Electrical Panel Upgrades: Fix Problems and Add Power Capacity

Master Electrician with 25+ years upgrading electrical panels safely and correctly

Your breakers keep tripping. Your lights dim when the AC turns on. You want to add new appliances but have no room in your panel. Maybe your panel is old and outdated. These are signs you need a panel upgrade.

Blackout Electric specializes in electrical panel upgrades throughout Peyton, Colorado Springs, and eastern El Paso County. Kevin Braun is a Master Electrician with 25+ years of experience. We upgrade old panels to modern, safe systems. We add capacity for new appliances. We fix problems that cause breakers to trip. Your home gets the power it needs safely.

Common Reasons to Upgrade Your Panel

Breakers Keep Tripping

If breakers trip often, your circuits are overloaded. Your panel doesn't have enough capacity. You need more circuits or a bigger panel. This is a safety issue that needs fixing.

Adding New Appliances

New appliances need dedicated circuits. Electric ranges, ovens, dryers, and hot tubs all need their own circuits. If your panel is full, you can't add them. A panel upgrade gives you room to grow.

Installing a Generator

Whole-home generators need a transfer switch. This often requires a panel upgrade. We coordinate the generator and panel work together.

Adding an EV Charger

Electric car chargers need 240-volt circuits. They draw a lot of power. Many older homes don't have capacity for this. A panel upgrade lets you charge your electric car at home.

Old Panel That's Outdated

Panels over 25 years old may need replacement. Old breakers can fail. Connections get loose. Modern panels are safer and work better.

Federal Pacific or Zinsco Panels

These old panel brands are fire hazards. The breakers don't trip when they should. Insurance companies don't like them. Replace these immediately for safety.

Home Remodel or Addition

Big remodels add electrical load. New rooms need circuits. Upgraded kitchens have more appliances. Your old panel might not handle all this new demand.

Only 100-Amp Service

Modern homes need 200-amp service minimum. If you have 100-amp service, you're limited on what you can add. Upgrading gives you flexibility.

Flickering Lights

Lights that flicker when appliances turn on mean your electrical system is overloaded. A panel upgrade can fix this problem.

Burning Smell from Panel

This is an emergency. A burning smell means overheating. Connections are failing. Turn off the main breaker and call us immediately. Don't wait on this one.

No Room for New Circuits

Your panel is full of breakers. No empty spaces. You want to add something new but can't. Time for a bigger panel with more slots.

Selling Your Home

Home inspectors flag old or problematic panels. This can kill a sale. Upgrading the panel before selling avoids problems and adds value.

What's Included in a Panel Upgrade

• New Main Panel — Modern panel with proper number of circuit slots for your needs
• New Circuit Breakers — All new breakers that work correctly and safely
• Proper Grounding — Updated grounding that meets current electrical codes
• Service Upgrade — Increase from 100-amp to 200-amp service if needed
• Meter Coordination — We work with your power company on meter replacement
• Circuit Labeling — Every breaker gets labeled so you know what it controls
• Permit and Inspection — We pull permits and pass inspection every time
• Old Panel Removal — Safe removal and disposal of your old panel

Our Panel Upgrade Process

Step 1: Inspection and Assessment

We look at your current panel. We check your service size. We talk about what you need now and in the future. We figure out what size panel you should have.

Step 2: Detailed Estimate

We give you a complete price. This includes the panel, breakers, labor, permit, and inspection. No surprises. You know the total cost upfront.

Step 3: Schedule and Permit

We schedule a date that works for you. We pull the electrical permit. We coordinate with your power company if the meter needs upgrading.

Step 4: Power Shutdown

On installation day, your power will be off for several hours. We plan this with you. Most panel upgrades take 4-8 hours total.

Step 5: Install New Panel

We remove the old panel safely. We install the new panel. We connect all your circuits. We test everything. We make sure it all works correctly.

Step 6: Inspection

The county inspector comes to check our work. Our installations always pass. Then your power company reconnects your meter if needed.

Step 7: Final Walkthrough

We show you your new panel. We explain the circuit labels. We answer your questions. We clean up completely. You're back in business.

Understanding Service Sizes

100-Amp Service

This is common in older homes. It's enough for basic needs. But modern homes with AC, electric heat, and multiple appliances often need more. We usually recommend upgrading from 100-amp.

200-Amp Service

This is the standard for modern homes. It handles AC, electric appliances, and has room to grow. Most panel upgrades go to 200-amp service. This gives you flexibility for the future.

400-Amp Service

Very large homes or homes with electric heat sometimes need 400-amp service. This is less common. We'll tell you if you actually need this much capacity.

How We Determine What You Need

We calculate your electrical load. We add up everything in your home. We include what you want to add in the future. Then we recommend the right service size. We don't oversell or undersell.

Signs Your Panel Has Problems

Warm or Hot Panel

Your panel should never feel hot. Warm or hot panels mean connections are failing. This is dangerous. Call us right away if your panel feels hot.

Rust or Corrosion

Rust inside the panel means water got in. Water and electricity don't mix. This damages breakers and connections. The panel needs replacement.

Buzzing or Crackling Sounds

Electrical panels should be quiet. Buzzing or crackling means loose connections. This creates heat. Heat causes fires. Don't ignore strange sounds from your panel.

Burn Marks

Black marks around breakers or on the panel mean overheating happened. This is serious. The panel is failing. Schedule a replacement soon.

Breakers Won't Reset

If breakers trip and won't stay on, they're failing. Old breakers wear out. Sometimes the whole panel needs replacement.

Your Panel is Over 25 Years Old

Electrical panels don't last forever. After 25-30 years, they should be replaced. Technology improves. Old panels aren't as safe as new ones.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Safety First

Panel work is dangerous. You're working with the main power. One mistake can kill you. This isn't DIY work. Licensed electricians know how to work safely.

Code Requirements

Panel installations have strict code requirements. Grounding, bonding, wire sizing, panel location all matter. We know the codes. Your installation passes inspection.

Proper Load Calculations

We calculate your home's electrical load correctly. This determines what size service you need. Wrong calculations lead to problems later.

Coordination with Power Company

Service upgrades require power company involvement. We handle this coordination. We know what they need and when they need it.

Permit and Inspection

Panel upgrades require permits. Work gets inspected. DIY installations often fail inspection. We do it right so it passes every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a panel upgrade cost?

Most panel upgrades cost $2,000-$4,000. This depends on service size and how much work is needed. Going from 100-amp to 200-amp typically costs $2,500-$3,500. We give you an exact price after looking at your home.

How long will my power be off?

Most panel upgrades take 4-8 hours. Your power is off during this time. We schedule this on a day that works for you. We work efficiently to get your power back on quickly.

Do I need to upgrade my meter too?

Sometimes yes. If you're upgrading service size, the meter usually needs upgrading. Your power company handles the meter. We coordinate with them. This is included in our service.

Will this work disrupt my whole house?

Your power will be completely off during installation. Plan accordingly. Refrigerators should stay closed. Computers should be shut down properly. We let you know exactly what to expect.

Can I upgrade just part of my panel?

Usually no. If the panel needs upgrading, we replace the whole thing. Partial upgrades often don't fix the real problem. Complete replacement is the right solution.

How long does a new panel last?

Modern electrical panels last 25-40 years with proper maintenance. Quality installation matters. We install panels correctly so they last.

Do you offer financing?

We can discuss payment options. Many customers use home equity lines or credit cards. Panel upgrades add value to your home, so they're a good investment.

Can you do the work the same day?

Not usually. We need to pull a permit first. We need to schedule with the power company. Most panel upgrades happen within 1-2 weeks of your call.

Subpanels for Additions and Outbuildings

What is a Subpanel

A subpanel is a smaller panel fed from your main panel. It's useful for additions, garages, shops, or barns. The subpanel has its own breakers for that area.

When You Need a Subpanel

Finished basements often get subpanels. So do detached garages or shops. Any time you need several circuits in one area, a subpanel makes sense.

Main Panel vs Subpanel

Your main panel connects to the power company. Subpanels connect to your main panel. The main panel has the main shutoff. Subpanels don't.

We Install Both

We upgrade main panels and install subpanels. We figure out what you need. Sometimes a subpanel solves your problem without upgrading the main panel.

Panel Upgrades and Other Projects

Generator Installation

Installing a whole-home generator usually requires panel work. We install the transfer switch and any needed panel upgrades at the same time. This saves time and money.

Home Remodels

Major remodels often need panel upgrades. New kitchens have more appliances. Added square footage needs more circuits. We coordinate panel upgrades with your remodel.

EV Charger Installation

Adding an electric car charger often requires a panel upgrade. We assess your current panel first. If upgrade is needed, we do both jobs together.

Solar Panel Preparation

Solar panel systems sometimes require panel upgrades. We can upgrade your panel to prepare for future solar installation.

Service Areas

Blackout Electric provides electrical panel upgrades throughout eastern El Paso and Elbert Counties. We upgrade panels from 100-amp to 200-amp and fix dangerous old panels.

• Peyton

• Falcon

• Colorado Springs

• Calhan

• Ramah

• Simla

• Matheson

• Yoder

• Ellicott

• Black Forest

• Security

Need a panel upgrade? Call 719-401-8500 or text us for a free estimate!

Emergency Panel Issues

When to Call Immediately

Some panel problems are emergencies. Don't wait if you notice these signs. Call us right away.

Burning Smell

A burning smell from your panel is an emergency. Turn off the main breaker if safe to do so. Call us immediately. Don't use electricity until we check it.

Sparks or Flames

If you see sparks or flames from your panel, call 911 first. Then call us. This is life-threatening. Get everyone out of the house.

Panel is Very Hot

Panels should never be hot to touch. If yours is hot, turn off the main breaker. Call us for emergency service. Don't wait until tomorrow.

Multiple Breakers Tripping

If several breakers start tripping at once, something is wrong with the panel. This needs immediate attention. We offer emergency service.

Why Eastern Colorado Trusts Blackout Electric

Master Electrician Experience

Kevin Braun has 25+ years as a Master Electrician. He's upgraded hundreds of panels. He knows what works. Your panel upgrade is in expert hands.

We Go East

Many electricians won't travel to Calhan, Ramah, Simla, or Matheson. We do. Eastern Colorado is our service area. We're there regularly.

Always Pass Inspection

Our panel installations pass inspection every single time. We know the codes. We do the work right. No callbacks. No delays.

Fair Pricing

We give detailed estimates. You know the total cost upfront. No hidden fees. No surprises. That's how we do business.

Local and Reliable

We're based in Peyton. We're part of your community. We show up when we say we will. We finish the job completely. You can count on us.

Ready to Upgrade Your Panel?

Don't live with tripping breakers and overloaded circuits. Don't risk your safety with an old, outdated panel. Blackout Electric specializes in electrical panel upgrades. We upgrade panels safely and correctly every time.

Kevin Braun is a Master Electrician with 25+ years of experience. We're fully licensed and insured. We pull permits and pass inspections. Your new panel will be safe, reliable, and have room for future growth.

Call 719-401-8500 or text us now for your free estimate. We serve Peyton, Colorado Springs, Calhan, Ramah, Simla, Matheson, and all of eastern El Paso and Elbert Counties. Whether you need a simple panel upgrade or a complete service upgrade to 200-amp, we'll do it right.