Frequently Asked Questions

An electrical panel upgrade involves replacing your existing breaker panel with a higher-capacity system to safely handle modern electrical demands. The process includes disconnecting power, installing the new panel, rewiring circuits, and bringing everything up to current code. At Kanka Electric Services, we ensure the upgrade accommodates new appliances and devices without overloading your system.

You should upgrade when you're adding major appliances, experiencing frequent circuit breaker trips, or if your home still has an outdated 60 or 100-amp service. Homes in Salem, NH built before 1990 often need service increases to 200 amps to support modern electrical needs safely.

Common failures include outdated panels, improper grounding, ungrounded outlets, exposed wiring, overloaded circuits, and missing GFCI protection in kitchens and bathrooms. At Kanka Electric Services, we perform pre-listing inspections and repairs to ensure homes meet code requirements before real estate transactions.

A panel replacement swaps your breaker box while keeping the same amperage, while a service upgrade increases your home's total electrical capacity from the utility connection through the panel. Service upgrades require utility company coordination and often cost more but provide significantly more power for modern needs.

Yes, most electrical work including new circuits, panel changes, and major rewiring requires permits to ensure code compliance and safety. In Salem, NH and surrounding areas, permitted work must be inspected before walls are closed up during remodeling projects.

Cost depends on the charger type, distance from your electrical panel, whether a service upgrade is needed, and installation complexity like trenching or wall penetrations. Level 2 chargers require 240-volt circuits, and older homes may need panel upgrades to support the additional 40-60 amp load safely.

Flickering lights can indicate loose connections, overloaded circuits, voltage fluctuations, or failing fixtures. Start by checking if the issue affects one light or multiple rooms, which helps identify whether it's a fixture problem or a circuit issue. At Kanka Electric Services, we diagnose the root cause to prevent potential fire hazards.

Panel upgrades, GFCI outlet installations, grounded three-prong outlets, and updated lighting fixtures appeal to buyers and help homes pass inspections. Addressing code violations and safety hazards before listing prevents deal delays and gives buyers confidence in the home's electrical system.

Yes, electricians can often extend existing circuits to add outlets if the circuit has capacity and meets code requirements. During remodeling projects, we assess your current electrical load and circuit layout to determine the safest, most cost-effective way to add outlets and switches where needed.

A comprehensive inspection examines your panel, wiring, grounding systems, GFCI and AFCI protection, outlet conditions, and identifies code violations or fire hazards. At Kanka Electric Services, we provide detailed reports with prioritized recommendations for repairs and upgrades to protect your Salem, NH property.

Frequent tripping usually means circuits are overloaded by too many devices, there's a short circuit, or the breaker itself is failing. Older homes often have undersized circuits that can't handle modern electronics, appliances, and power tools, requiring circuit additions or service upgrades to distribute the load safely.

Most residential panel replacements take 4 to 8 hours depending on complexity, code requirements, and whether service upgrades are included. Your power will be off during installation, so plan accordingly. At Kanka Electric Services, we coordinate utility shutoffs and inspections to minimize disruption.