Electrical System
Electrical System | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Hixson
Is your home in Hixson keeping up with today’s growing power demands? From new appliances and smart-home devices to the ever-present phone chargers, the load on your electrical system has never been greater. At HEP, our licensed electricians specialize in electric panel upgrades that replace aging fuse boxes or undersized breaker panels with modern, code-compliant solutions. We evaluate your current capacity, design a customized upgrade, and complete the installation with minimal disruption—so you can enjoy safer, more reliable power right away.
Customers choose HEP because we blend hometown service with industry-leading expertise. Every upgrade includes a thorough safety inspection, surge protection options, and a clear, upfront quote—no surprises. Whether you’re remodeling, adding a hot tub, or simply tired of tripped breakers, trust our team to future-proof your home and raise its resale value. Ready to flip the switch on peace of mind? Call HEP today and schedule your consultation.
FAQs
Why might a Hixson homeowner need an electrical panel upgrade?
Many houses in Hixson were built with 60- or 100-amp fuse or breaker panels that were never designed to run today’s high-demand appliances like EV chargers, hot tubs, and multiple HVAC units. An undersized or outdated panel can overheat, trip constantly, or become a fire hazard. Upgrading to a modern 150- or 200-amp panel gives you the capacity, safety features, and extra breaker spaces needed for present and future electrical loads.
What are the warning signs that my current panel is unsafe or overloaded?
Common red flags include frequent breaker trips, lights dimming when large appliances start, warm or buzzing breakers, scorch marks, rust or corrosion inside the panel, and the presence of obsolete brands such as Federal Pacific (FPE), Zinsco, or fuse boxes. If you notice any of these conditions, schedule a licensed electrician in Hixson to inspect the system right away.
Do I need a permit for an electric panel upgrade in Hixson, and who handles inspections?
Yes. The City of Chattanooga/Hamilton County Building Inspection Department requires a permit for any service upgrade or panel replacement in Hixson. A licensed electrical contractor will pull the permit, coordinate with the local power company (EPB or Sequachee Valley EC, depending on your address), and arrange all rough-in and final inspections. When you hire us, we manage the paperwork and inspection scheduling so you don’t have to.
How long does a typical panel replacement take, and will my power be off all day?
Most standard residential panel swaps take about 4–6 hours. Power is usually shut off for 3–5 hours while we remove the old equipment, install the new panel, and tie in the branch circuits. We notify you before the outage begins, work efficiently to restore service the same day, and can supply temporary generators for critical medical or computer loads upon request.
What affects the cost of an electrical panel upgrade in Hixson?
Pricing depends on service size (100 A vs. 200 A), meter base replacement, distance to the utility service point, condition of existing wiring, surge protection or whole-home AFCI/GFCI upgrades, and whether grounding or bonding must be brought up to current NEC standards. In Hixson, most straightforward 200-amp panel upgrades run $2,000–$3,500, while more complex jobs with mast relocation or extensive rewiring can reach $4,500+.
Are there incentives or insurance benefits for upgrading my panel?
While Tennessee currently offers no statewide rebate, many insurance companies give premium discounts for replacing outdated fuse or recalled breaker panels. EPB customers may qualify for on-bill financing when an upgrade is paired with energy-efficiency work. A modern panel can also raise resale value and reduce the risk of claim denials due to electrical fire causes, offering long-term financial protection.