As you can tell, this month’s focus is on service upgrades. We’ll be looking at what exactly a service upgrade is, the circumstances in which it is required, and what the process involves.
What Is a Service Upgrade?
A service upgrade is the process of modernizing your home or business’s electrical system to handle today’s power needs safely. It usually involves:
- Replacing the electrical panel (breaker box), upgrading from older panels (60–100 amps) to higher-capacity panels (150–200 amps or more).
- Upgrading the meter base and service mast, ensuring your incoming power supply is safe and code-compliant.
- Upgrading grounding and bonding, bringing your system up to the latest safety standards.
Think of it like expanding the highway for electricity in your home. You get more lanes, smoother traffic, and a safer flow.
When Is a Service Upgrade Required?
There are three primary reasons you might need a service upgrade: your panel is faulty, outdated, or not powerful enough.
Faulty
Safety concerns are often a precursor to a service upgrade. Signs of rust, scorch marks, buzzing, or burning smells from your panel are red flags to watch out for. Frequent breaker trips or flickering lights are clear signs that your panel is overloaded and needs an upgrade.
Outdated
You may need an upgrade if you currently have an outdated panel size. Older homes often can’t support today’s electrical loads. In some cases, insurance companies won’t cover homes with obsolete panels such as Federal Pacific or Zinsco.
Not Powerful Enough
If you’ve just installed something new, your panel may not have the capacity to support it. For example, new appliances or equipment, such as EV chargers, HVAC systems, hot tubs, or large kitchen appliances require more power. Additionally, home renovations or additions, such as increasing square footage, finishing basements, or upgrading kitchens, often require additional capacity.
What Should I Expect in the Process?
Here are things to be aware of in the process:
Temporary power shutoff – Your power will be disconnected for several hours while we safely complete the work. We’ll let you know how long to expect. To prepare, we recommend charging devices ahead of time, keeping fridge/freezer doors closed, and making alternative arrangements if you work from home.
Permits & inspections – We handle all required permits and coordinate inspections to ensure everything meets the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations.
Utility coordination – If utility involvement is required, we’ll manage the scheduling to ensure the process runs smoothly.
Once complete, your new panel will be safer, more efficient, and ready for future upgrades, such as solar, EV chargers, or backup generators.
Why Choose Okot Electric?
The Okot Electric team consists of licensed & insured technicians who treat your home as if it were their own. Our work is NEC-compliant with all required permits and inspections handled, and we offer a 10-year labor warranty on all service upgrades. You can count on clean and respectful service from us. We provide shoe covers, drop cloths, and complete cleanup upon departure.
Upgrading your service isn’t only about “more power”; it’s about safety, reliability, and protecting your investment for years to come.
Thanks for reading! If you have an idea for a topic you’d like to learn more about, text 412-557-9105 or email [email protected]
