Skilled Professionals
Skilled Professionals | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Benton
From flickering lights to tripped breakers, your Benton home offers plenty of hints when its electrical panel is begging for an update. HEP’s licensed, bonded, and insured electricians translate those hints into action, delivering electric panel upgrades that replace outdated fuse boxes with modern, code-compliant load centers built for today’s high-demand appliances, EV chargers, and home offices. We arrive on time, walk you through every step, and treat your property as if it were our own—boot covers, thorough clean-up, and all.
Behind the scenes, our team pulls local permits, completes a meticulous load calculation, and works seamlessly with the utility to minimize downtime. The result is a safer, more efficient electrical system that protects valuable electronics, lowers fire risk, and leaves enough capacity for future renovations. Schedule a free estimate today and discover why Benton homeowners trust HEP for worry-free service that puts power back in your hands.
FAQs
Why might I need to upgrade my electric panel in Benton?
Homeowners in Benton often need a panel upgrade when they add high-demand appliances (EV chargers, hot tubs, HVAC units), remodel, or experience frequent breaker trips. Older panels—especially 60- or 100-amp units installed before the 1990s—were not designed for today’s electrical loads. Upgrading to a modern 150- or 200-amp service increases capacity, improves safety, and can raise property value while ensuring compliance with current NEC and City of Benton codes.
How do I know if my existing panel is outdated or unsafe?
Warning signs include breakers that trip repeatedly, melted or scorched buss bars, rust or moisture inside the panel, buzzing sounds, warm breaker faces, a lack of open breaker spaces, or the presence of obsolete brands such as Zinsco, Federal Pacific (FPE), or early Pushmatic models. If your home still has screw-in fuses or aluminum branch wiring, schedule an inspection. Our licensed Benton electricians use load calculations and infrared scanning to confirm whether repair or full replacement is the safest option.
What does the upgrade process involve and how long will it take?
1. On-site assessment & load calculation (1–2 hours). 2. Obtain City of Benton electrical permit and coordinate utility disconnect (1–5 business days, depending on Entergy Arkansas schedule). 3. Remove old panel, install new service entrance cable, meter base (if required), grounding electrodes, and a 150-/200-amp breaker panel (6–8 hours, usually completed in one day). 4. City inspection and utility reconnection (same or next business day). 5. Final project walkthrough and documentation for your insurance records. Most single-family upgrades are finished within one working day, with total project duration—from permit filing to final inspection—averaging 5–7 days.
Do I need permits and inspections in Benton for a panel upgrade?
Yes. The City of Benton Building & Safety Department requires a residential electrical permit for any service upgrade. After installation, a city inspector verifies grounding, conductor sizing, AFCI/GFCI protection, and panel labeling meet the latest NEC (currently the 2020 edition as adopted by Arkansas). Entergy Arkansas will not reconnect power until the inspection is passed, so using a licensed contractor who can pull permits and schedule inspections is crucial to avoid delays.
How much does an electric panel upgrade typically cost in Benton?
For most homes, replacing a 100-amp panel with a new 200-amp service ranges from $1,800 to $3,500. Variables include: panel amperage, breaker count, meter base replacement, distance to the utility pole, the need for whole-home surge protection, and any code-mandated upgrades to grounding or smoke detectors. We provide free on-site estimates and transparent, itemized pricing, so you’ll know the exact cost before work begins.
Why should I hire a licensed Benton electrician instead of doing it myself?
Service upgrades involve live utility conductors, load calculations, grounding, and strict code requirements. DIY work risks electrical fires, electrocution, voided home insurance, and failed inspections. Our Benton-based electricians carry state licenses, $1 million in liability insurance, and stay current with NEC revisions. We handle permits, utility coordination, and inspections, back our work with a workmanship warranty, and restore power the same day—giving you safety and peace of mind.