Expert Electric Panel
Expert Electric Panel | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Decherd
When your lights flicker or new appliances trip the breakers, it’s a sign the heartbeat of your home needs attention. HEP’s licensed electricians in Decherd specialize in electric panel upgrades that give your property the capacity, safety, and surge protection today’s technology demands. We replace aging fuse boxes, expand undersized breaker panels, and install whole-home surge protection—all while keeping your downtime to a minimum.
From the first inspection to the final code-compliant sign-off, our team handles every detail with unmatched craftsmanship and Southern courtesy. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your upgraded panel can handle EV chargers, smart home devices, and future expansion without missing a beat. Ready to power up? Schedule your electric panel upgrades with HEP today and feel the difference a modern, reliable electrical system makes.
FAQs
Why might I need an electric panel upgrade in Decherd?
Several conditions can signal that your home or business in Decherd needs a panel upgrade: frequent breaker trips, lights that dim when large appliances start, the smell of burning or buzzing at the panel, visible corrosion, or the lack of space for new circuits. Modern households use far more electricity than panels built 30-40 years ago were designed to handle. Upgrading to a higher-amp, modern panel increases capacity, improves safety, and allows you to add EV chargers, heat pumps, or additional outlets without overloading the system.
What service size is recommended for today’s homes in Decherd?
Most older Decherd properties were wired with 60- or 100-amp service. Current NEC (National Electrical Code) guidelines and TVA energy-efficiency recommendations call for a minimum of 200 amps in single-family dwellings to support central HVAC, modern kitchens, and potential future additions such as hot tubs or electric vehicles. Larger homes with multiple HVAC units or extensive workshops may benefit from 300- or 400-amp service. A licensed electrician will perform a load calculation to determine the right size for your specific needs.
How long will an electric panel replacement take, and will my power be off the whole time?
A straightforward panel swap typically takes one working day—about 6–8 hours. Power must be disconnected during the change-out, but we coordinate with Duck River EMC or the appropriate utility to minimize downtime. In many cases, we can restore essential circuits with a temporary generator while the main service is offline. More complex projects that involve relocating the panel, upgrading service conductors, or adding a whole-house surge protector may extend into a second day.
Do I need permits and inspections for a panel upgrade in Decherd or Franklin County?
Yes. Tennessee state law and the 2023 NEC adopted by Franklin County require an electrical permit for any service equipment replacement. As your contractor, we handle the paperwork, schedule the inspection with the county building department, and coordinate utility reconnection. Passing inspection protects you from liability, keeps insurance valid, and ensures the work meets safety standards.
Can an older Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or fuse box panel be repaired instead of replaced?
Panels manufactured by Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Sylvania-Zinsco—and fuse boxes installed before 1960—have documented safety issues, including breakers that fail to trip during a fault. Because replacement parts are scarce and expensive and the design itself is defective, repair is not recommended by industry experts or most insurers. The safest and most cost-effective solution is a complete panel replacement with a UL-listed, modern breaker panel that meets current code.
What does an electric panel upgrade cost in Decherd, and what factors affect price?
A typical 200-amp upgrade in the Decherd area ranges from $1,800 to $3,500. Costs vary based on panel location (indoor vs. outdoor), the need to upgrade the meter base or service mast, conduit length, grounding upgrades, and whether we must patch drywall or siding. Additional options—such as whole-house surge protection, AFCI/GFCI breakers, or generator interlocks—add to the price but provide extra safety and convenience. After a free on-site evaluation and load calculation, we provide a detailed, fixed-price quote so there are no surprises.