Upgrade Process
Upgrade Process | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Greeneville
When flickering lights, warm breaker boxes, or limited circuits start hinting that your Greeneville home is outgrowing its existing service, HEP’s team steps in with a streamlined upgrade process that keeps every watt of your life running smoothly. Our licensed electricians begin with a detailed load assessment, then map out a code-compliant plan that maximizes capacity, improves protection against surges, and creates space for today’s high-demand appliances and tomorrow’s smart-home additions. From pulling permits to the final inspection, we handle every step with the speed and courtesy our neighbors have trusted for decades.
Choosing HEP for electric panel upgrades means choosing peace of mind. You’ll get transparent pricing, premium Square D or Eaton components, and a spotless jobsite when we’re finished—plus the confidence that your family and property are guarded by modern arc-fault and ground-fault technology. Whether you’re renovating, adding EV charging, or simply tired of tripping breakers, let us power your plans with workmanship as rock-solid as the mountains surrounding Greeneville.
FAQs
Why would I need to upgrade my electrical panel?
Older panels (especially those 100 amps or less or built before 1990) were never designed for today’s loads—HVAC units, high-wattage kitchen appliances, EV chargers, home offices, etc. When a panel is undersized it can overheat, trip breakers constantly, or even become a fire hazard. An upgrade increases capacity (usually to 200 amps), provides space for additional circuits, and brings your home up to current National Electrical Code (NEC) safety standards.
What are the signs that my panel needs to be replaced or upgraded?
Common red flags include: (1) frequent breaker trips or fuses blowing, (2) buzzing, crackling, or hot spots on the panel, (3) visible rust, scorch marks, or a burning smell, (4) lights dimming when large appliances start, (5) no more room for new breakers, and (6) your panel is a recalled brand such as Federal Pacific or Zinsco. A licensed electrician can perform a load calculation to confirm the need for an upgrade.
What does the electric panel upgrade process in Greeneville involve?
Our process starts with a free on-site evaluation and load calculation. We then develop a permit-ready proposal that specifies the new service size (typically 200 A), breaker layout, grounding, and surge protection. After you approve, we pull a permit with the Greeneville Building & Inspection Department, coordinate with Greeneville Light & Power System (GLPS) for shutdown, remove the old panel, upgrade service entrance conductors, install the new main breaker panel, label circuits, restore power, and schedule the final electrical inspection. You receive all compliance paperwork and a workmanship warranty.
Do I need a permit or inspection for an electric panel upgrade in Greeneville?
Yes. Tennessee state law and the NEC require a permit and inspection anytime the main service equipment is altered. As your contractor we handle the entire permitting process with the Greeneville Building & Inspection Department. After installation, a city inspector must approve the work before GLPS permanently re-energizes the service. This protects you by ensuring the upgrade meets code, is properly grounded, and is safe to operate.
How long will my power be off and how long does the entire job take?
An average panel swap to 200 amps in a single-family home typically requires 4–6 hours of power downtime while we remove the old equipment and land conductors in the new panel. The total job—from arrival to cleanup—usually fits into one workday. Homes needing meter base relocation, service mast repair, or extensive rewiring may take up to two days. We coordinate the outage with GLPS so you know exactly when the power will be off and back on.
What does an electric panel upgrade cost in Greeneville and are financing options available?
Prices vary with service size, wiring complexity, and whether the meter base or service mast also needs replacement. In Greeneville, a straightforward 200-amp upgrade generally runs $1,800–$3,200, while larger services or homes requiring sub-panel additions can cost $3,500–$5,500. We provide a fixed-price quote after inspection and offer 0% interest financing for 12 months (OAC) as well as extended payment plans up to 60 months. All upgrades include permits, GLPS coordination, a lifetime workmanship warranty, and a 5-year parts guarantee.