Expert Team
Expert Team | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Newport
When the lights dim or breakers trip in your Newport home, HEP’s expert team is ready to bring your electrical system up to modern standards. Our licensed technicians specialize in electric panel upgrades that boost capacity, improve energy efficiency, and keep your family safe from outdated wiring hazards. From meticulous load calculations to seamless coordination with the local utility, we handle every detail so you can enjoy steady, dependable power without a second thought.
Neighbors across Newport trust us for transparent pricing, punctual arrivals, and workmanship that stands the test of time. Whether you’re adding new appliances, finishing a basement, or simply looking to future-proof your property, an upgraded panel is the smartest foundation for any project—and it takes just one call to HEP to get started.
FAQs
Why should I consider upgrading my electrical panel?
Older panels were not designed to handle today’s high electrical loads from appliances, HVAC systems, home offices, and EV chargers. Upgrading improves safety by reducing breaker trips and the risk of overheating or electrical fires, increases available amperage for new circuits, and ensures your home complies with the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) and Newport utility requirements. It can also raise property value and may lower homeowners-insurance premiums.
How can I tell if my Newport home needs an electrical panel upgrade?
Common warning signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, melted or warm breaker slots, crackling noises, or the presence of fuses instead of breakers. If your panel is 100 amps or less, more than 25–30 years old, or labeled with brands like Zinsco or Federal Pacific (known safety issues), it is a strong candidate for replacement. Adding large loads—such as a kitchen remodel, hot tub, or EV charger—also signals the need for an upgrade.
What does the electrical panel upgrade process involve?
1) Assessment: Our licensed Newport electricians perform a load calculation and inspect grounding, service entrance, and bonding. 2) Planning & permitting: We create a panel schedule, pull permits with the City of Newport, and coordinate with the local utility. 3) Power shut-off: On the scheduled day we temporarily disconnect service, remove the old panel, and install a new meter socket or service equipment if required. 4) Panel installation: We mount the new 200-amp (or size specified) panel, land existing and new circuits, upgrade grounding/electrode systems, and label all breakers. 5) Inspection & utility re-energizing: City inspectors verify code compliance; the utility then restores power. 6) Customer walk-through: We review breaker locations, capacity for future circuits, and maintenance tips.
How long will my power be off and how disruptive is the upgrade?
Most residential panel upgrades in Newport take one working day. Power is typically off for 4–8 hours while we remove the old panel, install the new equipment, and wait for inspection/utility reconnection. We schedule work to minimize inconvenience, keep essential circuits off until the last possible moment, and provide temporary power options for critical medical devices or refrigeration when needed.
Do I need permits or inspections for a panel upgrade in Newport?
Yes. The City of Newport requires an electrical permit, and the work must be performed by a licensed electrician. After installation, a city electrical inspector must approve the panel before Newport Utilities (or PGE/SoCal Edison, depending on local utility) will energize the service. Expert Team Electrical handles all paperwork, scheduling, and coordination to ensure full compliance with municipal codes and NEC standards.
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost and what affects the price?
In Newport, a straightforward 200-amp residential panel replacement typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,500. Costs rise if you need service-entrance upgrades, meter relocation, exterior conduit, or subpanel additions. Factors include amperage size, number of circuits, wiring condition, accessibility, trenching for underground feeds, and permit/utility fees. We provide a free on-site evaluation and a detailed, fixed-price quote so you know the exact investment before work begins.