You’ve made the decision. The breakers in your Bexley home trip every time you run the air conditioner and the microwave. Your insurance company is urging you to replace that ancient fuse box. Or maybe you’re renovating your Clintonville kitchen and need more power for those new high-end appliances. Whatever the reason, you’ve decided an electric panel upgrade is in your future. But now, a practical question pops into your head: “How long is this going to take? Will I be without power for days?”

It’s a common and completely valid concern. At Electric Medic, we hear it from homeowners all across Columbus, Ohio, every single week. The good news is that for a standard panel upgrade, the actual hands-on work is almost always completed in a single day. But the full process, from the first phone call to the final inspection sticker, involves a few key steps.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a realistic timeline for your electrical panel upgrade, explain what happens at each stage, and shed light on the factors that can speed things up or slow them down. Our goal is to replace the uncertainty with clarity, so you can plan accordingly and feel confident in your choice to power your home safely and sufficiently.

The Realistic Timeline for a Standard Panel Upgrade

While every home is unique, most panel upgrade projects follow a predictable path. From our experience serving thousands of homeowners in Columbus, Worthington, and Dublin, here’s what you can generally expect.

Phase 1: The Consultation & Quoting Process (1-3 Days)

This is where it all begins. You’ll reach out to us (either by phone or online), and we’ll schedule a time for one of our expert electricians to visit your home.

• What happens: We’ll assess your current panel, its amperage (e.g., 60-amp, 100-amp), its physical condition, and its location. We’ll discuss your goals. Are you just updating your electrical panel to a new 200-amp unit, or are you also adding circuits for an EV charger or a generator? We’ll then provide you with a detailed, transparent, and written quote for the work.
• Time commitment: The site visit itself usually takes about 30-60 minutes. You’ll typically receive your quote within 24 hours.

Phase 2: Scheduling & Permitting (3-10 Days)

Once you approve the quote, we get the ball rolling on the official paperwork.

• What happens: Our team handles all the paperwork for pulling the required electrical permit from your local building department (e.g., City of Columbus, Westerville, etc.). This step is non-negotiable and crucial for your safety and insurance. We then schedule your installation date based on our availability and the permit approval.
• Time commitment: Permit approval times can vary. In some suburbs, it can be a quick 2-3 days. In larger cities like Columbus, it may take up to a week. We factor this in when giving you a projected start date.

Phase 3: The Installation Day (6-10 Hours)

This is the main event! On the scheduled day, our crew will arrive at your home, typically between 8:00 and 9:00 AM.

• What happens:
  1. Preparation: We’ll set up our work area and ensure all tools and the new 200-amp electrical panel are ready.
  2. Utility Shut-off: We will coordinate with AEP Ohio to have them disconnect power at the meter. This means your entire home will be without power for a period of time.
  3. The Swap: We carefully remove the old panel and install the new one, connecting all existing circuits and ensuring everything is properly labeled.
  4. Utility Re-connection: Once the new panel is securely installed, AEP is called to return and reconnect power at the meter.
  5. Testing & Activation: With power restored, we meticulously test every circuit to ensure it’s functioning correctly in the new panel.
• Time commitment: You should plan for your power to be off for approximately 4-8 hours. The entire crew will be on-site for 6-10 hours.

Phase 4: Final Inspection (1-5 Days After Installation)

The job isn’t officially complete until the city inspector says it is.

• What happens: After we complete the work, we schedule the required final inspection. The inspector will come to your home (we do not need to be present for this) to verify that the replaced electrical breaker box was installed to the strictest national and local safety codes.
• Time commitment: The inspection itself takes only about 15-20 minutes. Scheduling the inspection can take a few days, depending on the inspector’s availability.

What Factors Can Change the Timeline?

While the above is standard, several things can affect how long your specific panel upgrade takes.

• The Scope of Work: A simple like-for-like change of your electrical panel is the fastest. If you are also upgrading your electrical panel from 100 to 200 amps, this may require a new meter socket and masthead, which adds time.
• The Condition of Your Wiring: If we discover outdated, damaged, or unsafe wiring during the installation that must be addressed immediately, this will extend the project.
• Panel Location: Moving the panel from one location to another (e.g., from indoors to an outdoor electrical panel box) is a more complex job than a simple in-place replacement.
• Weather: For upgrades that involve outdoor work, severe weather can cause delays.
• Municipal Scheduling: Inspection and permit office timelines can vary, especially during busy seasons.

Why Choose Electric Medic for Your Panel Upgrade in Columbus?

A panel upgrade is a significant investment and a complex job that should only be handled by licensed professionals. Here’s why Columbus homeowners trust us:

• We Handle Everything: From permits to utility coordination to inspections, we manage the entire process so you don’t have to.
• Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or surprise charges. The quote we give you is the price you pay.
• Respect for Your Home: We treat your property with care, use drop cloths, and clean up thoroughly after the job is done.
• Local Expertise: We know the specific code requirements for every community we serve, from Gahanna to Hilliard to Powell.

FAQ: Panel Upgrades in Central Ohio

Q1: Will I be without power the entire time during the installation?
A: Yes, but only for a portion of the day. The power must be shut off at the meter for our crew to safely work on the panel. This outage typically lasts between 4 and 8 hours.

Q2: Do I need to be home all day?
A: For the initial consultation, yes. For the installation day, an adult over 18 needs to be present to let us in and be available if we have questions. You do not need to be home for the inspection.

Q3: How disruptive is the process?
A: We strive to be as minimally disruptive as possible. Most of the work is concentrated on the panel itself. There will be some noise from drilling and installation, and you will need to reset clocks and electronic devices after power is restored.

Q4: What is the average cost for a panel upgrade in Columbus?
A: The cost to upgrade a panel can vary widely based on amperage and scope, but most homeowners can expect to invest between $2,500 and $4,500 for a professional 200-amp electrical panel installation.

Q5: Can I just replace the panel myself?
A: This is extremely dangerous and illegal in most jurisdictions. Working on a main panel carries a risk of electrocution and fire if done incorrectly. It also requires a permit and inspection to be legal and insurable.

Q6: What does the inspector look for?
A: The inspector verifies that the installation meets the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local amendments. This includes proper wiring, grounding, bonding, and clear labeling.

Q7: How long will my new 200-amp panel last?
A: A quality electrical panel, when properly installed, can last for 25-40 years.

Q8: Will a panel upgrade prevent my breakers from tripping?
A: If the tripping was caused by an overall overload of your main service, then yes, absolutely. If a single circuit is overloaded (too many devices on one circuit), we may recommend adding additional circuits.

Q9: Do you offer financing for this project?
A: Yes, we offer flexible financing options to make this important safety upgrade affordable for our customers.

Q10: How do I get started?
A: Simply contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment. We’ll come to your home, evaluate your current system, and provide a clear, detailed quote and timeline.

Ready to Power Up Your Home? Call (614) 866-6020 To Schedule Your Home Power Assessment Today.

Understanding the timeline for a panel upgrade is the first step toward a safer, more powerful home. If you’re experiencing frequent breaker trips, have a fuse box, or are planning a renovation, don’t wait.

The team at Electric Medic is ready to guide you through the process from start to finish. We’ll provide a clear timeline, professional installation, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home’s electrical heart is in expert hands.

Contact Electric Medic today to schedule your in-home consultation. Let’s get your home the power it needs and deserves.