Seamless Installation Process
Seamless Installation Process | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Dunlap
When the lights of Dunlap need dependable power, homeowners turn to HEP for electric panel upgrades that are quick, clean, and built to last. From the moment you schedule an appointment, our certified electricians map out every circuit, evaluate load demands, and secure the permits so you don’t have to lift a finger. On installation day, we arrive with pre-labeled breakers, dust-free cutting tools, and protective floor coverings, swapping out outdated panels in hours—not days—while keeping your home spotless.
What sets HEP apart is our seamless process: transparent pricing, real-time text updates, and a final thermal-imaging test that proves your new panel is running cool and efficient. We even haul away the old gear for recycling and register your equipment warranty on the spot. With HEP, upgrading isn’t a hassle—it’s a smart move toward safer, more reliable power for every device you plug in today and tomorrow.
FAQs
Why might I need an electric panel upgrade in Dunlap?
Homes in Dunlap built before the mid-1990s often have 60- or 100-amp service that was never intended to power today’s high-demand appliances such as EV chargers, hot tubs, induction ranges, or whole-house HVAC systems. Symptoms like frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights, or warm breaker fronts are indicators that the panel is overloaded. Upgrading to a modern 200-amp (or larger) service not only eliminates these safety risks but also brings the electrical system up to current National Electrical Code (NEC) and local Dunlap building standards, improving property value and insurance eligibility.
What permits and inspections are required for a panel upgrade in Dunlap?
All service-entrance upgrades in Dunlap require an electrical permit from the Peoria County Department of Planning & Zoning. Once the permit is issued, our licensed electricians coordinate a rough-in inspection (if any wall framing is opened) and a final inspection with the county electrical inspector. We also schedule a utility disconnect/reconnect with Ameren Illinois so the power can be shut off and restored safely on the same day. We handle every step of this paperwork so you never have to wait in line or chase signatures.
How long will the installation take, and will my power be out all day?
A standard single-family 200-amp panel change-out typically takes 4–6 hours on site. Power is usually off for 3–4 hours while we remove the old panel, install the new service equipment, and land the existing branch circuits. We arrive with pre-fabricated cable whips, breaker labeling, and a temporary generator light, so downtime is minimized. For larger upgrades involving service mast relocation or meter base replacement, total time may extend to one full workday, but we always restore power before 5 p.m. unless prior arrangements are made.
Will I need to replace my existing wiring or just the panel?
In most cases the existing branch-circuit wiring can stay if it is copper or properly sized aluminum and shows no signs of heat damage. During our free pre-upgrade assessment we perform spot checks of insulation condition, verify conductor sizes, and meg-ohm test critical circuits. If we find ungrounded or cloth-wrapped cable, we will advise you on partial rewiring options. The upgrade does include new service entrance conductors, a modern load center with copper bus bars, and arc-fault/ground-fault (AFCI/GFCI) breakers where code now requires them.
How much does an electric panel upgrade cost in Dunlap?
A straightforward 200-amp upgrade in Dunlap, including permit fees, new meter base, and utility coordination, generally ranges from $2,300 to $3,800. Prices rise if trenching for an underground service, relocating the panel, or upsizing to 320-amp/400-amp service for large homes. Our written quotes are itemized, locked for 30 days, and include all taxes, disposal of the old equipment, and a complimentary whole-home surge protector valued at $250.
Do you offer any warranties or post-installation support?
Yes. All labor is covered by a 5-year workmanship warranty, and the Square D QO or Eaton panel we install carries a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty on the bus bars and main breaker. Within Dunlap city limits we provide one free breaker swap or circuit addition (parts extra) during the first year, and our 24/7 emergency hotline ensures a licensed electrician can be dispatched within two hours for any panel-related issue.