Overall Safety
Overall Safety | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Strawberry Plains
When your home’s power needs outgrow an aging breaker box, HEP’s licensed electricians in Strawberry Plains are ready with reliable electric panel upgrades that put safety first. We inspect every wire, breaker, and grounding path, then recommend modern, code-compliant equipment that can handle today’s high-demand appliances without tripping or overheating. From securing permits to the final circuit test, our team treats your home with the same care we give our own—clean work areas, clear communication, and zero shortcuts.
Customers choose HEP because we back our workmanship with industry-leading warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Whether you’re finishing a basement, adding a workshop, or simply tired of flickering lights, our electric panel upgrades provide the capacity and peace of mind you need to power life’s next chapter in Strawberry Plains. Call today and let the “Helpful, Efficient, Professional” crew make your electrical system safer, smarter, and ready for the future.
FAQs
Why would a Strawberry Plains homeowner need an electric panel upgrade?
Older panels (typically 60-100 amp) were never designed to handle today’s appliance-heavy homes. If you are adding HVAC equipment, a hot tub, an EV charger, or simply running multiple electronics at once, you may exceed the safe load the panel can supply. A modern 200-amp service provides additional breaker spaces, better short-circuit protection, and built-in arc-fault/ground-fault capability that reduce fire and shock hazards. Upgrading also eliminates obsolete or recalled equipment (e.g., Federal Pacific, Zinsco) that is common in Strawberry Plains houses built before 1990.
What warning signs indicate my existing panel is unsafe or undersized?
Frequent breaker trips, lights that flicker or dim when large appliances start, hot breaker handles, burning odors, scorch marks, corrosion, or rust inside the panel are red flags. Panels that use screw-in fuses or have no main disconnect also fail to meet current National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. If your insurance company has raised rates or refused coverage because of an outdated panel, that is another indicator that it’s time to upgrade.
What happens during a professional electric panel upgrade?
A licensed Strawberry Plains electrician will: (1) perform a load calculation to size the new service; (2) obtain the required county/city permit; (3) schedule a utility disconnect; (4) remove the old meter base, service conductors, and panel; (5) install a new 150- or 200-amp meter socket, service entrance cable, grounding electrodes, and breaker panel; (6) label every circuit; and (7) coordinate the final inspection so the utility can re-energize the home. The process ensures your entire service—from weather head to main bonding jumper—meets the latest NEC 2020 and local amendments.
How long will my power be off and can I stay in the house during the work?
On a standard single-family residence, the total on-site work usually takes 6–8 hours. Power is typically disconnected for 4–6 hours while the old equipment is removed and new conductors are landed. Most clients remain in the home during the upgrade; however, refrigerators and sensitive electronics should be unplugged or placed on battery backup. Your electrician will coordinate the timing so you are without power for the shortest window possible.
Do I need a permit and inspection for a panel upgrade in Strawberry Plains?
Yes. Tennessee adopts the NEC statewide, and Jefferson, Knox, and Sevier counties all require an electrical permit for service upgrades. A final inspection by the county electrical inspector (Authority Having Jurisdiction) is mandatory before the utility will reconnect service. Your licensed contractor will handle the paperwork, schedule the inspection, and provide you with a certificate of completion for your records and insurance company.
Will upgrading my panel lower insurance costs or increase home value?
Many insurers consider outdated or recalled panels a high fire risk and either surcharge the policy or decline coverage. Replacing these panels can eliminate those surcharges and, in some cases, qualify you for a safety discount. Realtors also note that a modern 200-amp service is a selling point, especially for buyers planning to add EV chargers or solar PV. While an upgrade won’t guarantee a specific dollar increase, it removes a common obstacle during home inspections and appraisals, protecting the property’s full market value.