Safety Standards
Safety Standards | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Englewood
From flickering lights to overloaded breakers, an aging service panel can put your entire home—and everyone in it—at risk. At HEP, our Englewood-based team follows rigorous safety standards developed from NEC guidelines, manufacturer specifications, and decades of field experience. We inspect, design, and install electric panel upgrades that deliver clean, reliable power while protecting sensitive electronics and preventing dangerous arc-faults or thermal events.
Whether you’re adding a new EV charger, remodeling the kitchen, or simply tired of reset buttons tripping every time the AC starts, our licensed electricians make the process seamless. We pull all permits, coordinate utility cut-overs, and leave your space spotless, backed by a workmanship guarantee that’s as solid as our copper bus bars. Trust HEP for electric panel upgrades that keep Englewood homes safer, smarter, and ready for tomorrow’s electrical demands—schedule your free safety assessment today.
FAQs
Why should I consider upgrading my home’s electrical panel in Englewood?
Most houses built before the mid-1990s were equipped with 60- or 100-amp fuse boxes or early breaker panels that were never designed for today’s power demands. Adding central air, EV chargers, hot tubs, or even multiple home-office devices can overload these older panels, increasing the risk of overheating and electrical fires. A new 150- or 200-amp service provides the capacity your modern appliances need, improves overall energy efficiency, and often lowers homeowners-insurance premiums because it reduces fire risk. In Englewood, a documented upgrade can also boost resale value because buyers know the system meets the latest safety codes.
How do I know if my current electrical panel is unsafe or outdated?
Warning signs include frequent breaker trips or blown fuses, flickering lights, warm or buzzing panel covers, rust or corrosion on breakers, and the use of brand names that have been recalled (such as Federal Pacific or Zinsco). If your panel is still rated at 60 A or 100 A, has no main shut-off breaker, or relies on screw-in glass fuses, it almost certainly does not meet current National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. A licensed Englewood electrician can perform a load calculation and thermal scan to confirm whether an upgrade is necessary.
What safety codes and standards apply to electric panel upgrades in Englewood?
Englewood adheres to the 2023 National Electrical Code with municipal amendments outlined by the Englewood Building and Safety Division. Key requirements include installing a main service disconnect, using AFCI and GFCI breakers where mandated, proper grounding and bonding to Ufer or ground rods, and labeling all circuits. Service entrance conductors must be sized for the new amperage (typically 4/0 aluminum or 2/0 copper for 200 A). All equipment must be UL-listed, and working space clearances (30 in. wide, 36 in. deep, 78 in. high) must be maintained in front of the panel. Our technicians follow these standards to the letter and document compliance for the final inspection.
Will I need a permit for a panel upgrade, and who handles the inspection process?
Yes. The City of Englewood requires an electrical permit for any service-equipment replacement or amperage change. Our team pulls the permit on your behalf, submits the load calculations and one-line diagram, and coordinates with Xcel Energy (or your local utility) for the temporary disconnect/reconnect. After the work is complete, we schedule the city inspector’s visit, meet them on site, and correct any items on the spot. Once the inspector signs off, the utility restores permanent power and closes the permit, ensuring your insurance and future home sale requirements are satisfied.
How long does an electric panel replacement take, and will my power be off the entire time?
A standard 150- or 200-amp panel swap in Englewood usually takes 4–8 hours. Power must be shut off during the removal of the old panel, installation of the new enclosure, and reconnection of branch circuits—typically 3–6 hours. We schedule the utility disconnect early in the morning so we can restore service the same day. For larger upgrades that require a service-mast relocation or meter-socket change, the job can extend to a second day, but we provide temporary power solutions for critical loads when needed.
What kind of warranty and post-installation support do you provide?
All new panels and breakers are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty—Square D and Eaton panels carry 10-year parts protection. We back our workmanship with a lifetime labor guarantee for as long as you own your home. If any breaker fails within the first year, we replace it at no charge. We also include a complimentary whole-home safety inspection and torque check 12 months after installation to ensure connections remain tight and your system continues to operate safely.