Power Capacity
Power Capacity | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Bean Station
When your Bean Station home’s demand for energy outgrows an aging breaker box, HEP’s Power Capacity Electrical team delivers the safest and most seamless solution: electric panel upgrades. Our licensed electricians replace outdated hardware with code-compliant, high-capacity panels engineered to handle today’s high-efficiency HVAC systems, smart appliances, and future tech—eliminating annoying breaker trips and lowering fire risks in one visit.
From free on-site assessments to tidy, same-day installations, we treat your property with hometown care while backing every upgrade with industry-leading warranties. Trust HEP to expand your electrical possibilities, boost resale value, and keep your lights on—no matter how many devices you plug in.
FAQs
Why might I need an electric panel upgrade in Bean Station?
Older homes in Bean Station often have 60- or 100-amp panels that were never designed for today’s high-demand appliances such as EV chargers, heat pumps, hot tubs, and whole-house surge protectors. Upgrading to a 200-amp (or larger) service ensures your wiring can safely handle increased electrical loads, minimizes tripped breakers, improves energy efficiency, and brings your service up to current National Electrical Code (NEC 2023) and Bean Station utility requirements.
What signs indicate my current panel is undersized or unsafe?
Frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, warm breaker handles, buzzing sounds, burn marks, or reliance on multiple extension cords are common warning signals. If your panel still uses fuses, has no main disconnect, or carries obsolete brand names linked to safety recalls (e.g., Zinsco, Federal Pacific), you should schedule an inspection right away.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade in Bean Station?
Yes. Grainger County requires an electrical permit before any service capacity change. A licensed Tennessee electrical contractor will submit the permit application, coordinate with Appalachian Electric Cooperative (AEC) for service disconnect/reconnect, and arrange the city or county inspection. Never attempt to upgrade a panel without proper permitting—it can void your homeowner’s insurance.
How long does the upgrade process take?
Most residential panel swaps take one full working day. Power is typically shut off for four to eight hours while the old panel is removed, new service conductors are landed, grounding is verified, and circuits are labeled. Larger homes, meter-base replacements, or service size changes that require AEC transformer work may extend the project to two days.
What does a typical electric panel upgrade cost in Bean Station?
Costs average $1,800–$3,500 for a straight 100-amp-to-200-amp panel replacement. Factors that affect price include: wire and conduit upgrades, relocation of the panel to meet clearance codes, whole-home surge protection, AFCI/GFCI breaker requirements, and any needed meter-base or service mast work. Your contractor will provide a written estimate after a site visit.
How do I choose the right electrician for my panel upgrade?
Look for a contractor who is Tennessee-licensed, bonded, and insured; provides references and photographs of recent Bean Station projects; issues a written warranty; and schedules the utility disconnect/inspection for you. Asking about their experience with NEC 2023 requirements for AFCI and surge protection will help verify they are up to date with code changes.