What Happens During an Electrical Panel Replacement?

If you have been told that your home or business needs an electrical panel replacement, you probably have questions.

The good news is that a professional electrician follows a clear process. When you know what happens during the job, the project feels much less intimidating.

In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we highlight some steps that property owners ought to recognize. Mr. Electric is an established, licensed, and insured electrical service company serving homeowners, businesses, and property managers.

Why a Panel Replacement is Necessary

Electrical panels are incredibly reliable and long-lasting, with some lasting 20 to 30 years. They are neither indestructible nor forever, though. Eventually, everyone needs an electrical panel replacement.

Older panels may struggle to handle modern appliances, HVAC systems, EV chargers, and commercial equipment. In other cases, the panel may be worn out and damaged.

If your circuit breaker(s) trip frequently, lights flicker, the panel feels warm or scorched, or the panel is over 30 years old, then it’s probably time to have an electrician in Draper, UT investigate the benefits of a panel replacement.

With that said, here are the steps to know about in a typical electrical panel replacement. The team at Mr. Electric is always happy to take your call or message.

The Inspection and Planning Stage

The project usually begins with an inspection. The electrician examines the existing panel, service size, wiring, grounding system, and overall electrical load.

During this visit, the electrician will also discuss your current and future power needs. For example, do you want to add new appliances, a hot tub, a workshop, or an EV charger? Planning ahead is key to make sure the new panel has enough capacity for years to come.

At this stage, the electrician will also explain the scope of work, provide pricing, and answer questions. If permits are required, the company will usually handle that process as part of the job. Ask about this beforehand!

At Mr. Electric, our electrical repair service, including electrical panel replacement, come with upfront price quotes so you know what to expect, and we offer a 1-year workmanship guarantee.

Preparing for Installation Day

Before work begins, the electrician prepares the area around the panel. In many cases, the utility company needs to disconnect power temporarily so the old panel can be safely removed, so you should be prepared for a planned power outage.

The length of the outage depends on the complexity of the job, but many residential panel replacements can be completed in one day. Call or message Mr. Electric to learn more about our electrical installation and electrical repair service.

Removing the Old, Installing the New

Once the power is safely disconnected, the electrician removes the panel cover and labels the existing circuits. This step is important because each circuit must reconnect to the correct breaker in the new panel.

Next, the electrician disconnects the branch circuit wires from the old breakers. The main service conductors and grounding connections are also carefully removed.

After everything is disconnected, the old panel is taken out and the new panel is securely mounted in.

Then the electrician reconnects the main service conductors, grounding wires, and branch circuits. A good electrician also organizes and secures the wiring inside the panel so it is neat, accessible, and compliant with electrical code.

If the upgrade includes a larger service capacity, additional work may be needed. This can include new service entrance wiring, grounding upgrades, or coordination with the utility company.

Contact Mr. Electric to Learn More

If your panel is outdated, overloaded, damaged, or no longer meeting your needs, now is the time to ask questions.

Call or message Mr. Electric to consult or hire a certified electrician today. We work on both residential and commercial electrical systems.