Dependable Upgrade
Dependable Upgrade | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Rockford
When your lights flicker, breakers trip, or new appliances strain an aging system, HEP’s dependable upgrade electrical team is ready to bring your Rockford home up to speed. Our licensed, background-checked electricians specialize in electric panel upgrades that replace outdated fuse boxes, expand amperage, and integrate whole-home surge protection so you can plug in with confidence. From historic bungalows near the river to modern builds on the outskirts, we deliver code-compliant workmanship, tidy job sites, and clear communication every step of the way.
Scheduling is easy, estimates are transparent, and every project is backed by our satisfaction guarantee. We arrive when we say we will, handle permits and inspections, and leave you with a powerful, future-ready service panel designed to meet today’s—and tomorrow’s—energy demands. Discover why Rockford homeowners call HEP first for safety, reliability, and peace of mind.
FAQs
Why would I need to upgrade my electrical panel in Rockford?
Older panels (typically 60-100 amp fuse or breaker boxes installed before the mid-1980s) were not designed to supply today’s higher electrical loads. Central air-conditioning, electric vehicle chargers, modern kitchens, hot tubs, computers, and smart-home devices all draw more amperage than the original service can safely deliver. Upgrading to a 200-amp (or larger) panel provides the capacity your home needs, reduces nuisance breaker trips, improves overall safety by minimizing overheating inside the panel, and satisfies current National Electrical Code (NEC) and Rockford city requirements.
What signs indicate my Rockford home’s panel should be replaced?
Common red flags include: frequent breaker trips or blown fuses, warm or humming breaker slots, visible rust or burn marks in the panel, lights that dim when large appliances start, a panel still using screw-in fuses, or a service rating below 100 amps. If you’re planning to install high-demand equipment—EV charger, tankless water heater, or a finished basement—the existing panel may not have enough spare capacity or physical space for new circuits. A professional load calculation can confirm whether an upgrade is necessary.
How much does an electric panel upgrade cost in the Rockford area?
Pricing varies by amperage (100 → 200 amp vs. 200 → 400 amp), wiring condition, meter socket placement, and whether the service entrance cable must also be replaced. On average, a straightforward 200-amp upgrade in Rockford runs $1,800 – $3,000, which includes the new panel, breakers, service disconnect, grounding, permits, and utility coordination. More complex jobs that require relocating the panel, repairing drywall, or upsizing to 400 amps can cost $3,500 – $5,500+. We provide free on-site evaluations and a firm, itemized quote before work begins.
How long will the upgrade take and will my power be off the whole time?
A standard 100-to-200 amp panel replacement usually takes one working day—about 6-8 hours. Power must be disconnected during the switchover, but we schedule outages in coordination with ComEd to limit downtime. Critical loads (aquariums, medical equipment, servers) can be temporarily supplied by a portable generator if arranged in advance. Larger service upgrades that require exterior conduit or masonry work may extend into a second day; however, we restore temporary power each evening whenever possible.
Do you handle permits and inspections for Rockford panel upgrades?
Absolutely. Rockford’s Building & Planning Department requires an electrical permit and a final inspection for any service change. Our team prepares the permit application, submits load calculations and panel diagrams, schedules the inspection, and coordinates disconnect/reconnect times with ComEd. This turn-key approach ensures your upgrade meets NEC 2023 standards, Rockford amendments, and utility requirements without you having to navigate the paperwork.
Are you licensed, insured, and do you offer any warranty on panel upgrade work?
Dependable Upgrade Electrical is an Illinois-licensed electrical contractor (License #EC-21457) and fully insured for both general liability and workers’ compensation. All panel upgrades are performed by our in-house, OSHA-trained electricians. We provide a 5-year workmanship warranty plus the manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty on Square D Homeline or QO breaker panels we install. Should any workmanship-related issue arise, we will correct it at no charge within that period, giving you long-term peace of mind.