Electric Panel
Electric Panel | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Turtletown
When the lights flicker or new appliances trip your breakers, it’s a sure sign your home has outgrown its original power hub. HEP’s seasoned electricians specialize in electric panel upgrades that give Turtletown homeowners the capacity, safety, and peace of mind demanded by today’s high-tech lifestyles. From pinpoint inspections to seamless switchover, we replace outdated fuse boxes and undersized breaker panels with modern, code-compliant systems built for reliability and future expansion.
Choose HEP and you’ll get punctual pros who respect your time, transparent pricing with no surprises, and workmanship backed by industry-leading warranties. Whether you’re remodeling, adding EV chargers, or just tired of resetting breakers, our electric panel upgrades deliver the stable power your home deserves—so you can plug in, power up, and relax.
FAQs
Why would a Turtletown homeowner need to upgrade an electric panel?
Older panels (typically 60–100 amps) were never designed for today’s loads—high-efficiency HVAC, kitchen islands, EV chargers, hot tubs, etc. If your breakers trip frequently, lights flicker when large appliances start, or you still have fuses, a modern 200-amp panel provides the capacity and safety features required by the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) and Polk County building department.
What are the signs that my existing panel is unsafe or undersized?
Warning signs include warm or buzzing breakers, scorch marks, rust, melted insulation, double-lugged (two wires in one breaker) or un-labeled circuits, and lack of room for new breakers. Specific brands like Federal Pacific Stab-Lok and Zinsco have documented safety problems and should be replaced immediately.
How much does an electric panel upgrade cost in Turtletown?
Costs vary with amperage (100 → 200 amp vs. 400 amp), meter base relocation, service entrance wiring, and surge protection. In Turtletown, a straight 200-amp swap generally ranges $1,800–$3,200. If the utility requires a new mast or the service must be moved to meet 3-foot clearance rules, budget $3,500–$5,500. A licensed electrician will provide a written quote after an on-site assessment.
Do I need permits and inspections for a panel upgrade?
Yes. Polk County Building & Codes requires an electrical permit, and Tri-State Electric Membership Corporation (the local utility) must schedule a disconnect/reconnect. Your licensed electrician will pull the permit, coordinate the rough-in and final inspections, and provide a signed load-calculation to prove the new panel meets NEC Article 220 requirements.
Can I upgrade my panel myself if I’m handy?
Working inside the service entrance is dangerous and illegal without a Tennessee LLE or CE electrical license. The utility service conductors remain energized even when the main breaker is off, creating a shock and arc-flash hazard. Insurance companies can deny claims if the work was unpermitted, so always hire a qualified, insured electrician.
How long does a typical panel upgrade take and will my power be off all day?
Most residential upgrades are completed in one day. Power is shut off after the utility disconnects—usually 3–6 hours—while the new panel, grounding system, and bonding are installed. Once the Polk County inspector signs off, the utility reconnects and power is restored. Your electrician will supply temporary lighting if needed and schedule the work to minimize downtime.