoplastics, or fiberglass. Of the metals, carbon steel must be galvanized to prevent rust, but it’s also the easiest to fit into modifications you make to your home. Aluminum and stainless steel are tougher but also harder to modify later.
The positive aspect of thermoplastics is that they’re nonconductive and highly insulated. That makes the 200-amp and 400-amp versions extra safe. The downside is that the material isn’t easily customized.
Fiberglass is by far the least expensive version, but the big downside is that it’s the most susceptible to heat, meaning that you’d have to replace the panel more often than you would with the other options.
Other Considerations
Are you going to need to charge an electric vehicle? Do you have more than a few noncommercial appliances with 240-volt connections? Are you upgrading your wiring? In all of these situations, it’s either necessary or just a good idea to install a panel with more amps than you would normally need, especially with an EV charging station. While it is possible to charge an EV with regular household current, doing so more than just every so often will wind up damaging your EV’s battery. So, it’s smart to have a 400-amp panel to charge the EV on its own heavy-duty circuit.
At Mister Sparky in Sarasota, Florida, we’ve got the experience to be able to handle your questions about a new electrical panel. Give us a call today.