Customer Service
Customer Service | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Charleston
Whether you’re renovating a charming Charleston single or safeguarding a bustling Low-Country business, HEP’s licensed electricians make upgrading your outdated breaker box simple, safe, and stress-free. We start with a thorough load evaluation, then install modern components engineered to support today’s high-demand appliances, EV chargers, and smart-home systems. Transparent pricing, convenient scheduling, and our “Happy HEP 5-Star Guarantee” mean you stay informed and in control from the first call to the final inspection.
Choose HEP for electric panel upgrades and gain more than amps—you gain peace of mind. A new panel reduces fire risks, eliminates nuisance tripping, and can even lower insurance premiums while boosting property value. Plus, our courteous team leaves every workspace spotless, so the only thing you’ll notice is reliable power and room to grow. Serving Charleston homeowners and businesses since 1981, HEP turns yesterday’s wiring into tomorrow’s possibilities—one panel at a time.
FAQs
What is an electric panel upgrade and why might I need one in my Charleston home?
An electric panel (or service) upgrade involves replacing your existing breaker box with a new, higher-capacity panel—often increasing service from 60–100 amps to 150–200 amps or more. Homes in Charleston that were built before the mid-1990s often have panels that were never designed for today’s power demands (HVAC, tankless water heaters, EV chargers, etc.). Upgrading ensures you have enough safe, dedicated circuits, reduces nuisance tripping, eliminates obsolete or recalled equipment (such as Federal Pacific or Zinsco), and brings your electrical system up to the current National Electrical Code (NEC) and local Charleston building requirements.
How can I tell if my current electrical panel is unsafe or insufficient?
Common warning signs include frequent breaker trips, lights flickering when large appliances start, warm or rust-stained panel covers (salt air in coastal Charleston accelerates corrosion), a burning odor, buzzing sounds, or visible scorch marks. Panels over 25–30 years old, fuse boxes, or brands with known safety recalls should be evaluated by a licensed electrician. If you plan to add high-draw devices—like a hot tub, car charger, or whole-home generator—your existing panel may not have the capacity, even if it seems to work fine today.
Does Charleston require a permit or inspection for an electrical service upgrade?
Yes. Whether you live in the City of Charleston, North Charleston, or unincorporated Charleston County, a building/electrical permit is required. Your licensed electrician will submit load calculations, panel specifications, and a riser diagram. After installation, a city/county inspector must approve the work before the utility (Dominion Energy, Berkeley Electric, or Edisto Electric) can reconnect power. Work done without permits can delay a home sale and may void insurance coverage if a fire occurs.
How long does a typical panel replacement take and will my power be off the whole time?
Most residential panel upgrades are completed in one working day. Power is usually disconnected for 4–8 hours while the old panel is removed and the new one is mounted, wired, grounded, and labeled. Your electrician schedules the outage with the utility ahead of time to minimize downtime. Once the inspector releases the job, the utility restores power the same day in most cases. Critical loads (refrigerators, medical equipment) can be powered temporarily with a generator or battery backup if needed.
What does an electric panel upgrade cost and what factors affect the price?
In the greater Charleston area, a straightforward 200-amp upgrade typically runs $1,500–$3,500. Costs vary with: • Service size (200-amp vs. 300- or 400-amp) • Condition and length of service entrance wiring & meter base • Whether the panel must be relocated to meet flood-zone or clearance rules • Additional grounding, surge protection, or whole-home AFCI/GFCI requirements • Permit fees and utility disconnect/reconnect charges • Any drywall, stucco, or siding repairs after the panel is moved or enlarged A free on-site estimate will give you an exact price.
Can upgrading my panel increase my home’s resale value or lower insurance rates?
Yes. Realtors routinely list a new 200-amp panel as a selling point because buyers know they can add modern appliances or an EV charger without costly electrical work. Insurance companies may apply surcharges or deny coverage for homes with recalled panel brands, fuse boxes, or inadequate grounding. Providing documentation of a code-compliant upgrade can lower premiums and simplify claims. In flood-prone Charleston, moving the panel above base flood elevation can also reduce future storm-related repair costs.