Years Of Experience
Years Of Experience | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Dunlap
For decades, HEP has been the trusted name Dunlap homeowners call when the lights flicker, breakers trip, or a long-overdue remodel demands more power than yesterday’s wiring can handle. Our licensed electricians combine old-school craftsmanship with the latest code knowledge to deliver electric panel upgrades that add capacity, improve safety, and pave the way for smart-home technology. We inspect every circuit, calculate your true load needs, and install modern breaker panels that protect sensitive electronics from surges while giving you room to grow.
Customers choose HEP because we make the process effortless—from transparent pricing to coordinating utility shut-offs and final inspections. Whether you’re adding a workshop, installing a hot tub, or just tired of resetting that stubborn breaker, our team arrives on time, cleans up thoroughly, and backs every job with a rock-solid guarantee. Let Dunlap’s most experienced pros power your next chapter with electric panel upgrades that keep your home safe, efficient, and future-ready.
FAQs
Why would a home or business in Dunlap need an electric panel upgrade?
Modern appliances, home offices, electric vehicle chargers, and HVAC systems draw far more power than the 60- to 100-amp panels that were standard a few decades ago. Upgrading to a 200-amp or larger service gives you the capacity to run current loads safely, add future circuits, and meet today’s electrical code requirements. An upgrade eliminates dangerous over-loaded breakers, reduces fire risk, and can even lower nuisance tripping that damages sensitive electronics.
How can I tell if my current electrical panel is undersized or unsafe?
Common warning signs include frequently tripped breakers, lights that dim when heavy appliances start, warm breaker switches, buzzing sounds, scorch marks, or the presence of outdated equipment such as Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or fuse boxes. If your home was built before the early 1990s and has never had an electrical service upgrade, a licensed electrician should evaluate the panel. Our technicians bring more than 20 years of hands-on experience and state-of-the-art testing tools to give you a clear assessment.
What does the panel-upgrade process involve and how long does it take?
A typical residential upgrade involves calculating your load, pulling the Dunlap permit, coordinating with EPB or Volunteer Energy Cooperative for a temporary disconnect, mounting a new meter base and 200-amp (or larger) main breaker panel, rewiring branch circuits, bonding/grounding to current code, and arranging the city inspection. Power is usually restored the same day, with most projects taking 6–8 hours on site. Larger homes and commercial services can take 1–2 days. We schedule at your convenience, handle all paperwork, and keep you informed at every step.
Will my power be off for the whole day, and what should I do to prepare?
Service must be de-energized while we remove the old panel and tie in the new one, so expect 4–6 hours without power for a standard home. We recommend shutting down computers, unplugging sensitive electronics, and keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed. If someone relies on medical equipment, let us know so we can arrange a temporary generator connection. Our crew arrives with all parts on hand to minimize downtime.
Are permits and inspections required in Dunlap for an electric panel upgrade?
Yes. The State of Tennessee requires a permit for any service change, and Dunlap’s local building department must inspect the work before the utility can re-energize the meter. As a fully licensed, bonded, and insured contractor, we secure the permit on your behalf, meet the inspector on site, and provide all load calculations and UL-listed equipment documentation. Passing inspection ensures your insurance coverage remains valid and your installation meets the latest NEC standards.
How much does an electric panel upgrade cost and what payment options do you offer?
Costs vary with amperage (150-, 200-, or 400-amp), wiring complexity, and whether the service entrance needs relocation. In Dunlap, most 200-amp residential upgrades fall between $1,800 and $3,200, inclusive of permit and inspection fees. We provide a written, no-surprise quote after a free on-site evaluation. For larger commercial panels, we deliver a detailed bid with line-item pricing. We accept major credit cards, offer 0% same-as-cash financing for qualified homeowners, and can schedule work in phases to fit your budget.