Electrical System
Electrical System | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Loudon
Homes and businesses in Loudon are drawing more power than ever, and that puts your aging breaker box to the test. HEP’s licensed electricians specialize in electric panel upgrades that replace outdated, overloaded panels with modern units engineered for today’s high-demand appliances, smart devices, and future solar or EV additions. From the moment we arrive, you’ll notice the difference—transparent pricing, tidy workmanship, and a team that treats your property as carefully as their own.
An upgraded panel isn’t just about adding circuits; it’s about safety and peace of mind. By eliminating flickering lights, tripped breakers, and hidden fire risks, HEP helps protect your family while boosting your home’s resale value. We handle permits, inspections, and utility coordination, so you can relax and enjoy reliable power backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
Ready to power up your Loudon property? A quick call or click to HEP sets your electric panel upgrade in motion, delivering the capacity and confidence you need for years to come.
FAQs
Why might I need to upgrade my electrical panel in Loudon?
Homes and businesses in Loudon that were wired 20-40 years ago usually have 60- or 100-amp fuse or breaker panels that were never designed to handle today’s demand for central HVAC, high-efficiency appliances, home offices, and EV chargers. Upgrading to a modern 200-amp (or larger) service eliminates nuisance breaker trips, allows the safe addition of new circuits, and brings the installation into compliance with the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) and Loudon County building requirements. An upgrade also reduces fire risk caused by overheated conductors or outdated breaker technology.
How can I tell if my current panel is undersized or unsafe?
Warning signs include frequently tripped breakers, warm or buzzing breakers, melted insulation, visible rust, or a panel brand that has been recalled (e.g., Federal Pacific, Zinsco). If you notice lights dimming when major appliances start or you rely on multiple power strips because of a lack of receptacles, your service is likely overloaded. A licensed Loudon electrician can perform a load calculation, infrared scan, and breaker performance test to confirm whether an upgrade is necessary.
What size new panel do I need and how is it determined?
Most single-family homes in Loudon are upgraded to a 200-amp, 40-space panel because it provides enough capacity for present loads and foreseeable additions such as hot tubs or EV chargers. Larger houses, workshops, or properties with multiple HVAC systems may require 300 or 400 amps. Your electrician performs a NEC Article 220 load calculation, factoring square footage, appliance wattage, HVAC tonnage, and future projects, then matches the service conductors, meter base, and main breaker to the calculated load.
Will an electrical panel upgrade increase my property value or affect insurance?
Yes. Real-estate agents in Loudon often flag outdated panels during pre-listing inspections; a modern panel can make a home more attractive to buyers and justify a higher asking price. Many insurers surcharge or decline coverage for homes with obsolete fuse boxes or recalled breakers. Submitting proof of a code-compliant panel upgrade can eliminate those surcharges and, in some cases, trigger a small premium discount because the risk of electrical fire is lower.
How long does a panel upgrade take and will I be without power?
A straightforward residential upgrade—from a 100-amp breaker panel to a 200-amp panel in the same location—usually takes one full workday. Power is typically shut off for 4-8 hours while the utility disconnects the service conductors, the old panel is removed, new service equipment is installed, and circuits are re-landed. Complex jobs that involve relocating the panel, upgrading the meter base, or trenching new service laterals may span two days, but your electrical contractor will coordinate temporary power solutions if needed.
Do I need a permit in Loudon, and how does the inspection process work?
Yes. Loudon County Building & Codes requires an electrical permit for any service upgrade. Your licensed contractor applies for the permit, schedules the rough-in or service inspection, and arranges a utility disconnect/reconnect with Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative or LUB. Once the new panel, grounding electrodes, and bonding jumpers are in place, a county inspector verifies NEC compliance. After approval, the utility restores permanent power and issues an updated meter tag. You will receive a copy of the inspection report and a workmanship warranty from the contractor.