Oct 09, 2024

How Long Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Take?

An electrical panel is a long-lasting electrical component that can last from 25 to 40 years, depending on several factors. If your electrical panel is over 25 years old, undersized, or rusted, it’s advisable to consider an upgrade. Upgrading your electrical panel ensures you get more consistent power and improves electrical safety. There’s so much you’ll gain from hiring a professional electrician to upgrade your electrical panel.

Mr. Electric is a reputable electrical service contractor specializing in electrical panel replacement and repair. If it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel in your home or commercial establishment, we are here to help.

How Long Does It Take To Upgrade An Electrical Panel?

This is one of the common questions homeowners ask when they are considering upgrading electrical panels. Knowing the estimated duration will help you plan your schedule and avoid disruptions to your daily routine. Besides, you can estimate the cost based on the labor hours involved. Here are the two factors that determine the duration of an electrical panel upgrade:

Size of Your Home: This is one of the major factors that will determine the amount of time an electrician will take to install a new electrical panel in your home. Obviously, a smaller home (1-2 bedrooms) has fewer circuits and simpler wiring. A professional electrician will usually take 4-6 hours to install a new electrical panel in a small home. A larger home will have multiple panels and complex wiring, which means the installation process will be more involving. The typical timeline to upgrade an electrical panel in a home with 5+ bedrooms is 8-12 hours.
Age of the home: The duration it takes to install a new electrical panel in a new home won’t be the same as in an older home. An older home may have outdated wiring and circuits that may need to be upgraded alongside the electrical panel. This will affect the duration of the project. It could take up to three days to install new wiring and circuits. The electrical repair service you hire for the job will perform a comprehensive assessment of the upgrade and provide you with a detailed estimate. This will help you know what to expect upfront and do your budgeting.

In a nutshell, there’s no definitive timeline for upgrading an electrical panel. Minor upgrades will take anywhere from 4-6 hours, while medium upgrades can take 10-12 hours. However, major electrical overhauls that involve extensive rewiring and additions can take several days to complete. It’s important to work with a professional electrician who knows what they’re doing to ensure the work is done correctly and within a reasonable timeline. You should never attempt to do any electrical work in your home unless you’re a qualified electrician. Always hire licensed and insured electrical contractors to do the job.

Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Frequent power outages
Burning smells coming from the panel
Flickering or dimming lights
Constantly tripping circuit breakers
Rusted or broken panel
Undersized panel with no room for additional breakers

An electrical panel upgrade is a worthwhile investment when you consider the benefits you will get in the long run. If you’re looking for professional electricians that will help you install a new electrical panel, look no further than Mr. Electric. We are a team of licensed and insured electricians with decades of experience providing reliable electrical panel services. From electrical panel repair to panel upgrades and rewiring, we do it all.