Electrical System
Electrical System | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Rockford
If your breakers trip at the worst possible moment or your home’s power demands have outgrown a decades-old fuse box, HEP’s certified electricians are ready to bring your system up to speed with expert electric panel upgrades. We assess the entire load of your property, replace unsafe or undersized panels, and install modern circuit breakers that can handle today’s appliances, smart devices, and future expansions—so you enjoy rock-solid reliability and greater peace of mind in every room.
From historic downtown Rockford residences to sprawling commercial facilities on the outskirts, our team works quickly, cleanly, and in full compliance with local codes. You’ll get transparent pricing, courteous service, and a workmanship warranty backed by a company that’s been powering the community for years. Ready to add more capacity, improve safety, and boost your property value? Schedule your electric panel upgrades with HEP today and feel the difference whenever you flip a switch.
FAQs
Why would a Rockford homeowner need an electrical panel upgrade?
Many homes in Rockford were built before today’s power-hungry appliances, HVAC equipment, and home-office electronics existed. Original fuse boxes or 60- to 100-amp breaker panels can quickly become overloaded, causing nuisance breaker trips, dimming lights, or even overheating conductors. Upgrading to a modern 200-amp (or larger) service increases capacity, reduces fire risk, provides more breaker spaces for future circuits, and brings the electrical system up to current National Electrical Code (NEC) and City of Rockford safety standards.
What are the warning signs that my current panel is unsafe or undersized?
Common red flags include frequent breaker/fuse trips, warm or buzzing breakers, flickering lights when large appliances start, reliance on multiple power strips, “double-lugged” breakers (two wires under one terminal), corrosion or rust inside the panel, and panels manufactured by brands with known safety recalls (e.g., Federal Pacific or Zinsco). If you recognize any of these symptoms, schedule a professional assessment before the problem escalates into a shock or fire hazard.
How long does an electric panel upgrade take, and will my power be off the whole time?
The on-site work for a straightforward 200-amp panel replacement typically takes one business day. Power is shut off once the utility disconnects the service—usually 4-6 hours—while the old panel is removed, new service conductors are installed, breakers are transferred, and grounding/bonding is verified. Complex projects that involve relocating the panel, upgrading meter sockets, or trenching for new service laterals can add an additional day or two. We always coordinate closely with ComEd and the City of Rockford inspector to minimize downtime for homeowners.
Are permits and inspections required in Rockford for a panel upgrade?
Yes. The City of Rockford Building & Construction Services Department requires an electrical permit for any service or panel change. A licensed electrical contractor submits the permit application, diagram, and load calculation. After installation, a municipal electrical inspector verifies grounding, bonding, wire sizing, breaker labeling, and overall workmanship before releasing the job. ComEd will not re-energize the service until the inspection is passed, so hiring a contractor familiar with local codes speeds the process and avoids costly re-work.
What does an electric panel upgrade cost in the Rockford area?
Prices vary with amperage, meter relocation, wire length, and home layout, but most 100-amp-to-200-amp upgrades in Rockford fall between $1,800 and $3,500. Factors that raise cost include moving the panel to a different wall, replacing deteriorated service entrance cable, installing a whole-house surge protector, or adding dedicated circuits for EV chargers, hot tubs, or basement finishes. A site visit allows us to provide a fixed, itemized quote so there are no surprises.
Can you install a larger service (e.g., 400 amps) or prepare my panel for future expansions like solar or EV charging?
Absolutely. For larger homes, workshops, or multifamily units, a 320/400-amp service with parallel 200-amp panels gives ample capacity and flexibility. We can also install a solar-ready load center, main-lugs-only subpanel, or a combination meter-breaker with provisions for battery backup and EV chargers. Planning ahead during a panel upgrade can save thousands by avoiding another service change later, and it ensures your electrical system is ready for emerging technologies.