When you need a panel upgrade

Your electrical panel is the central distribution point for every circuit in your home. If it can’t handle your current or planned electrical load, you’ll experience tripped breakers, limited capacity for new circuits, and potential safety hazards.

Common triggers

  • EV charger installation — A Level 2 EV charger draws 40–60 amps. Most homes with 100-amp panels can’t support this without an upgrade.
  • Heat pump or HVAC upgrade — Modern heat pump systems require significant electrical capacity.
  • Kitchen or bathroom remodel — Adding dedicated circuits for ranges, ovens, and other appliances.
  • Insurance requirements — Some insurers require panel upgrades for older homes, especially those with Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or fuse-based panels.
  • Frequent breaker trips — A sign your panel is at or over capacity.

What we replace

Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels — These brands have well-documented failure rates. Breakers fail to trip during overloads, creating fire hazards. If your home has one, replacement isn’t optional — it’s urgent.

Fuse boxes — Outdated, limited capacity, and difficult to expand. We upgrade to modern circuit breaker panels with room for future circuits.

100-amp panels — Adequate for the 1970s, undersized for 2026. A 200-amp upgrade gives you headroom for EV chargers, heat pumps, home offices, and anything else the next 20 years might bring.

What’s included

  • Panel replacement (200-amp, 40+ spaces)
  • Meter base replacement if required
  • Duke Energy coordination (meter pull and reconnect)
  • Main breaker, ground rod, and bonding
  • Circuit labeling and documentation
  • Electrical permit and inspection
  • Full cleanup

Frequently asked questions

A standard 200-amp panel upgrade in the Triangle runs $1,800–$3,500. The price depends on your existing panel location, whether the meter base needs replacing, and the condition of your main service entrance cable. We quote after seeing your setup — never over the phone.
Common signs: breakers trip frequently, your panel is a Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand (known fire hazards), you're adding an EV charger or heat pump, your insurance company requires it, or your panel is rated at 100 amps or less and you're adding load.
Yes — panel upgrades require an electrical permit in North Carolina. We pull the permit under our NC Electrical license (#28-LA-9214) and schedule the inspection. Duke Energy coordination for meter disconnection is included.
Most panel upgrades are completed in one day. Your power will be off for 4–6 hours while we swap the panel. We coordinate with Duke Energy for the meter pull and reconnect.
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