Maybe your lights flicker, your breakers keep tripping, or you’re planning a major kitchen remodel and you’ve decided to move forward with a crucial home improvement project: An electric panel upgrade. The benefits are clear: increased safety, better functionality, and enhanced home value. But a big question looms in your mind: “How long will this panel upgrade actually take?”

It’s a valid question. The idea of having your power shut off for a long period can be a little unsettling. The short answer is: most standard electrical panel upgrade projects can be completed in a single day. However, that’s just the hands-on part. The complete process, from your first call to flipping on your new lights, involves several key steps that we’ll walk you through. As a trusted electrician for residents in Columbus, Worthington, and Dublin, we believe in being upfront and transparent about every phase of the project.

The “Before the Day” Checklist: What Happens First?

A smooth panel upgrade doesn’t just happen on the day of the installation. A significant amount of work happens behind the scenes.

1. The Initial Consultation: This is where it all begins. A licensed electrician from Electric Medic will visit your home to assess your current electric panel, discuss your needs, and put together a detailed, no-obligation estimate. We’ll look at the size of your home, your power demands, and the location of your current electrical panel box.
2. The Estimate: We provide you with a transparent quote, including the circuit breaker upgrade cost, labor, and all necessary materials. We’ll explain the difference between a 100-amp breaker box and a 200-amp breaker box and recommend the best option for your home.
3. Scheduling the Work: Once you approve the estimate, we schedule the installation. We’ll find a date that works for you. This is also when we’ll coordinate with the local power company and the city for the necessary permits.
4. Permits and Inspections: This is a crucial step that homeowners often forget. In Columbus, Ohio, and surrounding areas like Westerville and New Albany, all major electrical work requires a permit. This ensures the work is done to code and is safe. We handle all the paperwork for you, saving you a headache. It can take a few days to a week to get a permit approved.

By the time our team arrives at your doorstep for the installation, all of these preliminary steps have been completed. This preparation is what allows us to complete the physical work so quickly.

The Big Day: What Happens on Installation Day?

On the day of the panel upgrade, our team will arrive on time and ready to work. Here’s a typical timeline for a standard home electrical panel upgrade from a 100-amp to a 200-amp service.

Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

• Arrival and Setup: Our crew arrives, introduces themselves, and protects your home’s flooring and walls in the work area.
• Power Disconnect: This is the critical moment. We will notify you that the power will be shut off. We’ll coordinate with the utility company to disconnect the main service line.
• Removal of the Old Panel: The old, outdated electric panel is carefully disconnected and removed. This includes the old fuses or breakers, and the box itself.
• Installation of the New Panel: The new 200-amp electrical panel is mounted in the same location. This is a precise process to ensure it’s level, secure, and ready for wiring. The new 200-amp breaker box with meter is also put in place on the outside of your home.

Afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

• Wiring and Connections: This is the most labor-intensive part. Our electricians will meticulously wire all of the existing circuits from your home into the new 200-amp breaker box. This is where our expertise truly shines, as we ensure every connection is secure and up to code. We also connect the new main service line.
• Final Inspections and Testing: Once the wiring is complete, we perform a series of tests to ensure every circuit is functioning properly. We’ll check for voltage, test the breakers, and make sure everything is safe.
• Utility Company Reconnect: We’ll call the utility company back to get the power reconnected. This process is usually quite fast, as they simply need to flip a switch.

Factors That Can Affect Your Panel Upgrade Timeline

While many standard upgrading electrical panel from 100 to 200-amp cost projects can be completed in a single day, some factors can extend the timeline.

• Location of the Panel: If your electrical panel box is outside and is rusted and thus needs to be replaced, or if the main meter needs to be moved, this can add to the time and cost. Similarly, if your panel is in a hard-to-reach location like a tight closet or crawlspace in a Hilliard or Powell home, it will take longer.
• Condition of the Wiring: If we find damaged or outdated wiring (like knob and tube or aluminum wiring) during the panel upgrade, we may need to address those issues before the job can be completed. This is a common find in older homes in areas like Pataskala and Gahanna.
• Required Additional Work: Sometimes, a home electrical box upgrade is part of a larger project. For example, if you need new dedicated circuits run for an air conditioner or a hot tub, that will add time to the overall project.
• Permit Delays: While rare, delays can happen with the permitting office or the utility company. We manage this for you and keep you informed every step of the way.

For a homeowner thinking about replacing their electrical breaker box or replacing their home electrical panel, it’s important to understand that a professional installation takes time and skill. Rushing the process is a major safety risk. We prioritize getting the job done right, not just fast.

Why a Professional Panel Upgrade Is a Worthwhile Investment

You might be tempted to find a less expensive, unlicensed handyman to do the work, but this is a serious mistake. An electrical panel upgrade is not a DIY project and is not something you should trust to anyone but a licensed and insured professional

• Safety First: We can’t stress this enough. An improperly installed panel can lead to fire, shock, or electrocution. Our electricians are trained and certified to perform the work safely and to the highest standards.
• Code Compliance: Every panel upgrade must meet national and local electrical codes. Without a professional who knows the codes, you could be setting yourself up for future problems, especially if you ever decide to sell your home.
• Warranty: We stand by our work. When you choose a reputable company like Electric Medic, you get a warranty on our labor and the products we install. A handyman’s work will have no such guarantee.

Whether you’re looking for an “electrical panel upgrade near me” in Columbus, OH, or you’re a few towns over in Hilliard, choosing a licensed and experienced electrician is the only smart option.

FAQs: Your Questions About a Panel Upgrade

Q: Why do I need a panel upgrade if my power is working fine?

A: Your current panel may be working, but it might not be safe. Older panels can’t handle modern electrical loads, and they can pose a fire risk. A new electric panel protects your home and provides the capacity for future growth.

Q: How much does a main electrical panel upgrade cost?

A: The cost varies depending on your home’s needs and location. It can range from a few thousand dollars up to ten thousand or more. We’ll provide a detailed quote so you know exactly what to expect.

Q: What’s the difference between a panel upgrade and a service upgrade?

A: A panel upgrade is the physical replacement of the circuit breaker box. A service upgrade often includes the panel upgrade, but also involves increasing the size of the service cable from the utility pole to your home. An upgraded electrical service to 200 amps is a great example.

Q: Can a 200-amp breaker box for a mobile home be installed?

A: Yes, mobile homes can and should have a professional panel upgrade. The process is slightly different due to the construction, but the safety benefits are the same. We have experience with these types of installations.

Q: Why should I choose Electric Medic for my electric panel upgrade?

A: We are a local, trusted, and licensed electrical company with a proven track record of safe and high-quality work. We are dedicated to serving our community in Columbus, Ohio, and nearby cities.

Q: How long will my power be off when having a panel upgrade?

A: For a standard panel upgrade, your power will be off for most of the day—usually 4 to 6 hours. We do everything we can to minimize this time and will give you a clear estimate on the day of the work.

Q: What is an outdoor electrical panel box?

A: This is simply a panel that is located on the outside of your house. We can install a new outdoor electrical panel box as part of your upgrade if that’s the best location for it.

Q: What is the cost of upgrading an electrical panel from 100 to 200?

A: The total cost of upgrading an electrical panel from 100 to 200-amp includes the new panel, breakers, new service cable, labor, and permits. This is a very common upgrade, and we can provide a detailed quote during your consultation.

Q: What is a 200-amp breaker box?

A: It’s the standard size for most modern homes. It provides 200 amps of total electrical capacity, which is more than enough for all your appliances, electronics, and future electrical needs.

Q: What is the benefit of a new electric panel upgrade?

A: The main benefits are safety, reliability, and increased home value. It prevents electrical fires, handles your home’s power needs without tripping, and makes your home more attractive to future buyers.

Your Home’s Electrical System: Safe and Reliable with Electric Medic. Call (614) 866-6020

Don’t let the thought of a complicated installation process stop you from a necessary and valuable home improvement. A panel upgrade is a straightforward, single-day project for a team of professionals like Electric Medic. We handle all the details, from permits to clean-up, so you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a safe, modern electrical system.

If you live in Columbus, Worthington, Westerville, Gahanna, New Albany, Pataskala, Dublin, Hilliard, or Powell, Electric Medic is your local, trusted source for all electrical panel upgrade services.

Stop worrying about your outdated electrical system. Contact Electric Medic today for a consultation and take the first step toward a safer, more powerful home. We’ll make sure your panel upgrade is a quick, painless, and worthwhile experience.