How do you know your home needs a panel upgrade?
A home may need a panel upgrade if breakers trip often, the panel is full, lights dim when large appliances start, or you plan to add an EV charger, a larger air conditioner or a hot tub. Older panels, and some known problem brands, are also reasons to have the panel evaluated.
In the West Valley, many homes built in the 1960s through 1980s still have their original panels. Those panels were sized for fewer loads than a modern home with central cooling, electronics and possibly an electric vehicle.
Warning signs that call for immediate service include a hot panel, scorch marks, a burning smell, sparking, or breakers that will not reset. Stop and call a licensed electrician.
What happens during a panel upgrade, step by step?
A panel upgrade starts with an inspection and load calculation, then a permit. On the work day the utility disconnects service, the electrician replaces the panel and, if needed, the meter base, reconnects circuits, installs grounding, labels breakers, and the utility restores power after inspection.
Expect power to be off for a good part of the day, so plan around refrigerators, medical devices and summer heat. A heat wave is not the best time to be without cooling, so schedule with the season in mind.
Circuits may be rearranged or corrected along the way. Old splices, double tapped breakers and missing grounding are common findings, and a licensed electrician should explain what was found and what was done.
Who handles the utility and the permit?
Your licensed electrician normally handles the permit and the scheduling with the utility. The permit is pulled with the city or county, which then inspects the work. Sun City and Sun City West are unincorporated, so permits there typically go through Maricopa County.
Ask that the permit be pulled in the contractor's name for your address and that you receive proof of the final inspection. That record helps at resale and with insurance.
Never let an unlicensed person do panel work. The service wires from the utility stay live up to the main breaker even with everything off, and mistakes there are dangerous.
What should you ask for before work starts?
Before work starts, ask for a written scope that lists the panel size, breakers, meter base work, grounding and permit, and confirm the contractor's license number. Ask what happens if hidden problems are found, and how long power will be off. A clear scope prevents surprises on the day.
Cost depends on factors like panel size, whether the meter base or service wires must be replaced, the distance from the meter, condition of existing wiring and the permit. A written estimate after a visit is more reliable than a phone guess.
Vortech holds ROC 341933 for electrical work, and Romeo Tamou, a Master Electrician, is the qualifying party. You can verify any contractor's license through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
More questions: Electrical Panel Upgrades: 12 Most Asked Questions Answered