Electrical panel upgrade in Columbus GA
Your electrical panel decides how much power your home can safely use. When breakers trip all the time, the panel is decades old or you're adding an EV charger, a pool or a new room, an electrical panel upgrade is usually the fix. Sherrill Co. has replaced and upgraded panels across Columbus since 1984.
We start with an honest look at what you have. If your panel is fine, we'll tell you. If it isn't, we'll explain why and what it takes to fix it.
- Honest panel inspection
- Every circuit labeled
- Follow up call after the job
How an electrical panel upgrade works
An electrical panel upgrade touches every circuit in your house, so it has to be done carefully. Here is how we handle it, from the first look to the follow up call.
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Inspect the panel
We check the panel, the breakers, the wiring at the panel and the size of your electrical service, and ask what you plan to add in the next few years.
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Explain your options
You get a straight answer: leave it, repair it, replace the panel, or upgrade the service. We explain what each option means for your home.
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Plan the shutoff
Panel work means the power goes off for part of the day. We schedule it ahead and coordinate with the utility when the service needs to be disconnected.
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Replace and connect
We install the new panel and breakers, move every circuit over, and fix loose or undersized connections we find along the way.
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Label, test, check back
Every breaker gets labeled so you know what it controls. We test the whole system, then call a few days later to make sure all is well.
Does your panel need an upgrade?
Most panels give warning signs long before they fail. Check off anything that sounds like your house and the checkup will tell you how soon to call.
It's not a replacement for an inspection, but it's a good way to know whether an electrical panel upgrade should be on your list this year or can wait.
The two items with a dashed yellow border are safety warnings. If you check one of those, don't wait for an appointment.
Check anything that applies
Your result will show up here.
This checkup is general guidance only. A licensed electrician needs to see the panel to know for sure.
Panel upgrade options we handle
Not every panel problem needs the same fix. These are the four kinds of electrical panel upgrade work we do most, from a single breaker to a full service upgrade.
Panel replacement
Swapping an old, damaged or recalled panel for a new one with modern breakers. The service size stays the same, but you get a safer panel with room for more circuits.
- Breaker box replacement
- Fuse box replacement
- Room for new circuits
Electrical service upgrade
Raising the capacity coming into the house, most often from 100 amps to 200 amps. This is what makes room for EV chargers, heat pumps, pools and additions without overloading the system.
- 100 to 200 amp upgrades
- New meter base when needed
- Sized for what you plan to add
Subpanel installation
A second, smaller panel fed from the main one, placed closer to where you need power, such as a detached garage, a workshop, a barn or an addition.
- Detached garages and shops
- Additions and remodels
- Underground feeds when needed
Breaker replacement
When one breaker is worn out, damaged or the wrong size, replacing it may be all you need. We'll tell you honestly whether a breaker or the whole panel is the real problem.
- Worn or tripping breakers
- GFCI and AFCI breakers
- Loose connections fixed
Older panels worth replacing
Some panels still hanging in Columbus homes have well known problems. If you see one of these when you open the panel door, it's worth having an electrician take a look, even if nothing seems wrong yet. In many cases an electrical panel upgrade is the safest long term fix.
- Fuse boxes Common in homes built before the 1960s. Fuses work, but they limit capacity and are easy to overload with the wrong size fuse.
- Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Widely reported for breakers that may fail to trip during an overload. Many insurers ask about these panels.
- Zinsco and Sylvania-Zinsco Known for breakers that can loosen or fuse to the bus bar, which keeps them from tripping when they should.
- Rusted or damaged panels Moisture, corrosion, scorch marks or melted breakers mean the panel should be looked at right away.
Not sure what brand you have? Snap a photo of the label inside the panel door and email it to service@sherrillcompany.com.
What affects the cost of an electrical panel upgrade
We don't quote a flat price before we see your panel, because two houses on the same street can need very different work. These are the things that change the number.
Panel or full serviceReplacing the panel alone costs less than upgrading the whole service, which can include a new meter base and utility coordination.
Service sizeGoing from 100 to 200 amps involves heavier wire and equipment than a same size replacement.
Location and accessA panel in an open garage is simpler to replace than one inside a finished wall or tight closet.
Condition of the wiringOld, damaged or undersized wiring at the panel may need repair while we're in there.
Added circuitsAdding circuits for an EV charger, pool or shop during the upgrade adds materials but saves a second visit.
A customer on what we found in the breaker box
"Put an EV charger in my garage. They were reasonably priced, showed up on time, didn't leave a mess, and answered any questions I had. They also informed me of a loose wire breaker box that could have caused problems and fixed it for me. I have no complaints and would call them again for any electrical needs."
Brandon CurryGoogle review
Adding an EV charger?
An EV charger is one of the most common reasons homeowners in Columbus need an electrical panel upgrade. We can plan both together, so one crew handles the panel and the charger in the same project.
EV charger installationPanel upgrades across our area
- Columbus
- Phenix City
- Auburn
- Opelika
- Fortson
- Cataula
- Smiths Station
Panel upgrade questions
What homeowners ask us most before an electrical panel upgrade. For your specific panel, a quick call and a photo of the label go a long way.
Ask about your panel(706) 569-7518
How do I know if I need an electrical panel upgrade?
Common signs include breakers that trip often, lights that dim when big appliances start, a panel that is 25 years old or more, no empty breaker spaces, fuses instead of breakers, or plans to add an EV charger, pool, hot tub or addition. A warm, buzzing or scorched panel needs attention right away. Try the panel checkup on this page, then call us for an honest look.
What is the difference between a panel replacement and a service upgrade?
A panel replacement swaps the breaker box for a new one while keeping the same amount of power coming into the house. A service upgrade increases that power, most often from 100 amps to 200 amps, and can include a new meter base and heavier wire from the utility connection. We will tell you which one your home actually needs.
Is 100 amp service enough for my home?
It depends on what you run. A smaller home with gas heat and gas appliances can do fine on 100 amps. A home with electric heat or a heat pump, an electric range and dryer, and plans for an EV charger or pool usually needs 200 amps. We can do a load calculation to see where your home stands.
How long does an electrical panel upgrade take?
The power has to be off while the panel is replaced, so we plan the work ahead and schedule the shutoff. Many panel replacements are finished in a single day. A full service upgrade can take longer, depending on the equipment and any coordination needed with Georgia Power or Alabama Power.
Should I replace a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel?
These brands have well documented problems with breakers that may not trip when they should, and many insurance companies ask about them. If your home has one, we recommend having it inspected, and in most cases replacing it is the safer choice. Send us a photo of the panel label if you are not sure what you have.
Can I add an EV charger without upgrading my panel?
Often, yes. Many homes have enough spare capacity for a Level 2 charger. If yours does not, we can plan the panel upgrade and the EV charger installation together so one crew handles both.
Do you upgrade panels in Phenix City and Auburn?
Yes. With Georgia license EN008188 and Alabama license 02198, we handle electrical panel upgrades in Columbus, Fortson and Cataula as well as Phenix City, Smiths Station, Opelika and Auburn. See our service area for the full list.
Will a new panel lower my insurance or raise my home value?
We cannot promise either, because that depends on your insurer and the market. Some insurers do ask about older panels, fuse boxes and certain brands, and a modern panel with room to grow is a plus for many buyers and home inspectors. Check with your insurance agent for details on your policy.