Replacing electrical panels has become commonplace in Central Ohio as equipment ages and technology advances. Almost nothing in your home will work without electricity. An outdated or faulty electrical panel box can leave you without power and at risk of shock, electrocution, or a house fire. 

Apex Pros is your go-to source for electrical panel replacement and upgrades. Our experienced electricians can find a solution that’s best-suited for your home, whether it’s brand new or several decades old. A high-quality professional installation is critical, as the breaker panel distributes electricity from the grid to every circuit, appliance, and electronic device in your house.

When you need help with electrical panel replacement, call the “Pros Who Knows”. Read Our 5 Star Reviews!

Evaluating If Your Home Needs a Panel Upgrade or Replacement

Our technicians can help determine if your breaker panel needs to be replaced. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone’s electrical needs are unique. At Apex Pros, we can tell if your home is underpowered by looking at a few key signs. An electrical inspection is a good idea if you haven’t had one in a few years.

Electrical panel replacement is an opportunity to benefit from an upgrade, rather than an inconvenient expense. Consider this move if you notice the following signs that your panel is outdated:

  • Circuit Breakers Constantly Trip: Breakers are designed to trip if the current going through a circuit is too high. If they trip often, you may have an overloaded or malfunctioning panel.
  • There’s Not Enough Amperage: The power draw of a new refrigerator, dishwasher, or hot tub may exceed your existing panel’s capacity. An upgrade can support modern appliances and electronics.
  • You’re Remodeling Your Home: Adding rooms, repurposing existing spaces in your home, and other renovation projects often require increasing electrical capacity. Otherwise, the added demand won’t be supported.

You should also be aware of these signs that electrical panel repair or replacement may be needed:

  • Dimming lights
  • Warm electrical panel
  • Burning odor
  • Smoke from the panel box
  • Scorch marks
  • Underpowered appliances

Understanding Panel Capacity: Why 200-Amps May Be Better Than 100-Amps

If your electrical panel’s capacity is 100 amps or less, chances are it’s time for an upgrade. One reason is that a 100-amp panel is more easily stretched to its maximum capacity. This can overheat connections and wiring, causing damage and, at the very least, accelerating wear and tear.

A 200-amp panel is more efficient at distributing electricity. It’s also beneficial because modern appliances have higher power requirements. Therefore, you can more safely update your HVAC system or install an EV charger in your garage. It certainly sets your home up for future upgrades without having to worry about electrical capacity.

The investment can save you money, not only because it’s more efficient. Rebates and other financial incentives are available to homeowners who upgrade electrical panels, especially those with an ENERGY STAR rating.

What Happens During a Panel Installation: Step-by-Step Overview

Here is a detailed look at how Apex Pros approaches electrical panel installation:

  • Initial Consultation: The first step is to assess your current panel and determine what’s needed to meet your present and future power demands. 
  • Recommendations: From a service panel that matches your home’s capacity requirements to options such as smart electrical panels with load monitoring, we’ll find a solution that works best for you.
  • Efficient Installation: Electrical panel replacement requires a bit of work. Rewiring may be necessary. The installation can take time, but we’ll keep you informed throughout the process.
  • Breaker Setup: Once the main panel is installed, we set up single-pole breakers for 120-volt circuits and double-pole breakers for 240-volt circuits. We can also connect subpanels in more distant parts of your home.
  • Testing: By thoroughly testing and inspecting your new panel, we ensure connections are secure, the panel functions properly, and that it complies with all applicable codes and safety standards.

Electrical Permits, Local Codes & Safety Standards in Central Ohio

If you live in Central Ohio, a permit must be obtained from your city or local municipality before you install an electrical panel. Contact your local building department for information on specific requirements. They’ll also provide you with information on the permit and inspection process. 

All work must comply with the Ohio Building Code and the National Electrical Code to ensure your safety. They include standards on the placement of the panel box, use of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and how to install and connect wiring. At Apex Pros, our licensed professionals obtain permits and follow all safety requirements during electrical panel installation.

Cost Breakdown: What Drives the Price of Panel Installation?

Several factors determine the cost of an electrical panel upgrade. No two installations are the same, but we provide an accurate and honest quote before the project begins. All estimates are free of charge. Drivers of the price of panel installation include the following:

  • Equipment: A higher capacity panel typically costs more than one with less power. Subpanels usually cost less but add to the overall cost of the project.
  • Number of Circuits: Installing a panel with more circuits means investing more (plus circuit breakers cost extra), but you minimize the risk of overloaded circuits.
  • Wiring: Panel replacement may require a partial or full rewiring. If your home’s wiring is the wrong gauge, its insulation is damaged, or it is outdated, the work will add material and labor costs.
  • Panel Placement: Relocating an electrical panel can require extensive rewiring work and perhaps structural modifications, which increase costs but can improve accessibility and efficiency.
  • Permitting: A permit is required, and you must pay for it. The cost of electrical panel permits in Central Ohio varies from one location to another.

Licensed Technicians and Quality Materials You Can Trust

At Apex Pros, our Central Ohio electricians are fully licensed. They are up-to-date on code requirements, the latest tools and products, and the most current installation methods. Furthermore, they perform inspections and safety checks to ensure there are no hazards. Use of the highest quality materials available also ensures the lights stay on in your home and that you are safe, regardless of the scope of the job.

Addition of Circuits, EV Chargers, or Appliances

Apex Pros is 100% committed to your satisfaction and ensuring all your home electrical needs are met. Aside from installing electrical panels and new circuits, our technicians can also provide the following services:

  • Generator Installation: A standby generator connected to your service panel provides power to your entire home if an outage affects your area.
  • Lighting Installation: We install indoor and outdoor lighting. We can also modernize your home with an LED lighting retrofit that yields higher-quality lighting and improves energy efficiency.
  • Surge Protection: A whole-house surge protector can absorb spikes in voltage from sources inside your home, as well as outside sources such as lightning.
  • Outlets and Switches: We install and replace duplex, ground fault, arc fault, and USB outlets and single-pole, double-pole, dimmer, and other switches.
  • Ceiling Fan Installation: We help with electrical wiring, fixture mounting, light fixture installation, balancing, safety checks, and remote control/wall switch installation.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting for New & Existing Panels

Electrical maintenance should be performed regularly and include a look at your breaker panel. Inspections ensure complex components are working properly. Using voltage testers, multimeters, and thermal imagers, our technicians can troubleshoot your panel and diagnose any issues. Any problems are resolved permanently, before more serious ones affect your home. 

If necessary, circuit breakers, connectors, and wires can be replaced individually. Our technicians also check GFCIs, arc fault circuit interrupters, light fixtures, generators, surge protection systems, and other parts of your electrical system. If necessary, they’ll troubleshoot the cause of flickering lights or surges, tighten loose connections, remove dirt or debris, or address any issues related to moisture exposure.

Visit our Learning Center for professional information and advice regarding your electrical system.

Contact Apex Pros to Schedule Your Electrical Panel Upgrade

Whether you live in Columbus, Dayton, or anywhere in Central Ohio, we’re here to help with electrical panel installation or replacement. Our licensed electricians ensure you have sufficient electrical capacity and that your panel is safe and energy-efficient. We install only the highest quality equipment from top manufacturers. If it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade, contact Apex Pros to schedule an in-home evaluation and learn about your options.