Electrical Hazards
Electrical Hazards | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Georgetown
Is your Georgetown home still running on an aging breaker box that groans under the weight of modern appliances? HEP’s certified electricians specialize in electric panel upgrades that replace outdated equipment with safe, high-capacity panels engineered for today’s power demands. We diagnose hidden wiring faults, eliminate overloaded circuits, and install advanced surge protection—so every light switch, outlet, and smart device works exactly as it should without the constant worry of tripped breakers or electrical fires.
From historic downtown cottages to newly built neighborhoods along the San Gabriel, our team navigates local codes and permitting for you, completing most projects in a single day. With transparent pricing, friendly service, and a workmanship warranty that lives up to our “Happy. Electric. Professionals.” name, we make protecting your family and investment easy. Choose HEP for electric panel upgrades and feel the immediate spark of reliability, efficiency, and peace of mind.
FAQs
Why should I consider upgrading my older electrical panel in Georgetown?
Many Georgetown homes still rely on 60- to 100-amp fuse or breaker panels that were never designed to power today’s appliances, HVAC systems, and electronics. Upgrading to a modern 200-amp panel gives you the capacity to run high-demand devices without tripping breakers, eliminates obsolete and potentially unsafe fuse blocks, and provides the space needed for future circuits (EV chargers, hot tubs, solar, etc.). A new panel also allows the installation of contemporary safety devices such as AFCI and GFCI breakers, which significantly reduce the risk of arc-fault fires and electric shock.
What electrical hazards are associated with outdated or overloaded panels?
Old panels can overheat when circuits draw more current than they were designed for, melting insulation and creating a fire hazard inside the wall. Corroded busses, loose lugs, or obsolete brands (e.g., Federal Pacific, Zinsco) may fail to trip during a fault, letting wires glow red-hot. Lack of modern ground-fault and arc-fault protection can allow deadly shocks or hidden arcing behind drywall. Finally, double-lugged breakers and mismatched wire sizes—common DIY ‘fixes’ when a panel runs out of space—put added stress on conductors and connections.
How can I tell if my home’s electrical panel is overloaded or unsafe?
Warning signs include frequent breaker trips or blown fuses, lights dimming when large appliances start, warm or buzzing breakers, scorch marks, a panel more than 30 years old, or brands known for defects. An electrical inspection by a licensed Georgetown master electrician can confirm the load calculation, test breaker trip curves, and use thermal imaging to spot hotspots before they turn into smoke.
What does a panel upgrade involve and how long does it take?
Our Georgetown upgrade service starts with a load assessment and permit application through the City of Georgetown Building Inspections Department. On installation day we shut down power at the meter, remove the old cabinet, re-terminate branch circuits, install a new service disconnect if required, and land the grounded and grounding conductors on separate bars to meet current NEC. We coordinate with Georgetown Utility Systems for the final reconnect. A typical single-family upgrade takes one full day on site, plus a final city inspection within 24-48 hours.
Will upgrading my electrical panel improve my home’s resale value and insurance premiums?
Yes. Real-estate agents routinely flag outdated panels during pre-listing inspections, and many insurers surcharge or refuse coverage for certain legacy brands. A documented 200-amp upgrade with AFCI/GFCI breakers shows buyers your wiring is safe and future-ready, often recouping most of the project cost at resale. Some carriers will even lower premiums once the upgrade certificate and permit paperwork are submitted.
Do I need a permit and inspection for an electrical panel upgrade in Georgetown?
Absolutely. The City of Georgetown requires an electrical permit for any service change or panel replacement, and work must be performed by a licensed electrician registered with the city. After installation, a city inspector verifies grounding, conductor sizing, torque specs, labeling, and AFCI/GFCI placement before the utility reconnects power. Skipping the permit can void insurance coverage and create resale headaches, so we handle all paperwork and scheduling for you.