Before taking on any remodeling project, you need to make sure your breaker box can keep up with the upgrades. This is especially the case if any of your renovations will include alterations to your home’s electrical system, such as adding more outlets, adding upgraded appliances, or building on new rooms. To prepare your breaker box for your home remodeling project, follow the below checklist.

Make Sure Your Breaker Box Is Actually a Breaker Box and Not a Fuse Box

Memphis, Tennessee is not only a hotspot for country stars, but it is also a place that contains a lot of rich history. Places with a rich history are highly likely to have a plethora of older homes. If you live in a home that was built before 1960, chances are that you have a fuse box instead of a breaker box. One way to know this for sure is if you must switch out fuses rather than flip breaker switches. If your house contains a fuse box rather than a breaker box, this needs to be replaced immediately before you begin any home remodeling projects. Fuse boxes are not equipped to handle the demands of today’s appliances and electronics, and it will certainly not be able to handle any more stress put on the electrical system resulting from adding rooms and outlets.

Make Sure You’re Not Constantly Flipping Breaker Switches

Occasionally, a circuit may become overloaded, and your breaker trips. This is not an automatic indication that there is a problem; however, if you must switch breaker switches often, it’s time to have your breakers inspected by an electrician. Breakers tripping frequently is a sign that there is a problem, and an electrician will need to determine what’s wrong.

Ensure That Your Breaker Panel Can Accommodate Additional Circuits

Before you remodel your home, you need to make sure your breaker panel can accommodate additional circuits. This is especially the case if you’re going to have additional rooms built onto your home. If your breaker box cannot accommodate additional circuits, then you will need to have it replaced with one that will. A licensed electrician will be able to advise you of what your breaker panel can handle.

Check the Lights Do Not Go Dim When You Turn on Appliances

If you notice that lights in a room go dim when you turn on appliances, this is an indication that your breaker box is not able to keep up with the demands you place on it. You’ll need an electrician to come out and let you know whether new circuits need to be added to your breaker box or if a new panel must be installed entirely.

If you are considering remodeling your home, call Rush Electric before you do anything else. Our licensed electricians can come and inspect your breaker panel to make sure it will be able to accommodate your renovations.