Current Standards
Current Standards | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Old Fort
Is your Old Fort home relying on an outdated fuse box or a maxed-out breaker panel? HEP’s licensed electricians make electric panel upgrades quick, clean, and surprisingly affordable, bringing your property up to today’s safety codes while adding the capacity you need for modern appliances, EV chargers, hot tubs, and future tech. We inspect every circuit, label every breaker, and install surge protection so you can plug in with total confidence.
From the first free assessment to the final walkthrough, you’ll feel the HEP difference: courteous scheduling, transparent pricing, and workmanship backed by a rock-solid guarantee. Whether you’re remodeling, expanding, or just tired of tripping breakers, our electric panel upgrades give Old Fort homeowners the peace of mind that comes with reliable power—today, tomorrow, and for decades to come.
FAQs
Why should I consider upgrading my electrical panel in Old Fort?
Older panels (especially 60- or 100-amp fuse boxes) were never designed for today’s power-hungry appliances, home offices, and EV chargers. Upgrading to a modern 150- or 200-amp breaker panel improves safety, reduces nuisance breaker trips, allows you to add new circuits, and brings your service up to current National Electrical Code (NEC) standards recognized by the Town of Old Fort and McDowell County Building Inspections.
What are common signs that my existing panel is outdated or unsafe?
Warning signs include warm or discolored breaker slots, flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, a burning odor, visible rust or corrosion, or the presence of obsolete brands such as Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Pushmatic. Homes that still rely on screw-in fuses or lack dedicated circuits for HVAC, kitchens, or laundry equipment are also strong candidates for an upgrade.
What size panel do most modern Old Fort homes need?
Most single-family homes built or renovated in the last 20 years use a 200-amp main breaker panel, which provides enough capacity for large HVAC systems, electric ranges, tankless water heaters, hot tubs, and a future EV charger. Smaller cabins or manufactured homes may be adequately served by 150 amps, but anything lower can limit expansion and may not meet current code for new additions.
How long does an electric panel upgrade take and will my power be off?
A straightforward like-for-like service upgrade usually takes 4–8 hours. Power to the entire house will be shut off while the utility disconnects the service conductors and our licensed electricians replace the meter base, service entrance cable, grounding system, and panel. We coordinate with Duke Energy (or your local utility) to minimize outage time and restore service the same day. Complex projects that involve relocating the panel or adding sub-panels may extend into a second day.
Do I need a permit and inspection for an electric panel upgrade in Old Fort?
Yes. McDowell County requires an electrical permit for any service change, and the work must be performed by a licensed NC Limited or Unlimited Electrical Contractor. After the rough-in and final wiring are complete, a county inspector verifies that the installation meets the NEC, local amendments, and utility requirements before power can be permanently reconnected.
How much does an electric panel upgrade cost and what factors affect the price?
In Old Fort, a typical 200-amp overhead service upgrade ranges from $1,800 to $3,500, including permits and inspection. Costs rise when the service is underground, the panel location must be moved, or extensive rewiring and arc-fault/GFCI breakers are added. The presence of aluminum branch circuits, damaged service mast, or inadequate grounding can also raise the total. We provide a detailed, no-obligation quote after a site visit so you know exactly what to expect.