Electric Panels
Panel Repair or Replacement?
We'll Tell You Which.
Honest evaluation of your panel needs — licensed master electrician in VA, MD & DC
The Honest Answer
Should you repair or replace your panel?
We give you a straight assessment. Here's how we think about it:
Indicators for Repair
Panel is relatively new (under 15-20 years)
A modern panel in decent condition rarely needs replacement — individual components fail before the panel as a whole.
Specific breaker failing
A single tripping or failing breaker is a breaker problem, not a panel problem. We replace the breaker.
Minor physical damage
Corrosion on a few breakers, a loose connection — these are repairable without replacing the whole panel.
Recent inspection passed
If your panel passed a recent home inspection with only minor issues noted, repair addresses those issues.
Indicators for Replacement
Panel is 30+ years old
Older panels wear out, and breaker availability becomes limited. At 30+ years, replacement is often more economical than continued repair.
Known problematic brands
Certain panel brands (Federal Pacific, Zinsco) have documented safety issues that make replacement the right call regardless of age.
You're adding significant load
Adding EV charging, a home addition, or a hot tub often pushes an existing panel past its capacity — making upgrade the right move.
Multiple simultaneous failures
When several breakers fail within a short period, the panel itself is deteriorating. Patch repairs stop making economic sense.
Not sure which applies to you? We'll assess your panel and give you a straight answer.
Service Upgrade
What Is a “Heavy-Up”?
A “heavy-up” is the term electricians use for upgrading your home's electrical service from 100 amps to 200 amps — or from 200 amps to a higher capacity. It involves replacing the meter base, the main breaker panel, and the service entrance cables. It's a significant job, but it's also one of the most valuable electrical upgrades a homeowner can make.
Most homes built before 1990 have 100-amp service. That was adequate for the appliances of that era. Modern homes with electric ranges, EV chargers, air conditioning, and smart home systems regularly exceed 100-amp service capacity — causing chronic tripping, voltage fluctuations, and a panel that's always working at its limit.
Do You Need a Heavy-Up?
- You're adding an EV charger (requires a dedicated 240V, 50A circuit minimum)
- You're renovating and adding a new kitchen, bathroom, or finished basement
- You're buying or renovating a home built before 1980
- You're adding a home addition that increases the square footage by 20%+
- Your current service is 100A and you regularly trip breakers under normal household loads
Panel Services
Let's assess your panel together.
Free estimate. Honest evaluation. No upselling.