How do I know if I need 200-amp service?
Not from the panel label alone. We add up what your home runs at the same time, including heat, cooking, laundry and any charger, and compare it with your service. Plenty of 100- and 150-amp homes are fine; we will tell you if yours is. A short visit and a written calculation settle it either way.
Is a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel actually dangerous?
Both brands have breakers with a poor record of tripping when they should, which is why insurers and inspectors flag them. If you have one, we open it up, show you what we see and put a replacement price on paper; the choice stays yours. Some insurers ask for replacement at renewal; the written assessment helps with that conversation.
Do you take urgent calls?
Yes, during business hours. A burning smell, sparking or half the house without power goes to the front of that day's schedule, and we tell you honestly when we can get there. Flames or smoke mean getting out first and dialling 911. Outside those hours, switch off the affected circuit and call when we open.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
The swap itself is usually one working day, with the power off for most of it. Permit and utility scheduling add a few days to a couple of weeks beforehand; we give you the date once it is set. Most families stay home throughout, with power back by evening.
Can you put an EV charger in my garage?
Usually. We check spare capacity, measure the run and size the circuit to your charger. If the panel is close to full, a load-management device can often avoid a service upgrade. We confirm the charge rate on install day before we leave.
What does a panel upgrade cost?
Three things move the number: the new amperage, whether the meter base is replaced, and how much service-entrance work comes with it. After the free visit you get one itemised price that includes the permit and inspection. There are no separate trip charges hidden in the total.