What happens during an electrical panel upgrade?
You walk into the garage and glance at your old breaker box, and something doesn’t feel right. Maybe it’s the flickering lights, the tripped breaker that won’t reset, or that burning smell you can’t quite place. At Five Star Services, we hear this all the time. And more often than not, it points to one thing—your electrical panel is overdue for an upgrade.
If you’re wondering what upgrading an electrical panel involves, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down, step by step, with zero fluff and no sugarcoating—just straight talk from stubbornly honest electricians.
What Is an Electrical Panel?
Think of your electrical panel as the traffic cop for your home’s electricity. It directs power from the utility line to every circuit in the house. If your panel is outdated, overloaded, or just plain tired, your home can’t keep up—and that’s when the trouble starts.
Old fuse boxes, 100-amp panels, and brand names known for fire hazards (we’re looking at you, Zinsco, and Federal Pacific) are all common reasons we get the call.
When to Call for Professional Help
You don’t need to be an electrician to know something’s wrong. Call us if:
- Your lights dim when the AC or microwave turns on
- You smell something hot or burning near the panel
- Breakers trip often or won’t reset
- You’re adding major appliances or a new HVAC system
- You’ve installed a hot tub, EV charger, or home office
- You still have a fuse box
- Your home is 30+ years old and never had an electrical upgrade
If you’re on the fence, we’ll come out, take a look, and give you a clear answer, no guesswork, no upsell.
What’s Involved in an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
We’ve upgraded panels in tiny cottages and giant homes with 50+ circuits. The process varies, but here’s what most jobs look like:
1. Initial Inspection
We start by checking your current panel, wiring, grounding system, and overall load. We ask about recent issues and what upgrades you’re planning, EV chargers, heat pumps, anything with a big power appetite. These upgrades can also help you qualify for a tax credit when upgrading your panel. We also check for code violations, undersized wires, or double-tapped breakers that could pose safety risks.
2. Load Calculation
We run a load calculation to determine the panel size you need. Most modern homes require at least 200 amps, especially with all the tech, appliances, and systems we use now.
3. Permit and Coordination
Yes, this requires a permit. We handle it. We coordinate with the city or county inspector and sometimes the utility company if the service connection needs upgrading.
4. Power Shutoff and Safety Setup
On installation day, we shut down your power. We don’t like leaving customers in the dark longer than necessary, so we prep everything in advance to make the change as fast and safe as possible.
5. Remove the Old Panel
We remove the old box, clean up the wiring, and prep the space for the new panel. Sometimes, we relocate it entirely if it was installed in an unsafe or inconvenient spot.
6. Install the New Panel
We install the new panel, label every circuit clearly, and connect each breaker properly. We also check grounding and bonding and make sure every connection is tight and clean.
7. Inspection and Power Restoration
Once we’re done, we schedule the inspection. If everything passes—and it will, because we don’t cut corners—power is restored, and you’re good to go.
FAQs
How long does an upgrade take?
Most panel swaps take 6–10 hours, depending on the setup. Some homes take longer if we’re upgrading the meter base or coordinating with the utility company.
Will I be without power the whole day?
Yes, during the actual swap. But we plan ahead to keep that downtime as short as possible. We can bring in temporary power for medical equipment or essentials if needed.
Is this something I can DIY?
Nope. This is one of those jobs where even experienced DIYers need to call in a licensed electrician. There’s too much at stake—your safety, your home, and your insurance coverage.
Does a new panel add value to my home?
Absolutely. It adds safety, supports new appliances, and gives future buyers peace of mind. It’s also often required before installing things like solar panels, HVAC upgrades, or a hot tub.
Ready to Upgrade?
If your panel is on its last leg, don’t wait until it quits during the worst heat wave of the summer. At Five Star Services, we’ve upgraded hundreds of panels and do it the right way—no shortcuts, band-aids, and no surprise fees. We have your back.
Call us, and we’ll walk you through what’s needed, what it costs, and how fast we can get it done. We’ll answer your questions without brushing you off. That’s what we mean by stubbornly honest electricians. Let’s get your panel up to speed, before it gives you a reason to panic. We’re ready when you are.
