Electrical Service Upgrade for a Historic Home in Portland

Upgrading the electrical service in a historic home requires careful planning to preserve the property’s character while ensuring modern safety and efficiency. In this case study, we share how Portland Metro Electric successfully upgraded the electrical service for a historic home in Portland, OR. This project highlights the process, challenges, and benefits of updating an older home’s electrical system to meet current and future needs.

1920s historic home located in portland oregon.

Project Overview

Location: Portland, OR

Property Type: Historic home built in the 1920s

Scope of Work: Electrical service upgrade from 100 amps to 200 amps

Objective: Enhance electrical capacity to support modern appliances while maintaining the home’s structural integrity.

Challenges

  1. Outdated Electrical System

    • The home’s original wiring was inadequate for modern power demands.

    • The old 100-amp service could not safely support HVAC systems, kitchen appliances, and multiple devices.

  2. Preservation of Historic Features

    • Careful planning was required to upgrade wiring without damaging the home’s original plaster walls, fixtures, or design elements.

  3. Compliance with Local Codes

    • The project needed to meet Portland’s safety codes and permit requirements, including proper grounding and updated breaker panels.

The Process

1. Initial Assessment

  • Our team conducted a comprehensive load analysis to determine the home’s current and future power needs.

  • We identified areas where the system was overloaded and evaluated the condition of the wiring and service panel.

2. Permit Acquisition

  • We obtained all necessary permits from Portland’s Bureau of Development Services.

  • This step ensured compliance with local regulations, preventing future legal or safety issues.

3. Service Panel Upgrade

  • We replaced the old 100-amp panel with a modern 200-amp panel to provide sufficient power capacity.

  • The new panel allowed for safe operation of high-demand appliances like HVAC systems, a washer-dryer, and a home office setup.

4. Wiring Upgrades

  • Where necessary, we replaced deteriorated wiring with modern copper wiring to handle higher loads safely.

  • New circuits were added to accommodate the homeowner’s appliances and lighting needs.

5. Final Testing and Inspection

  • We conducted rigorous testing to ensure all systems were functioning safely and efficiently.

  • A city inspector approved the installation, confirming compliance with all electrical codes.

Results and Benefits

Enhanced Capacity: The 200-amp service supports all modern appliances and devices, eliminating issues like flickering lights and tripped breakers.

Improved Safety: The upgraded wiring and panel meet current safety standards, reducing fire and shock risks.

Longevity: The new system ensures the home can handle future electrical demands, making it more sustainable for the next generation.

Preservation of Charm: The project was completed without compromising the home’s historic character, maintaining its unique aesthetic.

This successful service upgrade demonstrates the importance of investing in modern electrical systems for historic homes. Portland Metro Electric combines technical expertise with a commitment to preserving Portland’s historic architecture, ensuring safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability.

If you’re considering an electrical service upgrade for your historic home, contact Portland Metro Electric today for a consultation

Our Customer Reviews

Historical Portland Home FAQs

  • Historic homes often have outdated electrical systems that cannot handle modern appliances or meet current safety standards.

  • It involves increasing the home’s power capacity, typically upgrading from 100 amps to 200 amps, and ensuring wiring meets safety codes.

  • No. Our team takes special care to preserve the home’s original features while performing upgrades.

  • Most upgrades can be completed in 1-2 days, depending on the home’s size and system complexity.

  • Yes, permits are required to ensure compliance with local codes. Our team handles the permit process for you.

For more information or to schedule a service call, please contact Portland Metro Electric. We’re here to help with all your electrical needs.

Why Choose Portland Metro Electric?

Choosing Portland Metro Electric for your electrical service upgrade means selecting unmatched professionalism and quality. Contact Portland Metro Electric today to ensure your home is powered safely and efficiently for whatever the future brings.

Expertise:

With years of experience in the electrical industry, our team is equipped with the knowledge to handle any challenges that arise during an upgrade.

Certified Technicians:

All our electricians are certified and regularly trained in the latest electrical standards and safety protocols.

Customer Satisfaction:

We prioritize your needs and satisfaction above all else, ensuring that our solutions are tailored to meet your specific requirements.

Safety Commitment:

We adhere to strict safety guidelines to ensure that all work is done safely and to the highest standards.

01.

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.

Our Process

02.

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.

03.

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.

04.

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.

Get Your Custom Quote Today

We will send you a personalized estimate within the next 24 hours tailored to your specific project.

Contact Portland Metro Electric

 

Address:

Office coming soon…

Phone:

1 (503) 863-7733

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm