SCE is Offering up to $4,200 in Rebates to get a Panel Upgrade
by Gary Nov 11, 2024
Empowering Homeowners to Go Electric with Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready Program
As California makes strides toward an all-electric future, homeowners are being called to prepare for this seismic shift in transportation and energy consumption. With Governor Newsom’s executive order mandating that all new cars sold in California be zero-emission vehicles by 2035, the race is on for homeowners to transition smoothly into this new era of electric vehicles (EVs). But upgrading your home's electrical infrastructure doesn’t have to be stressful—or costly. Thanks to Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Charge Ready Program, homeowners can take advantage of significant financial incentives, and Hillside Expert Electrical is here to help make the process seamless.
Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready Program: A Game Changer
SCE’s Charge Ready Program is an initiative designed to make installing EV chargers more affordable and accessible by offering generous rebates of up to $4,200. These rebates are aimed specifically at helping homeowners upgrade their electrical panels—an essential step in accommodating the significant power needs of an EV charger. In many older homes, the existing electrical panel simply can’t handle the increased electrical load. By upgrading, homeowners not only future-proof their home but also position themselves to take full advantage of California's evolving green energy landscape.
Hillside Expert Electrical, an experienced electrician in Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale, and surrounding areas, is committed to partnering with homeowners to maximize these opportunities. By guiding you through the application process for the SCE rebates and executing high-quality electrical panel upgrades, we ensure you’re ready for the electric future.
The Time to Make the Transition is Now
With the state's infrastructure increasingly tailored toward electric vehicles and an ever-growing number of EVs hitting the roads, investing in EV readiness is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. California’s ambitious plans for a clean energy future mean that demand for at-home EV charging solutions will only continue to rise. Waiting could not only cost you more down the road but also limit your ability to take advantage of current incentives like SCE’s rebates.
EV Charger Installation Services Tailored to Your Needs
When it comes to installing EV chargers in your home or business, Hillside Expert Electrical stands out as a trusted partner. Our team of skilled Pasadena electricians provides personalized consultation and EV charger installation services, ensuring that your setup is optimal for your property’s unique electrical demands. We handle everything from evaluating your existing electrical infrastructure to installing a reliable, efficient EV charging system that suits your needs.
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Our services extend beyond just residential installations; we also work with businesses in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and other Los Angeles County areas to install commercial-grade EV charging stations. Whether you’re a business owner looking to accommodate customers or a homeowner preparing for an electric future, we have the expertise to deliver solutions that are both cost-effective and energy-efficient.
Why Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
While installing an EV charger is one compelling reason to upgrade your electrical panel, there are other critical factors to consider. An outdated or undersized panel can pose significant safety risks, including the potential for electrical fires. Additionally, modern households are increasingly reliant on high-power appliances—everything from high-efficiency HVAC systems to smart home technologies—that can strain older panels. Upgrading ensures that your home can safely and efficiently handle today’s power demands while preparing you for future upgrades like solar panels or energy storage systems.
If you live in Los Angeles County and need expert electrical solutions, Hillside Expert Electrical is ready to serve as your go-to electrician in Pasadena, Burbank, and Glendale. Our team has the skills and experience to deliver reliable EV charger installation, seamless electrical panel upgrades, and more. Together, let’s embrace California’s electric future.
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Contact Hillside Expert Electrical today to learn how you can take advantage of the SCE Charge Ready Program and start your journey toward energy independence.
Zinsco Electrical Panels
by Gary | Jan 27, 2023 | Panel Upgrade
Zinsco Panels in Older Homes
Zinsco Electrical Panels, commonly installed in older homes up until the 1970s, have been known to cause fire hazards and may need to be replaced. If your home still has its original wiring, electrical panels, and appliances, you may need to replace these soon to prevent possible fire danger and other issues. Be especially cautious when dealing with older wiring. A panel upgrade may be needed if your home still has the original Zinsco panel.
Are Zinsco Panels Safe?
According to the American Housing Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, more than half of all homes in the country were constructed before 1980 and would contain these panels if not replaced already. Zinsco panels often fail to function properly, putting homeowners and their homes at risk of electrical shock and fire. As many as 25% of Zinsco circuit breakers could fail to trip in response to an overcurrent or short circuit, creating a potentially hazardous situation.
Zinsco Box Breaker Box Problems
The electrical boards that have circuit breakers or fuses for all of your home's electrical circuits are referred to as circuit breaker panels. Circuit breaker panels are an essential home safety component. In the event of a power outage or overload, the breaker stops the flow of electricity. If a breaker can no longer trip in the event of an over-current or short circuit, an enormous quantity of power from the outside electrical supply surges into a home's panel and circuits. Once this occurs, it cannot be halted or turned off manually. Electricity will continue to burn until the fuel runs out or the wires melt. The panel could overheat and catch fire, endangering the home and its residents.
Zinsco Electrical Panel Fire Hazard
The old Zinsco panels are problematic due to the usage of aluminum bus bars. If a breaker melts to the panel's bus bar and can no longer appropriately trip in the event of an over-current or short circuit, an enormous quantity of power from the outside electrical supply surges into a home's electrical panel and circuits. Once this occurs, it cannot be halted or turned off manually. Electricity will continue to burn until the fuel runs out or the wires melt. The panel could overheat and catch fire, endangering the home and its residents.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes the National Electrical Code(r) (NEC (r) to give advice for residential and commercial electrical safety requirements in the United States. It is updated every three years to guarantee that people are safe from electrical shocks, fire hazards, and other electrical hazards. However, since aluminum is utilized in these older circuit breaker boxes, the safety requirements do not apply to the Zinsco panels. It cannot assist people who are currently in danger.
Are all Zinsco Panels bad?
According to tests, approximately one-third of Zinsco panels did not trip, according to InspectAPedia. This could be a risky situation given that circuit panel is crucial to regulate the flow of electricity into your home. An older home's Zinsco panel might not be able to handle additional issues that will spring up as you begin upgrading your appliances. For example, the Zinsco panel would not be able to handle the power needed for a new air conditioning unit. When you anticipate needing a lot of power, it's critical to check that your electrical system is current otherwise you may need a panel upgrade.
Zinsco Panel Recall
The issues with the Zinsco electric panel should have led to the recall of the Zinsco panels. However, the company did not recall the panels. Instead, the business was sold in 1973. Then eventually the business shut down, so you can't get in touch with them to get your electrical panel upgraded.
Does your home insurance cover your electric panel?
Please contact your insurance agent if you have any queries about your coverage or if your home cannot be insured because of your panels and circuit breakers.
Zinsco Class Action Lawsuit
In a 2002 class action lawsuit over their hazardous electrical panels, Zinsco and Federal Pacific Electric were found guilty of fraud by the New Jersey Court for failing to test their circuit breakers to ensure they operated by the required standard. According to the Consumer Fraud Act, businesses are required to be transparent and upfront about the testing and goods they use. Companies were unaware of the breaker's existence because of its high failure rate.
New Insurance Policies will consider all Risks
When an insurance company, is presenting you with a policy, they must take all risks into account. Due to the potential for electrical shock, Zinsco panels have a history of starting fires or seriously hurting people. As a homeowner, you are liable for any injuries that occur on your property. This is especially true if you were aware that it was possible that someone could be injured, but you did nothing about it. Zinsco panels are a dangerous product and need to be upgraded.
A Zinsco electric panel can be used to increase the cost of insurance on your home. Even if you locate a firm ready to sell you a policy, your premium for home insurance will most likely be greater than you anticipated. Home inspectors pay special attention to a house's electrical panel since it may pose a safety risk. The inspector will look at the wiring, electrical panels, and outlets. Zinsco electrical panels, which are no longer approved by the electrical code, may cause you to fail a home inspection.
Zinsco Breaker Panel Replacement Cost
A new electric panel costs between $5000 and $7,500. However, if you have an older home, you may require further work. A licensed electrician should replace a Zinsco circuit breaker panel to ensure safety. Replacing the Zinsco circuit breakers may be less expensive than dealing with the added dangers. Licensed electricians should be insured and bonded to ensure that you can trust their services. The safety of your family is more important than the cost of the work. It is critical to make sure that your home is not a fire hazard and that you have adequate insurance coverage. While it is impossible to predict every possible consequence, you can reduce this risk by getting a panel upgrade.
