Electrical Panel
Electrical Panel | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Morristown
When the lights flicker or new appliances trip your breakers, it’s time to talk to HEP’s master electricians in Morristown. We specialize in electric panel upgrades that replace outdated fuse boxes and undersized breaker panels with modern, code-compliant systems ready for today’s energy-hungry devices. From snug historic homes near the Green to expanding businesses on West Morris Street, our team evaluates your load requirements, secures all permits, and installs surge protection and smart monitoring so you can plug in with total confidence.
Customers choose HEP because we show up on time, respect your property, and back every panel with a solid workmanship guarantee. Whether you’re finishing a basement, adding an EV charger, or simply craving the peace of mind that comes from a safer electrical backbone, give us a call—one quick upgrade keeps your Morristown property powered efficiently for decades.
FAQs
When should I consider upgrading my electrical panel in Morristown?
You should look at a panel upgrade if your home still has a 60- or 100-amp service, if you have an older fuse box, or if the panel is more than 25–30 years old. Other common triggers are frequent breaker trips, flickering lights when large appliances start, planned additions such as a kitchen remodel or electric-vehicle (EV) charger, and insurance or home inspection reports that flag the panel as outdated. Modern Morristown homes typically need at least a 200-amp panel to safely power today’s high-demand devices while meeting the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) and Morristown Building Department requirements.
What are the warning signs that my current panel is overloaded or unsafe?
Warning indicators include warm or buzzing breakers, scorch marks or rust on the panel cover, a burning smell, breakers that will not reset, or circuits that trip whenever two appliances run at once. If your lights dim when the HVAC or microwave kicks on—or you rely heavily on power strips and extension cords—your panel is likely operating at or near capacity. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok and Zinsco panels, common in homes built from the 1950s–1980s, have known safety defects and should be replaced immediately.
How long does an electrical panel upgrade take, and will my power be out the whole time?
A straightforward residential upgrade—service disconnect, meter socket, and 200-amp main breaker panel—typically takes 4–8 hours of on-site work. Your power will be off during the actual change-out, which is usually 2–4 hours. We coordinate with Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) for the utility disconnect/reconnect so downtime is minimized. Once the new panel is wired, we restore service, perform a full circuit check, and clean up the work area before we leave.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade in Morristown, and who handles the inspection?
Yes. The Town of Morristown requires an electrical permit and inspection for any service upgrade or panel replacement. As a licensed New Jersey electrical contractor, we pull the permit on your behalf, schedule the utility cut-in card, and coordinate with the town’s electrical sub-code official for the rough and final inspections. You receive all documentation for your records and for homeowner’s insurance purposes.
What size panel do I need, and can it handle future loads like an EV charger or solar system?
We perform a load calculation based on the NEC Article 220 guidelines and your specific appliances, HVAC equipment, and future plans. Most single-family homes in Morristown benefit from a 200-amp, 40-space/80-circuit panel, which leaves room for an EV charger, hot tub, induction range, or a 30-amp solar back-feed breaker. If your home is larger than 4,000 sq. ft. or you plan multiple high-demand additions, a 300- or 400-amp service with parallel meter stacks may be recommended.
Is upgrading my electrical panel expensive, and what factors affect the cost?
In the Morristown area, a typical 200-amp panel and service upgrade ranges from $2,200 to $4,500. Pricing depends on panel brand, meter and service riser replacement, grounding and bonding updates, relocation of the panel, accessibility, and any required trenching for overhead-to-underground service conversions. We provide a detailed, fixed-price proposal up front, including permit fees, materials, labor, and final inspection. Financing options and utility or state energy-efficiency rebates may help lower your out-of-pocket cost.