What goes into the job
We replace your old panel with a new one that fits your home's power needs. This includes mounting the new box, moving the circuits over, and setting up the main disconnect. If you're adding something like an EV charger, we might install a subpanel to handle the extra load. All wiring connections get checked and tight. The old wiring stays if it's in good shape, but we'll tell you if anything needs replacing. We test every circuit before we wrap up.
Asheville homes and panels
Older homes here often have 60-amp panels that can't handle modern appliances. We see a lot of these in West Asheville and Montford. Even newer builds sometimes have panels that are maxed out from the start. Mountain weather means we also check for corrosion or wear on outdoor meters and disconnects. If your home has an old fuse box or a Federal Pacific panel (common in mid-century builds), upgrading is a safety must—we'll explain why when we see it.
Signs you need an upgrade
Breakers that trip often mean your panel's overloaded. If you're adding a heat pump, EV charger, or shop tools, your current panel might not keep up. We'll check how many open slots you have and what your main breaker can handle. A scorched spot on the panel or rust inside are red flags. We also look at the wiring around the panel—sometimes the issue isn't the box itself but what feeds it. Bring up any flickering lights or outlets that stopped working.
Questions about panel upgrades
How do I know if my panel is too old?
Look for rust, cracks, or the brand name—Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or pushmatic panels are outdated and unsafe. If your breakers trip when you run normal appliances or your home still has fuses, it's time. We can check the manufacturing date and test the breakers' response. Even if it's working now, an old panel might not trip when it should, which is a fire risk.
Can I add an EV charger without upgrading?
Maybe. We'll check your panel's spare capacity and what else is on the same circuits. Most 100-amp panels need an upgrade to add a 50-amp EV charger, especially if you have electric heat or AC. Sometimes a load-management system or a subpanel can help, but we'll walk you through the options after testing your system's draw.
What stops working during the upgrade?
We shut off power to the whole house while we move circuits to the new panel. This takes a few hours—plan to be without lights, wifi, or appliances. We'll give you a heads-up before cutting power and keep outages as short as possible. Fridges and freezers will stay cold if you avoid opening them. If you have medical equipment, let us know so we can work around it.