If you've never had an electrical panel upgraded, the process might seem mysterious or intimidating. At AJ Long Electric, we believe informed customers are happy customers. This guide walks you through every step of a panel upgrade, from your initial call to the final inspection.
Key Takeaways
- The upgrade process includes consultation, permitting, utility coordination, installation, inspection, and reconnection.
- Power will be off for 6-10 hours during the actual panel swap -- plan accordingly for refrigerated items and medical equipment.
- The utility company must disconnect and reconnect service, which requires coordination by your electrician.
- A final inspection by the local building department is required before the system is approved for permanent use.
Step 1: Initial Assessment and Quote
Every panel upgrade begins with a thorough assessment of your current electrical system. During this visit, which typically takes 30-45 minutes, our electrician will:
Inspect Your Current Panel:
- Identify the panel brand, age, and condition
- Check for signs of overheating, arcing, or damage
- Count existing circuits and available spaces
- Evaluate the current amperage and service entrance
- Look for code violations or safety issues
Assess Your Electrical Needs:
- Discuss current electrical issues you're experiencing
- Review your plans (EV charger, addition, new appliances)
- Perform a basic load calculation
- Determine the appropriate panel size
Evaluate the Installation:
- Check service entrance condition
- Assess meter base and weather head
- Determine if utility coordination is needed
- Identify any additional work required
After the assessment, you'll receive a detailed written quote that includes all materials, labor, permits, and inspections. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Day-Of Preparation: Charge devices, move refrigerated items to coolers if needed, plan for no internet, and ensure any medical equipment has battery backup. Most panel upgrades restore power the same day.
Step 2: Scheduling and Preparation
Once you approve the quote, we'll schedule your installation. For most panel upgrades, we can typically complete the work within 1-2 weeks of approval, though busier seasons may require more lead time.
Outdated or overloaded electrical panels are a safety risk. Our team specializes in 200-amp upgrades throughout Northern Virginia, with same-day panel assessments available. Call (703) 997-0026 to get started.
Before Installation Day:
- We pull all necessary permits
- We coordinate with Dominion Energy for service disconnection (if upgrading amperage)
- We order any special materials needed
- We confirm your installation date and time window
How to Prepare Your Home:
- Clear the area around your electrical panel (3 feet clearance minimum)
- Move any items stored near the panel
- Plan for 6-10 hours without power (for standard upgrades)
- Charge devices, plan for meals that don't require electricity
- Let us know if anyone in your home has medical equipment requiring power
Step 3: Installation Day
On installation day, our team typically arrives between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. Here's what happens:
Morning: Setup and Disconnection (1-2 hours)
- Review the work scope with you
- Set up work area with drop cloths and protective materials
- Dominion Energy disconnects power at the meter (for amperage upgrades)
- For panel replacements at the same amperage, we turn off the main breaker
- Remove the cover from the existing panel
- Document all existing circuit connections
Mid-Morning: Removal and Preparation (2-3 hours)
- Disconnect all circuits from the old panel
- Remove the old panel from the wall
- Install new service entrance cable (if upgrading)
- Install new meter base (if required)
- Mount the new panel in position
- Install the main breaker and bus bars
Afternoon: Reconnection and Testing (2-3 hours)
- Connect all existing circuits to new breakers
- Install AFCI and GFCI breakers where required
- Connect the service entrance to the panel
- Install the panel cover and circuit directory
- Label all circuits clearly
- Perform continuity and safety testing
Late Afternoon: Restoration (1 hour)
- Dominion Energy reconnects and energizes the service
- We verify power to all circuits
- Test all breakers and safety devices
- Walk you through the new panel
- Clean up the work area completely
- Schedule the final inspection
Step 4: Inspection
Within a few days of installation, a county electrical inspector will visit your home to verify the work meets code. This inspection is required before your project is considered complete.
What the Inspector Checks:
- Panel installation and mounting
- Grounding and bonding
- Wire sizes and connections
- Breaker ratings and protection
- AFCI/GFCI installation
- Service entrance installation
- Circuit labeling
- Required clearances
Our work passes inspection the first time in over 98% of cases. In the rare event of a correction needed, we address it immediately and schedule a re-inspection at no additional cost to you.
Step 5: Documentation and Warranty
After passing inspection, you'll receive:
- Copy of the approved permit
- Inspection approval documentation
- Warranty information for the panel and our labor
- Circuit directory showing all circuits
- Maintenance recommendations
Timeline Summary
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial assessment | 30-45 minutes |
| Quote to scheduling | 1-2 weeks typical |
| Installation | 6-10 hours (one day) |
| Power outage | 6-8 hours during installation |
| Inspection | 1-3 days after installation |
| Total project time | 2-3 weeks from quote to completion |
Common Questions
Will I be without power the entire day?
For most upgrades, power is off for 6-8 hours during the active installation. We restore power before leaving, even if we need to return for finishing touches.
Do I need to be home?
We recommend being available at the start and end of the installation. Many homeowners work from a coffee shop or run errands during the power outage portion.
What if there are complications?
We assess for potential complications during the initial evaluation and include them in our quote. If we encounter unexpected issues (rare), we'll discuss them with you before proceeding with any additional work.
Is my home protected during the work?
Yes. Once we energize the new panel, your home has full electrical protection through the new breakers. During the installation, we take precautions to ensure safety.
Ready to upgrade your electrical panel? Contact AJ Long Electric at (703) 555-0123 to schedule your assessment and get started on a safer, more capable electrical system for your home.
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Written by
Matt Long
Master Electrician
Our team of licensed electricians brings over 40 years of combined experience serving Northern Virginia. We're committed to providing expert electrical solutions with a focus on safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Reviewed by AJ Long Electric Master Electricians · VA License #2705031092 · View Credentials
