Personalized Service
Personalized Service | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Hixson
Whether you’re wiring a new workshop on Thrasher Pike or simply tired of tripped breakers during family movie night, HEP’s local electricians make powering your lifestyle easy. We specialize in electric panel upgrades that bring your Hixson home up to today’s safety codes while adding the capacity needed for modern appliances, EV chargers, and future smart-home tech. No cookie-cutter solutions—just tailored workmanship from neighbors who know the area’s permitting and inspection nuances inside and out.
From the first call, you’ll feel the HEP difference. Our licensed pros arrive on time, walk you through every option, and present upfront, transparent pricing before a single wire is touched. We handle permits, coordinate with the utility, and leave your space spotless—backed by industry-leading warranties and a satisfaction promise that keeps the lights on and your mind at ease. Let’s power what matters most in your Hixson home, together.
FAQs
Why might I need an electric panel upgrade in my Hixson home?
Older panels (60-100 amps, fuse boxes, or equipment installed before the 1990s) often can’t safely handle today’s appliance loads, HVAC systems, or future additions like EV chargers and solar inverters. Signs you need an upgrade include frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights, warm breaker slots, or a lack of open breaker spaces. Upgrading to a modern 150- or 200-amp panel improves safety, provides capacity for new circuits, and brings your electrical system up to current NEC and Hamilton County code requirements.
Do I need a permit and inspection for a panel upgrade in Hixson?
Yes. Hamilton County Building Inspection Department requires a permit for any service upgrade or panel change-out. After we submit the permit on your behalf, a county inspector will visit to ensure the new panel meets National Electrical Code (NEC) and local amendments. EPB or Volunteer Electric (depending on your provider) will also schedule a meter pull/re-seal once the inspection is approved. Hiring a licensed Tennessee electrical contractor ensures the paperwork and inspections are handled correctly.
How long does a typical electric panel upgrade take?
Most residential swaps—from disconnecting the old panel to energizing the new one—take 4-8 hours. Power is usually off for 3-6 hours. We coordinate the utility disconnect, perform the upgrade, label all circuits, and arrange the final inspection. Larger homes, service relocations, or upgrades that involve rewiring the meter base may extend the timeline to one full day.
What factors influence the cost of a panel upgrade in Hixson?
Pricing depends on: 1) amperage size (150 A vs. 200 A vs. 400 A); 2) whether the meter base or service entrance cable also needs replacement; 3) indoor vs. outdoor panel location; 4) grounding and bonding upgrades (ground rods, water-pipe bond); 5) surge protection or whole-home AFCI/GFCI breakers; and 6) accessibility (finished basement vs. open garage). A straightforward 200-amp upgrade in Hixson typically ranges $1,600–$3,000, while more complex projects can exceed $4,000.
Will an upgraded panel lower my energy bill?
An upgrade itself doesn’t directly reduce kWh usage, but it eliminates energy losses from overheated conductors, allows higher-efficiency appliances or HVAC systems to be installed, and reduces nuisance breaker trips that can strain equipment. Many insurers also offer lower premiums after a documented panel replacement, and the added capacity supports future energy-saving technologies like heat-pump water heaters, electric vehicles, or rooftop solar.
Can you install surge protection or smart breakers during the panel upgrade?
Absolutely. Whole-home surge protectors can be mounted in or adjacent to the new panel to safeguard electronics from Tennessee’s frequent summer storms. We can also supply smart load-center options (e.g., Square D Energy Center or Eaton Wi-Fi breakers) that let you monitor circuit-level usage from your phone, schedule EV charging, and receive trip alerts. Adding these features during the panel swap is more cost-effective than retrofitting later.