The electrical panel, often referred to as the breaker box or load center, serves as the central hub for a building’s electrical system.
Traditional Electrical panels installed by Electricians have remained largely unchanged for decades, but recent technological innovations have introduced Smart Electrical Panels to the market.
These advanced systems represent a significant evolution in residential and commercial power management, offering enhanced monitoring capabilities, improved energy efficiency, and integration with renewable energy sources.
What is a Smart Electrical Panels
A Smart Electrical Panel is an upgraded version of the traditional electrical panel that incorporates digital technology to monitor and control electricity consumption.
Unlike conventional panels that simply distribute electricity throughout a building, smart panels provide real-time data on energy usage by individual circuits, allowing for unprecedented visibility and control over electrical systems.
A local electrician in Fort Myers, Florida says they’re starting to get more calls for Smart Panels due to the electrical service provider charging more money and they want track how much they spend.
Key Features of Smart Electrical Panels
- Circuit-Level Monitoring:
Smart panels track energy consumption at the individual circuit level, providing detailed insights into which appliances and systems are consuming electricity. - Remote Access and Control:
Through dedicated mobile applications or web interfaces, users can monitor and manage their electrical systems from anywhere with internet connectivity. - Integration with Renewable Energy:
Smart panels seamlessly integrate with solar power systems, battery storage solutions, and other renewable energy technologies to optimize energy utilization. - Load Management:
Advanced load balancing capabilities prevent circuit overloads by intelligently distributing power demands across available circuits. - Demand Response Capability:
These systems can participate in utility demand response programs, potentially reducing energy costs during peak usage periods. - Fault Detection:
Real-time monitoring allows for early identification of electrical issues, potentially preventing hazardous situations before they escalate.
National Electrical Code (NEC) Considerations
The installation and operation of smart electrical panels must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is maintained by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). While the NEC does not specifically address smart panels as a distinct category, several key provisions apply:
NEC Article 230 – Services
Smart panels must comply with Article 230, which establishes requirements for service conductors and equipment. Section 230.70 specifically addresses service disconnecting means and requires that each service have a readily accessible means to disconnect all conductors from the service-entrance conductors.
NEC Article 240 – Overcurrent Protection
Article 240 governs overcurrent protection, which remains a critical function of smart panels. Section 240.4 establishes that “conductors shall be protected against overcurrent in accordance with their ampacities as specified in 310.15, unless otherwise permitted or required in 240.4(A) through (G).”
NEC Article 408 – Switchboards, Switchgear, and Panelboards
Smart panels must comply with Article 408, which provides specific requirements for panelboards. Section 408.36 addresses the overcurrent protection requirements for panelboards, while 408.40 covers grounding of panelboards.
NEC Article 700 – Emergency Systems
For smart panels that interact with backup power sources, Article 700 provides requirements for emergency systems, including transfer equipment specifications.
Additional NEC Articles Relevant to Smart Panel Features
- Article 445: Covers generator installations that might integrate with smart panels
- Article 480: Addresses storage batteries that may be part of a smart energy management system
- Article 690: Provides requirements for solar photovoltaic systems that may connect to smart panels
- Article 705: Covers interconnected electric power production sources, relevant for smart panels integrated with renewable energy systems
Benefits of Smart Electrical Panels
Energy Management and Cost Savings
Smart panels provide unprecedented visibility into energy consumption patterns, enabling more informed decisions about energy usage. This granular level of data can help identify energy-inefficient appliances, optimize usage during off-peak hours, and reduce overall electricity costs. Studies have shown that households with energy monitoring systems can reduce consumption by 5-15% through behavioral changes alone.
Enhanced Safety Features
The continuous monitoring capabilities of smart panels offer significant safety advantages. These systems can detect unusual power demands or circuit behavior that might indicate faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or appliance malfunctions before they become serious hazards. Some advanced systems can automatically disconnect problematic circuits to prevent potential electrical fires.
Renewable Energy Optimization
For properties with solar panels or other renewable energy systems, smart electrical panels serve as the critical interface between generation, storage, and consumption. They optimize the use of self-generated electricity, determine when to store energy in batteries versus using it immediately, and manage grid interactions for net metering programs.
Future-Proofing for Increased Electrical Demands
As residential and commercial properties adopt more electric appliances, electric vehicles, and other high-demand devices, traditional electrical panels often struggle to accommodate the increased load. Smart panels facilitate load management through intelligent power distribution, potentially avoiding costly electrical service upgrades.
Leading Smart Panel Manufacturers and Products
Several manufacturers have emerged as leaders in the smart panel market, each offering distinct features and capabilities:
- Span:
The Span Smart Panel offers circuit-level control and monitoring, with a user-friendly mobile application that allows remote management of up to 32 circuits individually. - Schneider Electric:
Their Square D Energy Center integrates a traditional electrical panel with smart functionality, solar inverter, and backup power capabilities in a comprehensive solution. - Leviton:
The Leviton Smart Load Center combines a traditional panel with smart monitoring features and integration with their smart home ecosystem. - Lumin:
Rather than replacing the entire panel, Lumin’s smart panel system retrofits onto existing electrical panels to provide circuit-level monitoring and control. - Savant:
Their power system offers energy monitoring, automated load management, and integration with broader smart home systems.
Installation Considerations
Smart electrical panel installation should always be performed by licensed electrical contractors familiar with both traditional electrical systems and smart technology integration. Installation typically involves:
- Load Calculation: A thorough assessment of the property’s electrical demands to ensure the selected panel meets current and anticipated future needs.
- Permit Acquisition: Local building permits are required for electrical panel replacements or significant modifications.
- Utility Coordination: For systems that interface with the grid, especially those with renewable energy components, coordination with the utility company is essential.
- Network Configuration: Proper setup of the panel’s connectivity features, including integration with home networks and configuration of monitoring software.
Cost and Return on Investment
The investment in a smart electrical panel typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 for the panel itself, with additional costs for installation and any necessary electrical system upgrades. While this represents a significant upfront investment compared to traditional panels ($1,000-$2,500 installed), the long-term financial benefits include:
- Reduced energy costs through optimized consumption
- Potential participation in utility demand response programs
- Extended lifespan of electrical appliances through improved power quality management
- Avoided costs of electrical system upgrades through more efficient load management
- Enhanced property value
For households with solar energy systems or electric vehicles, the return on investment typically accelerates due to improved integration and optimization of these high-value electrical assets.
Conclusion
Smart electrical panels represent a significant advancement in building electrical systems, offering unprecedented control, monitoring capabilities, and integration with renewable energy technologies. While the initial investment exceeds that of traditional panels, the potential for energy savings, enhanced safety, and future-ready functionality provides compelling value for many property owners. As electrification trends continue and renewable energy adoption increases, smart panels will likely become an increasingly common feature in modern electrical systems.
For property owners considering electrical system upgrades or new installations, consulting with qualified electrical professionals who understand both traditional code requirements and emerging smart technologies is essential to determining the most appropriate solution for specific needs and circumstances.
If your looking to get a quote on electrical work, reach out to the companies we’ve listed and see what they have to say:
