Service Panel Upgrades
Service Panel Upgrades: Upgrade Your Electrical Service Panel Now
When it comes to your electrical system, the service panel upgrade is the beating heart of your infrastructure. A modern electrical service panel—also known as a main electrical panel—distributes power throughout your home or business, connecting to each branch circuit such as lighting, outlets, and specialized appliances.
Why Do You Need a Main Electrical Panel?
Your main panel upgrade transforms a high-capacity feed (100 amps or more) into usable branch circuits starting at 15 amps—and increasing as needed. Over time, outdated panels and fuse panel systems struggle to meet modern demands, risking overloads, fires, and insurance issues.
When Do You Need a Main Service and Panel Upgrade?
Upgrade your electrical service panel if you experience any of the following:
- Outdated fuse panel systems (fuses instead of breakers)
- Overloaded circuits with no room for new additions
- Burned or damaged bus bars or lugs, common in aluminum-lined panels
- Obsolete and hazardous models like Zinsco and FPE
- Panels compromised by corrosion, water damage, or cheap construction
What Does a Service Panel Upgrade Include?
A professional main panel upgrade may involve:
- Full replacement of your main service panel
- Upgrading the meter socket and service mast
- Replacing aluminum service lines and improving grounding systems
- Installing surge protection and labeling all circuits
- Coordination with city and utility (BC Hydro) for permits
- Conducting all work with minimal power disruption
Electricians at Expert Electric install only premium load centers from Federal, Square D, or Cutler Hammer. Every panel comes with a 1‑year warranty, and with proper care, can last 30–40 years.
Why Switch from a Fuse Panel?
Fuse panels may seem old-school, but they’re risky. It’s tempting to replace blown fuses, but using a larger fuse doesn’t fix the underlying issue—it increases the fire risk. Fuses are matched to wire gauge (e.g., 14‑gauge wire with 15 A fuse); oversizing creates overheated wires hidden behind walls. Insurance companies insist on breaker panels precisely to prevent these hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a service panel upgrade?
A: A service panel upgrade replaces your home’s main electrical panel—along with related components like the meter socket, grounding system, and service mast—to increase capacity, safety, and code compliance.
Q: How do I know if I need a main panel upgrade
A: Signs include blown fuses, overheating breakers, lack of capacity for new circuits, outdated fuse-based panels, or insurance refusals. Any risk of overloaded or undersized wiring signals the need for an upgrade.
Q: Can you upgrade from a fuse panel to a breaker panel?
A: Yes. Upgrading from a fuse panel to a breaker panel is a common part of a service panel upgrade, improving safety and compliance with modern electrical standards—often at the request of insurance providers.
Final Thought
A main panel upgrade isn’t just a convenience—it’s essential for safety, code compliance, and meeting the electrical demands of modern living. Whether you’re replacing an outdated fuse panel, adding circuits, or upgrading your service capacity, Expert Electric provides high-quality panels, experienced installation, and full coordination with city and utility requirements.
Contact Expert Electric Today
Upgrade your electrical service panel with Expert Electric. Get started now:
- Safe, certified panel upgrades (Federal, Square D, Cutler Hammer)
- Full service coordination (city + BC Hydro permits)
- 1‑year panel warranty—expect 30–40 years of reliable service
- Fuse-to-breaker conversions for enhanced safety
Call us or fill out our online form to schedule your Service Panel Upgrade. Let Expert Electric make your electrical system safe, modern, and ready for everything life throws your way.
