Frequently Asked Questions

An electrical panel upgrade replaces your home's breaker box (load center) with a larger capacity panel. The most common upgrade is from 100 amps to 200 amps, which doubles your home's electrical capacity.

Common signs include: frequently tripping breakers, flickering lights when appliances turn on, no room for additional circuits, or a panel that's over 25 years old. If you're adding high-power equipment like an EV charger, heat pump, or hot tub, you likely need an upgrade.

100 amp service was standard in homes built before 1990 and supports basic electrical loads. 200 amp service is today's standard and supports modern appliances, EV chargers, heat pumps, and multiple high-power devices simultaneously.

No. Electrical panel work requires a licensed electrician, permits, and utility coordination. The work involves your electrical service entrance, which carries enough power to be lethal. Always hire a licensed professional.

A quality electrical panel installed by a professional will last 25-40 years. We install panels from reputable manufacturers like Square D and Eaton that have excellent track records for reliability.

A 100 to 200 amp upgrade typically costs $2,500-$4,500 depending on your home's specifics. This includes the new panel, meter base (if required), permits, utility coordination, and inspection. We provide detailed quotes before any work begins.

Our quotes include: the new electrical panel, main breaker, circuit breakers for existing circuits, permit fees, Ameren coordination, and same-day inspection. No hidden fees.

Often, yes. A 100 amp meter base can't support a 200 amp service. If your meter base is undersized or damaged, we'll include replacement in your quote. The meter base adds $1,200-$2,500 to the project.

Yes, we offer financing for larger projects. This can make a $4,000 panel upgrade more manageable with monthly payments. Ask about financing during your quote consultation.

Some insurance companies require replacement of Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or other recalled panels. They may refuse coverage or charge higher premiums until the panel is replaced. Check with your insurer about specific requirements.

Most panel upgrades are completed in one day (6-10 hours). You'll be without power during the actual panel swap, typically 4-8 hours. We work efficiently to minimize the outage.

Yes! We handle all permitting and coordinate same-day inspection. The permit cost is included in our quotes. We're licensed in Missouri, St. Charles County, and St. Louis County.

Once you approve the estimate, we coordinate with Ameren to confirm the scope of work. We then pull permits and schedule the temporary disconnect. After installation and same-day inspection, we contact the utility to restore your power.

We prefer someone be available at the start and end of the project. You don't need to stay home the entire time, but we'll need access to your panel area throughout the day.

Yes, the power outage means you'll need to reset digital clocks, reprogram thermostats, and check that appliances restart properly. Your refrigerator and freezer contents should be fine for a normal one-day install.

Federal Pacific (FPE/Stab-Lok), Zinsco, and Pushmatic panels have documented safety issues and should be replaced. These brands have breakers that may fail to trip during overloads, creating fire hazards. Some Challenger panels also have known issues.

Open your panel door and look for the manufacturer name on the panel cover or inside. Federal Pacific says 'FPE' or 'Stab-Lok' on the breakers. Zinsco has distinctive colorful breaker handles. Not sure? Send us a photo and we'll identify it.

Not all old panels are dangerous, but certain brands and conditions increase risk. Warning signs include: warm panel cover, burning smell, scorched breakers, rust or corrosion, and recalled brand names. If you notice any of these, have it inspected immediately.

Modern panels must meet NEC (National Electrical Code) requirements including proper grounding, arc-fault protection for bedrooms, and GFCI protection for wet areas. We ensure all work meets current code requirements.

A new panel by itself doesn't add surge protection. However, we can install whole-house surge protection as an add-on. This protects all your appliances and electronics from power surges and lightning strikes.

Most EV chargers need 40-60 amps. If you have a 100 amp panel with limited spare capacity, you'll likely need a 200 amp upgrade. With a 200 amp panel, we can usually add an EV circuit without upgrading.

Absolutely! This is efficient because we can pull all permits together and complete the work in one project. Many customers bundle panel upgrades with EV charger installation.

Panel location doesn't affect whether you can upgrade, but code may require relocating the panel in some cases. We assess this during your site visit and include any relocation needs in your quote.

No. The panel capacity only determines how much power your home can use simultaneously—it doesn't increase consumption. Your bill depends on what you actually use, not your panel size.

The panel upgrade replaces your main electrical panel and service entrance. Existing branch circuit wiring typically stays in place. If we discover any unsafe wiring during the project, we'll discuss it with you before proceeding.

Call us! We stand behind our work and will address any installation-related issues. For panel or breaker defects, we'll help coordinate with the manufacturer.

We recommend a visual inspection every few years, especially for panels over 15 years old. Look for signs of rust, scorching, or unusual warmth. If you notice anything concerning, call for a professional assessment.

Yes, we diagnose and repair electrical panel issues regardless of who installed them. Standard service call rates apply. We're happy to assess any panel and recommend repairs or replacement if needed.