Difference Between Electrical Panel Upgrades and Service Upgrades
Portland Metro Electric
Understanding the difference between an electrical panel upgrade and a service upgrade is crucial when planning improvements to your home or business’s electrical system. Each serves a unique purpose and addresses specific needs. Below, we explain these differences and help you determine which upgrade is best for your property.
What is an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
An electrical panel upgrade involves replacing or updating the main panel that distributes electricity throughout your home or business. It focuses on modernizing the panel’s components to improve safety and functionality.
Key Features of a Panel Upgrade:
Improved Circuit Capacity: Adds or replaces breakers to handle more circuits or higher-capacity devices.
Updated Safety Standards: Replaces outdated or faulty panels to prevent hazards.
Modern Compatibility: Ensures compatibility with newer appliances and smart home systems.
When You Need It: Flickering lights, breakers frequently tripping, or if you still have an old fuse box.3. Compatibility with Modern Appliances
Panel Upgrade Benefits:
Prevents electrical hazards from outdated panels.
Supports modern appliances safely.
Meets current electrical codes and standards.
What is an Electrical Service Upgrade?
An electrical service upgrade increases the total power capacity available to your property. It involves updating the service entry, including wires, connections, and sometimes the meter, to handle a higher electrical load.
Key Features of a Service Upgrade:
Increased Electrical Capacity: Allows your home or business to draw more power from the grid, typically upgrading from 100 amps to 200 amps or higher.
Supports Modern Power Needs: Essential for homes or businesses with high-energy appliances or growing power demands.
Enhances System Reliability: Reduces the strain on your current electrical infrastructure.
When You Need It: If your system cannot support additional power, or your lights dim when appliances run.
Service Upgrade Benefits:
Provides sufficient power for high-demand devices.
Reduces overload-related issues.
Prepares your property for future power needs.
Key Differences Between Panel Upgrades and Service Upgrades
Panel Upgrade
Purpose: Modernizes the distribution panel for safety and functionality.
Focus: Individual breakers and circuits.
Components Affected: Circuit breakers, busbars, and wiring in the panel.
Signs You Need It: Frequent breaker trips, outdated panel.
Cost Range: $3,000 – $5,000
Service Upgrade
Purpose: Increases total electrical capacity.
Focus: Main service entry and overall power supply.
Components Affected: Service wires, meter, and main connections.
Signs You Need It: Insufficient capacity, dimming lights.
Cost Range: $3,000 – $5,000
Do You Need a Panel Upgrade, Service Upgrade, or Both?
Choose a Panel Upgrade if:
Your home has a functional power supply, but the panel is outdated or overloaded.
You want to modernize your system to support new appliances without changing overall capacity.
Choose a Service Upgrade if:
Your power demand exceeds the current supply, leading to dimming lights or strained appliances.
You plan to add high-power devices, like EV chargers or HVAC systems.
Choose Both if:
You own an older property with limited power capacity and an outdated panel.
You are undergoing a major renovation that increases power demands.
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Expertise
Our licensed electricians are highly skilled and continuously trained in the latest electrical standards and technologies.
Custom Solutions
We evaluate your specific electrical needs and provide customized solutions that best suit your home and lifestyle.
Local Knowledge
We prioritize your safety by adhering to stringent safety codes and using only the highest-quality materials.
Quality and Safety
From initial consultation to final inspection, our process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free, minimizing disruption to your daily life.
Customer Satisfaction
As local experts familiar with Portland's building regulations, we ensure that all upgrades meet or exceed local codes.
Contact Us for Your Free Estimate Today!
Call us now, or fill out our contact form and one of our electrical experts will get in tough with you shorty. We will listen to your project needs or concerns and help guide you in the right direction. If the project is can be remotely estimated we can send you a personalized estimate within the next 24 hours.
Our Step-by-step service Process
From the first call to the final reveal, our process is built for clarity, comfort, and craftsmanship.
Give Us A Call
A Portland Metro Electric expert will answer any of your questions, discuss the project in detail, provide professional expertise, and consultation. For most of our projects we can provide a minimum and maximum of what you can expect to pay for your electrical project.
Free Estimate
For certain projects we will provide a customized estimate without needing to schedule an in person visit. For complex projects we will schedule one our our electricians to visit your residence, provide an in person inspection, consultation, and a customized estimate.
Schedule Project
We will send you a customized estimate, and let you select the best date & time to schedule your project. The estimate will include a summary of the projects material costs and fees. Once the estimate is approved and project date is scheduled, we will take care of everything from permits (if necessary), to ordering all the materials.
Complete Project
On the day of the project our electricians will give you a courtesy call before arrival. We will begin and complete the electrical project. We will provide a detailed walkthrough on how to operate the newly installed service (EV charger, electrical breaker box, hot tub, etc.). And finally insure you are satisfied with the project and service.
We service most locations in the greater portland area!
Portland
Milwaukee
Gladstone
Clackamas
Happy Valley
West Linn
Oregon City
Lake Oswego
Wilsonville
Tigard
Tualatin
Gresham
Damascus
Sandy
And More!
OFFICE
Head Office
Portland Metro Electric LLC
8415 SE Hinkley Ave, Happy Valley, OR 97086
Ready to Restore Power or Upgrade Your Electrical?
Call us now, or fill out our contact form and one of our electrical experts will get in tough with you shorty. We will listen to your project needs or concerns and help guide you in the right direction. If the project is can be remotely estimated we can send you a personalized estimate within the next 24 hours.