Smart Home Wiring: Is Your Electrical Panel Ready for Automation?

Smart thermostats, app-controlled lighting, security systems, and EV chargers — automation is transforming how we live. But while most homeowners focus on the devices themselves, the real question is whether your electrical panel and wiring can handle the technology behind them.

At Ebert Electric, we help Wisconsin homeowners upgrade their electrical systems to safely support today’s smart homes — and tomorrow’s innovations.

The Foundation of Every Smart Home: Power Distribution

Every smart home device, from motion-sensing lights to Wi-Fi-enabled appliances, draws power from the same source — your electrical panel.

Older panels, especially those installed before 2000, weren’t designed for continuous power demand or low-voltage automation systems. Smart devices don’t just add convenience — they add circuit load. Without proper capacity, your system could face:

• Breaker trips when multiple devices run simultaneously
• Voltage drops that affect sensitive electronics
• Fire hazards from outdated breakers or undersized wiring

Upgrading your panel ensures consistent, balanced power for all your home’s systems — from automation hubs to high-efficiency HVAC controls.

Smart Devices Need Smart Wiring

A modern smart home isn’t just about Wi-Fi — it’s about dedicated, structured wiring that ensures reliability and performance.

Key considerations include:

• Data cabling: CAT6 or fiber-optic wiring for stable smart device communication.
• Low-voltage wiring: For sensors, security cameras, and smart thermostats.
• Dedicated circuits: For EV chargers, induction ranges, or whole-home battery systems.

Ebert Electric designs and installs wiring layouts that separate high-voltage power from low-voltage data — minimizing interference and keeping your automation system running smoothly.

The Role of Your Electrical Panel in Automation

Your panel is more than a switchboard — it’s the command center of your home’s power. A modernized panel can:

• Support smart breakers that provide real-time energy usage data
• Integrate with home automation hubs for load balancing and remote monitoring
• Handle surge protection and solar or battery backup systems seamlessly

If your home’s panel still uses fuses, aluminum wiring, or has limited amperage (100A or less), it’s time to consider an upgrade before you expand into smart technology.

Safety First: Upgrading the Right Way

Automation should make your home smarter — not riskier. Professional electricians ensure your wiring and panel upgrades meet all current NEC codes and local Wisconsin regulations.

Ebert Electric’s licensed electricians:

• Assess your panel’s available capacity and circuit health
• Design future-ready circuits for EV charging, solar integration, and backup systems
• Label and organize connections for easy troubleshooting and smart device setup

Smart home systems only perform as well as the wiring behind them — and we make sure it’s done right.

Investing in a Smarter, More Efficient Home

A properly wired home doesn’t just power your devices — it reduces energy waste, increases resale value, and improves safety. With automation and sustainable energy adoption growing every year, an upgraded electrical panel is one of the most valuable improvements you can make.



Future-Proof Your Home with Ebert Electric

Whether you’re adding a smart lighting system, EV charger, or planning a full automation upgrade, Ebert Electric ensures your electrical infrastructure is ready for what’s next.