Electrical System
Electrical System | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Benton
When lights flicker or breakers trip, Benton homeowners turn to HEP for reliable electric panel upgrades that bring safety and capacity back to the heart of their homes. Our licensed electricians replace outdated fuse boxes and undersized panels with modern, code-compliant equipment that can handle today’s high-demand appliances, EV chargers, and smart-home tech. We arrive on time, explain every step, and tidy up when we’re finished, so the only evidence of our visit is a rock-solid panel ready for decades of dependable service.
From the first phone call to the final inspection, HEP makes the process simple, transparent, and surprisingly quick. We secure permits, coordinate with your utility, and test every circuit before we leave, giving you peace of mind and boosting your home’s resale value. If you want to protect your family and your electronics while opening the door to future upgrades, schedule your electric panel upgrades with HEP and feel the power of true professionalism.
FAQs
Why should I consider upgrading my electrical panel?
Panels installed more than 25–30 years ago were designed for 60–100 amps of load. Modern Benton homes routinely draw 150–200 amps because of air-conditioning, EV chargers, hot tubs, and high-efficiency appliances. An undersized or obsolete panel can overheat, trip breakers constantly, lower the resale value of your property, and even create a fire hazard. Upgrading to a 200-amp (or larger) service gives you safer circuitry, room for future circuits, higher property value, and compliance with the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) adopted by the City of Benton.
What signs tell me my Benton home needs an electrical panel upgrade?
Common red flags include: frequent breaker trips or fuses blowing; lights dimming when large appliances start; warm or buzzing breaker slots; corrosion or burn marks inside the panel; lack of open breaker spaces; use of tandem breakers to “make room”; a panel brand known for safety recalls (e.g., Federal Pacific or Zinsco); and plans to add high-demand loads such as an electric vehicle charger or whole-home generator. If you notice any of these conditions, schedule a licensed Benton electrician to inspect the system.
What size panel do most homeowners install today?
For single-family homes in Benton, a 200-amp, 40-space/80-circuit panel is now the norm because it comfortably handles HVAC equipment, kitchen upgrades, and future EV charging. Larger houses with workshops or multiple EVs may step up to 300 or 400 amps using a meter-main combo or parallel panels. Your electrician will perform a NEC Article 220 load calculation to recommend the exact service size and breaker layout you need.
How long will the upgrade take and will my power be off?
A straightforward meter base and panel swap usually takes 4–8 hours. More complex jobs—rewiring branch circuits, relocating the panel, or upgrading the service drop—can run 1–2 full days. Power to the whole house will be disconnected while the utility pulls the meter and the electrician replaces the equipment. Most Benton Electric Utility crews schedule the disconnect/reconnect the same day if all permits are on file, so overnight outages are rare.
Do I need a permit and inspection in Benton for an electric panel upgrade?
Yes. The City of Benton Building Inspection Department requires an electrical permit for any service change. Your licensed electrician pulls the permit, coordinates with Benton Utilities for meter release, and schedules a final inspection. The inspector ensures that grounding, bonding, conductor sizes, arc-fault/ground-fault protection, labeling, and working-clearance rules meet the 2023 NEC and local amendments.
What does a panel upgrade cost and are financing options available?
In the Benton area, a basic 200-amp panel replacement typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, including permit fees. Adding a new service mast, relocating the panel, or upsizing to 300–400 amps can push the price to $4,000–$6,000. Many electrical contractors offer 0% or low-interest financing, and some local utilities provide rebates when the upgrade is paired with energy-efficiency improvements or EV charger installations. Always request a written, itemized estimate so you can compare scope, warranty, and payment options.