Factors That Affect The Cost Of Upgrading An Electrical Panel

An electrical panel is one of the most critical components in a commercial building's electrical system. Sometimes, you may find that the switches in the electrical panel keep tripping after a surge of power. In such cases, you may have to upgrade the building's electrical panel. Here are some factors that affect the cost of a new electrical panel. 

The Distance Between the Electrical Box and the Electrical Panel

The typical distance between the junction box and the place where the commercial electrician will install a new electrical panel should be a few feet to reduce the risk of electrocution and fires.

Electrical panels are usually installed on a wall in the garage or basement area with a box containing all the switches and outlets for the building's electrical system next to it. The farther one has to go from the electrical panel to the box of switches and outlets, the more expensive the upgrade is because of the additional wire required to run over long distances. Therefore, make sure you calculate the total distance between the electrical panel and all your switches and outlets.

The Addition of Circuit Breakers

If you need to add specialty circuit breakers to your electrical panel, prepare to pay more for the extra protection. These circuit breakers cost more than regular ones. Examples of specialty circuit breakers are GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter). These circuit breakers protect against water damage and damaged wiring.

Size of the Panel

One of the factors affecting the cost of upgrading an electrical panel is size. If you have additional offices in your building or have increased the number of electrical appliances in your offices, you will need a larger electrical panel.

The more electricity you use, the more amps your electrical panel requires. Therefore, the higher the amperage, the larger the cost of upgrading your electrical panel. One advantage of a large electrical panel is that it meets your business's electrical needs better and is much safer than small units.

Electrician's Costs

A commercial electrician can either charge per hour or by the job. For those charging by the hour, prepare to pay for delays and difficulties, as they will affect the time it takes to complete a project.

If a professional charges by the job, they will offer you a bid depending on what they think the job will cost. They will consider all possible problems and delays when they offer you this bid. You should choose whether it is more convenient to pay by the hour or by the job depending on the scope and difficulty of the project.