Safety Standards
Safety Standards | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Benton
When Benton homeowners think about true peace of mind, they turn to HEP for uncompromising safety standards and precision workmanship. Our licensed electricians evaluate every wire, breaker, and grounding path to ensure your home meets or exceeds NEC requirements today—and is ready for tomorrow’s power-hungry technology. From eliminating overloaded circuits to installing surge protection, our team makes electric panel upgrades a seamless experience that boosts both safety and resale value.
Choose HEP and you’ll get transparent pricing, punctual service, and a courteous crew that cleans up when the job is done. Whether you’re adding a new appliance, remodeling, or simply tired of flickering lights, we deliver the reliable capacity your lifestyle demands. Call us today and discover why Benton trusts HEP to keep the lights on and families protected.
FAQs
Why would my Benton home need an electric panel upgrade?
Homes built more than 25–30 years ago were wired for far smaller electrical loads than today’s appliances and electronics require. If your lights dim when large appliances start, breakers trip often, you still have a fuse box, or you are planning additions such as EV chargers, hot tubs, or new HVAC equipment, an upgrade is usually the safest solution. Replacing an outdated panel prevents overheating, reduces the risk of electrical fires, and ensures your system can safely handle modern power demands.
How do current safety standards affect panel upgrade requirements in Benton?
Benton follows the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, which adopts the latest National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC now mandates arc-fault and ground-fault protection in many circuits, tighter panel grounding and bonding rules, and minimum ampacity for new services. During an upgrade, every part of the new panel—bus bars, breakers, labeling, clearance, and bonding—must comply. Hiring a licensed electrician who is familiar with these standards guarantees that your installation will pass any city or county inspection and provide the highest level of protection.
What size and type of panel should I choose to meet Benton codes?
Most older homes still have 60-amp or 100-amp panels, but the current code recommends a minimum of 200 amps for single-family dwellings. This capacity leaves room for future circuits like EV chargers and solar. We also install panels that accept combination arc-fault/ground-fault (CAFCI/GFCI) breakers, which are required for many branch circuits. Before recommending a panel, we perform a detailed load calculation that considers square footage, HVAC size, kitchen and laundry appliances, and any planned upgrades. This ensures you get a panel that is both code-compliant and tailored to your actual needs.
Will an electric panel upgrade improve protection against electrical fires?
Yes. New panels use modern breaker technology that trips faster and more precisely than older thermal fuses or breakers. Combination arc-fault breakers reduce the risk of hidden wire arcing, a leading cause of residential fires. Ground-fault protection prevents shock hazards near water. In addition, new panels have sturdier bus bars, copper or tin-plated connections, and superior insulation that all contribute to lower operating temperatures and greater reliability.
How long does a typical panel replacement take, and will my power be interrupted?
A straightforward panel swap in Benton usually takes 4–8 hours. We coordinate with the local utility to disconnect service in the morning and restore it the same day. Larger upgrades that involve relocating the panel or replacing service entrance conductors can take a full day and occasionally extend to a second day if masonry work or weather delays occur. We advise homeowners to plan for a no-power window of 6–10 hours, and we provide temporary power options for critical medical equipment if needed.
Do I need a permit or inspection in Benton for a panel upgrade, and will you handle it?
Yes. The City of Benton Building Department requires an electrical permit for any service change or panel replacement. After the work is complete, a city inspector must verify that the installation meets the NEC and local amendments before the utility reconnects power. As a licensed and insured contractor, we obtain the permit on your behalf, schedule the inspection, and remain onsite to answer any inspector questions. This turnkey approach saves you time and guarantees full code compliance.