Certified Professionals
Certified Professionals | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | McMinnville
Feeling the lights flicker, breakers trip, or appliances underperform in your McMinnville home? HEP’s certified professionals specialize in electric panel upgrades that replace outdated fuse boxes and overloaded breaker panels with safe, high-capacity systems built for today’s power-hungry devices. We evaluate your current load, explain every option in plain language, and complete the installation with precision, permitting, and a white-glove cleanup that leaves your space spotless.
With an upgraded panel, you gain room for future circuits, stable voltage for sensitive electronics, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home meets the latest electrical codes. Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, adding EV charging, or simply want reliable power, call on HEP to handle the heavy lifting—so you can plug in, switch on, and enjoy McMinnville living without a second thought.
FAQs
Why might I need an electric panel upgrade for my McMinnville home or business?
Older panels were never designed to power today’s appliance-heavy, technology-rich spaces. Upgrading increases the available amperage (often from 60-100 A to 200 A or higher), reduces nuisance breaker trips, eliminates fire hazards linked to obsolete brands, and brings your service up to current National Electrical Code (NEC) and local McMinnville requirements. It also adds resale value and clears the way for future additions such as EV chargers, hot tubs, HVAC upgrades, or solar systems.
What signs indicate my existing panel is outdated or unsafe?
Common red flags include frequently tripping breakers, flickering or dimming lights, warm or buzzing breaker spaces, rust or corrosion on the panel, a burning odor, or evidence that the panel is a recalled model (e.g., Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or push-matic styles). If you still have screw-in fuses instead of breakers, aluminum branch wiring, or lack a main disconnect, schedule an assessment with a certified professional right away.
What does the panel upgrade process involve?
Our certified electricians begin with a load calculation and on-site assessment. We obtain all required permits, coordinate with McMinnville Water & Light or PGE for temporary power disconnect, and install a new, properly sized service entrance, meter base, grounding electrode system, and breaker panel. Circuits are transferred one by one, clearly labeled, GFCI/AFCI protection is added where code requires, and the entire system is megger-tested for insulation integrity before power is restored and an inspector signs off.
Are permits and inspections mandatory for electric panel upgrades in McMinnville?
Yes. Any service upgrade or panel replacement that alters the service amperage or wiring must be permitted through Yamhill County Building Services. A final inspection by an electrical inspector is required before the utility reconnects permanent power. Our team handles the paperwork, schedules the inspection, and remains on-site to address any inspector questions, ensuring full compliance with state and local codes.
How long will the upgrade take, and will my power be off the entire time?
Most residential panel upgrades are completed in a single day. Expect the main power to be shut off for 4-8 hours while the new equipment is installed and tested. We plan the work so critical appliances (refrigeration, medical equipment, servers) have backup power or are re-energized first. Larger commercial upgrades may take two days, but temporary generators or phased changeovers can minimize downtime.
Do you provide warranties or guarantees on panel upgrade work?
Absolutely. We back our workmanship with a 5-year labor warranty and register manufacturer warranties (typically 10-25 years on panels and breakers). All components are UL-listed, installed by Oregon-licensed journeyman electricians, and inspected by a third party. If any defect related to our installation arises during the warranty period, we repair or replace it at no cost.